I just learned that Delta has a new dining program that is administered by Dining a la Card. Users will receive 10 miles per dollar spent, including tax and tip. This is a great improvement over the 3 miles per dollar spent on food and beverages only under their old program. Also the number of restaurants will increase significantly.

I believe this is the same company that administers the American program, and I have had little trouble getting the proper points when I dine at the participating restaurants. You do have to stay on top of who is participating in the program, though. The list changes frequently, and I believe there is only a 60 day window to receive credit for dining after a restaurant has dropped out of the program.

Call 1-800-232-4298 to register for the new program. You can register up to three credit cards, and the points are to be credited to your SkyMiles account within 60 days.