Originally Posted by
tiredofflying
I have 250K+ miles on delta and using some to take a family trip. Should I pay for my ticket to build up flight miles toward status (ny/la & 2 for 1 coupon, $400 2 tickets) or just get a 25K ticket (tough to obtain, usually spends 50K)?
Thanks
Welcome to FT tiredofflying
Before everyone gets out their calculator, if you don't plan to travel outside the US and can get the trips for the lower award amount, go for it. If you have to use double the miles and first class award seats not available, compare the out-of-pocket price and whether the additional miles would help you make a threshold elite level, prevent loss of miles (reset activity if you are nearing 18 months with no activity in either your or your S.O.'s account). of if you want the possibility of upgrading by buying the ticket. I often mix - Mrs Outoftown flies on the award and I fly on the paid ticket on the same flight, because I fly for business, she flies only on leisure.
Good luck,
outoftown