I really haven't done anything TOO special. One year I flew with my daughter to California when she was looking at colleges. Neither of us could upgrade, but that was the only shortcoming.

Two other years, I used the certificates for international trips with my oldest son. In February of this year, we went to Santiago, Chile (using my 2001 certificate). I had to work with SMS to get my fare UP to the threshold for using the certificate. The system kept pricing it too cheap! Eventually we forced the fare to be $64 over the threshold, and my son's ticket was taxes only. Interestingly, we were operationally upgraded both directions. When Delta is nice, they can be very, very nice!

I still haven't used my 2002 certificate, but I have little doubt that I will.

Bruce