Jan 18, 2016, 10:57 am
Last edit by: MaxVO
This thread is a continuation of: Airline fee $200/$100 reimbursement reports: DL only [2011 - 2015]
Credit posting delays range from several business days (typical) to several weeks (seen in Oct 2015). The T&Cs state that it could take up to four weeks, so wait at least that long before worrying, and certainly don't contact Amex prematurely
Caution: effective from 22 June 2019, gift card purchases from Delta do not get reimbursed.
Read this primer first
additional collections/split tender
THIS IS A LOOPHOLE. BE DISCREET
Anything coded as an additional collection (aka add/collect or a/c), including difference in fare when changing flights, and accepting an FCM offer, also triggers the credit and will be reimbursed; this may (insufficient data) only happen if the additional amount collected is below ~$250 (regardless of card type, e.g. there have been reports of full $100 credit for Gold card on a/c over $100 and full $200 credit for Plat on a/c over $200 but less than $250)
other non Gift Card options
(DEAD) eGift Card (eCert) details
This Section is not applicable effective 2019/06/22!
Credit posting delays range from several business days (typical) to several weeks (seen in Oct 2015). The T&Cs state that it could take up to four weeks, so wait at least that long before worrying, and certainly don't contact Amex prematurely
Caution: effective from 22 June 2019, gift card purchases from Delta do not get reimbursed.
Read this primer first
- In the Amex Membership Rewards family, both the Consumer and Business versions of the Platinum and Centurion cards qualify for a $200 airline credit. The Premier Rewards Gold (PRG) card is eligible for a $100 airline credit.
- You must
click here to<--(link dead) select Delta as your enrolled airline before you make a reimbursable purchase, else the benefit won't apply. The feature is activated immediately upon airline designation. Try logging in to your AMEX account and selecting the airline. This link may work - If you've selected DL in the past and don't wish to change airlines, there's no need to select again; current selection rolls into future years until modified.
- The T&Cs state the eligible charges, but YMMV, so don't call and ask especially about the fuzzier cases below because that will probably hasten closing of any loopholes.
- The credit is per account, not per card. If the main account has authorized users with additional cards, eligible charges may still be made on those cards, but they'll count jointly towards the same account limit.
- Credits are capped per calendar year, meaning you could tap the full amount on Dec 31st and again on Jan 1st in the extreme. Transaction date, not posting date, determines the year. Note: This is not my experience. I purchased Dec 31, 2016, posted Jan 1, 2017 and went against my 2017 credit. (TheMadBrewer)
- You will get a partial credit to bring your total annual reimbursements to the limit exactly if a qualifying charge takes you past the limit.
- After four weeks, if you've read this Wiki carefully and posted here seeking assistance but the credit still has not arrived, consider chatting with Amex online. Politely mention the "Delta extras" you thought would be reimbursed within four weeks and they'll handle it.
additional collections/split tender
THIS IS A LOOPHOLE. BE DISCREET
Anything coded as an additional collection (aka add/collect or a/c), including difference in fare when changing flights, and accepting an FCM offer, also triggers the credit and will be reimbursed; this may (insufficient data) only happen if the additional amount collected is below ~$250 (regardless of card type, e.g. there have been reports of full $100 credit for Gold card on a/c over $100 and full $200 credit for Plat on a/c over $200 but less than $250)
- Relevantly, split tender where you partially pay with a gift card, existing credit, VDB voucher etc. and partly charged to your card, are processed by DL as an add/collect and trigger the credit per above.
- Thus if you anticipate actually buying, say, a $200 DL ticket, you could buy a single $50 gift card, then buy the ticket using $50 GC and $150 on your card (the $150 will be reimbursed)
- Canceling a ticket within the 24-hour risk-free period generally results in funds being returned to where they came from (GC back to GC and CC back to CC). If you have no immediate travel plans but anticipate travel in the next year, consider buying a fully refundable ticket and then changing it later once you know your future travel dates. IF a lot of people suddenly start refunding tickets after getting the credit reimbursement this may hasten the demise of this particular loophole.
- Caution when buying multiple tickets: for example if you buy two $125 tickets in one transaction (total $250) and use one $100 GC or even two $50 GCs, they will all be applied to the same ticket and you would see one additional collection for $25 on that ticket and a separate "normal" charge for $125 for the second ticket. In this scenario only $25 will be reimbursed (instead of the $150 you might be expecting)
other non Gift Card options
- baggage and other service fees (same day change/standby, change fees, etc.)
- taxes on award flights
- in-flight purchases (EXCEPT wifi)
- SkyClub access/guest fees (but NOT gift cards purchased at a SC, which are actually activated at a 3rd party web site)
- mileage boosts (post 2499)
- The $59 for Delta Skymiles Select is reimbursed (posts 2180, 2182)
- seat assignment fees (may need to call in to have processed manually)
(DEAD) eGift Card (eCert) details
This Section is not applicable effective 2019/06/22!
- Delta eGift Cards (eCerts) have been reimbursed in practice, even though technically they do not meet the criteria listed by Amex for reimbursement. The name on the eCerts doesn't matter and need not match your card, but you must purchase using an eligible Amex card and meet the other criteria detailed in this Wiki.
- Denominations over $50 will not generate the credit. Multiple $50 eCerts will. The smallest denomination available is $50.
- To order, use this direct link to the eGift cert order page, or navigate via Delta.com>Shop>eGift Certificate.
- No need to place separate orders using multiple carts/checkouts. By adding multiple certs to one order (e.g., 4 x $50), even though they are in the same cart, the certs will post as separate transactions and still generate a credit for each.
- eCert purchases may initially authorize (show pending) as ticket purchases before posting to (finalize on) your statement. Multiple-eCert orders may authorize the combined value as a single pending ticket purchase. Don't worry; they'll post later as separate eCert charges in the qualifying amounts.
- eCerts are generated instantly, but the codes are not valid for use until 72 hours after purchase, so don't order expecting to use them in a pinch.
- A maximum of three eCerts may be redeemed per online transaction. Splitting a round-trip into two one-ways will allow you to use additional eCerts, but in some cases two one-ways may cost more than a single roundtrip so compare carefully to decide whether using more than 3 certs on a single trip is worthwhile.
- If purchasing a ticket for more than 1 person, splitting the purchase into a separate transaction for each person would also allow the use of more than 3 certs on a single trip at (usually) no additional cost. However this could have an adverse effect on ability to upgrade, upgrade priority, and other elite benefits, and on the likelihood of being reaccommodated on the same flight in the event of a flight cancellation.
- There is one recent REPORT of a telephone agent allowing more than three eCerts to be used when purchasing one ticket.
- eCerts do not expire. Their T&Cs are listed here.
Airline fee $250/$200/$100 reimbursement reports: DL only (2015-2019)
Aug 24, 2017, 5:41 am
#436
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,606
Aug 24, 2017, 7:49 am
#437
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 69
Thanks!
So...it appears these DL e-gift cards are kind of a pain in the butt to use.
However, from a chat at DL.com, I'm told that you can use DL gift cards towards miles+cash fares. 3 certs per ticket just like a paid fare. Anyone have experience with this?
Award flights to HI are 35k miles + $145 for C+. With the Amex Plat $200 for 2017 I will have $300 with a total of 6 X $50 e-gift cards.
This option looks like it might be the way to go!
So...it appears these DL e-gift cards are kind of a pain in the butt to use.
However, from a chat at DL.com, I'm told that you can use DL gift cards towards miles+cash fares. 3 certs per ticket just like a paid fare. Anyone have experience with this?
Award flights to HI are 35k miles + $145 for C+. With the Amex Plat $200 for 2017 I will have $300 with a total of 6 X $50 e-gift cards.
This option looks like it might be the way to go!
Aug 25, 2017, 9:43 am
#438
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 69
Question:
Anyone have any feedback on whether seat selection fees such as selecting an exit row will be reimbursed?
Debating on regular cabin or C+ for DTW to LIH and then OGG to DTW.
Award flights in C+ are getting me only about 1.3 c per mile, 2 ish c per mile on regular coach award flights...so debating on just picking an exit row and calling it good enough.
Reviews of C+ has me thinking that it's not worth much more than a regular economy seat. Extra leg room is nice, but much more than an exit row? Free cocktail would be nice but don't really care. Already have priority boarding with DL Plat Amex, so that doesn't matter. Dedicated overhead space also won't matter...we'll be checking bags. Power at the seat will be nice but don't most planes have that anyway nowadays?
Anyone have any feedback on whether seat selection fees such as selecting an exit row will be reimbursed?
Debating on regular cabin or C+ for DTW to LIH and then OGG to DTW.
Award flights in C+ are getting me only about 1.3 c per mile, 2 ish c per mile on regular coach award flights...so debating on just picking an exit row and calling it good enough.
Reviews of C+ has me thinking that it's not worth much more than a regular economy seat. Extra leg room is nice, but much more than an exit row? Free cocktail would be nice but don't really care. Already have priority boarding with DL Plat Amex, so that doesn't matter. Dedicated overhead space also won't matter...we'll be checking bags. Power at the seat will be nice but don't most planes have that anyway nowadays?
Aug 25, 2017, 10:25 am
#439
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,021
4 x $25 GC's bought Aug 23rd. Reimbursed 24th.
Sep 7, 2017, 7:41 am
#440
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: CO, UA, AA, WN, DL Gold
Posts: 2,981
Pay baggage fees after flight is booked
I have used my $200 credit for this year. I have DL flights booked for next February. Can I use my Amex card after January 1st to pay the baggage fees for these flights? Is there a place on the website to add baggage and pay fees months after the flight is booked?
Sep 7, 2017, 8:17 am
#441
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,857
You can pay baggage fees when you check-in 24 hours before your flight.
Sep 14, 2017, 8:02 am
#444
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 2
Reimbursement applied to Award taxes
Greetings all. I recently booked DL to Aruba for my wife and I this coming December. Good opportunity to use up a big stash of Skymiles. Each ticket did come with $75 in various taxes which charged against my Amex Plat for the 5x points.
I was surprised to see a few days later the $75 back as airline reimbursement credits, making the taxes net $0.
Solid use of the credit IMO, still have $100 on my PRG to use on remaining inflight purchases for the year or $50 DL GCs. I find the gift cards rather restrictive, wish they would allow use toward seat upgrades.
Cheers.
I was surprised to see a few days later the $75 back as airline reimbursement credits, making the taxes net $0.
Solid use of the credit IMO, still have $100 on my PRG to use on remaining inflight purchases for the year or $50 DL GCs. I find the gift cards rather restrictive, wish they would allow use toward seat upgrades.
Cheers.
Sep 17, 2017, 1:27 pm
#445
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 495
Can Delta e-certs be used to buy Delta miles? This has not been clarified in the wiki.
Sep 17, 2017, 4:33 pm
#446
Moderator
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,952
No, Follow the link in the Wikipost to read:
Gift Cards may be redeemed for any Delta-marketed flight worldwide by visiting delta.com or by calling 1-800-221-1212.
Gift Cards may only be redeemed for the cost of air transportation, including taxes, fees, and surcharges imposed on the air transportation. They may not be used for any additional fees (including baggage fees) or for any other products or services (including upgrades, in-flight purchases, premium seating, mileage booster, SkyMiles Cruises, cargo, hotel stays, or car rentals).
Gift Cards may only be redeemed for the cost of air transportation, including taxes, fees, and surcharges imposed on the air transportation. They may not be used for any additional fees (including baggage fees) or for any other products or services (including upgrades, in-flight purchases, premium seating, mileage booster, SkyMiles Cruises, cargo, hotel stays, or car rentals).
Redemption
The eGift Card Number and Redemption Code located in the digital Delta eGift Card ("eGift") or on the back of the physical Delta Gift Card ("Card"), as applicable, are required for redemption.
eGifts and Cards purchased through delta.com may not be redeemed within seventy-two (72) hours after the time of purchase. Cards purchased in retail locations may require at least twenty-four (24) hours after the time of purchase before redemption.
eGifts and Cards can only be redeemed using one of the methods specified below :
Through delta.com.
Call Delta Air Lines Reservations and advise the agent that you are redeeming an eGift or a Card. In the U.S. and Canada, call 800-221-1212 or 800-225-2525; in Japan, call 0570-077733 or 0476-31-8000; and in all other countries, call the local Delta Air Lines Reservations office. This method of redemption may result in direct ticketing charges.
Call Delta Vacations at 800-800-1504. (Travel agents, call 800-727-1111.)
In person at a Delta Air Lines City Ticket Office (CTO) or with Delta Air Lines Airport Customer Service (ACS).
Through a Delta Air Lines General Sales Agent (GSA).
The eGift Card Number and Redemption Code located in the digital Delta eGift Card ("eGift") or on the back of the physical Delta Gift Card ("Card"), as applicable, are required for redemption.
eGifts and Cards purchased through delta.com may not be redeemed within seventy-two (72) hours after the time of purchase. Cards purchased in retail locations may require at least twenty-four (24) hours after the time of purchase before redemption.
eGifts and Cards can only be redeemed using one of the methods specified below :
Through delta.com.
Call Delta Air Lines Reservations and advise the agent that you are redeeming an eGift or a Card. In the U.S. and Canada, call 800-221-1212 or 800-225-2525; in Japan, call 0570-077733 or 0476-31-8000; and in all other countries, call the local Delta Air Lines Reservations office. This method of redemption may result in direct ticketing charges.
Call Delta Vacations at 800-800-1504. (Travel agents, call 800-727-1111.)
In person at a Delta Air Lines City Ticket Office (CTO) or with Delta Air Lines Airport Customer Service (ACS).
Through a Delta Air Lines General Sales Agent (GSA).
Sep 19, 2017, 6:02 am
#448
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,857
3 GCs plus a credit card. I recall reading DP's of using more than 3 GCs if you book a flight on the phone.
Sep 20, 2017, 7:31 am
#449
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 1
Anyone have success recently?
I purchased on 9/18 and on 9/19 the charge looks like "Document Type: PASSENGER TICKET".
Wondering if that means that it won't get reimbursed.
I purchased on 9/18 and on 9/19 the charge looks like "Document Type: PASSENGER TICKET".
Wondering if that means that it won't get reimbursed.
Sep 20, 2017, 7:47 am
#450
Moderator
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,952
Welcome to Flyertalk. This is normal, review the Wikipost at the top of this thread:
eCert purchases may initially authorize (show pending) as ticket purchases before posting to (finalize on) your statement. Multiple-eCert orders may authorize the combined value as a single pending ticket purchase. Don't worry; they'll post later as separate eCert charges in the qualifying amounts.