Jan 6, 2020, 1:19 pm
Last edit by: rrgg
Please read: This is a community-maintained wiki post containing the most important information from this thread. You may edit the Wiki once you have been on FT for 90 days and have made 90 posts.
Reminder: you must enroll and select your airline BEFORE making a reimbursable purchase. http://www.americanexpress.com/airlinechoice -or- "Call the number on the back of your Card to select a qualifying airline."
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
Quote:
TL;DR: Anything coded as an additional collection (a.k.a. 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, provided that the amount charged to your card is $250 or less (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 always $250 or less)
How to do it: With waived fee for cancellation/changes on non-refundable tickets (due to COVID-19) you get an eCredit when cancelling it, so you can:
Paying for a ticket partially with SkyMiles
NOTE that DL has two different programs for partially paying with SkyMiles, that seem superficially similar, but are quite different
other non Gift Card options
these may not credit automatically, but people have had success getting them processed manually after the fact
(DEAD) eGift Card (eCert) details
Reminder: you must enroll and select your airline BEFORE making a reimbursable purchase. http://www.americanexpress.com/airlinechoice -or- "Call the number on the back of your Card to select a qualifying airline."
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 (the Gold credit is going away in 2022). Hilton Aspire AMEX is eligible for a $250 airline credit.
- You must click here to 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.
- 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
Quote:
TL;DR: Anything coded as an additional collection (a.k.a. add/collect or a/c), including difference in fare when changing flights,
How to do it: With waived fee for cancellation/changes on non-refundable tickets (due to COVID-19) you get an eCredit when cancelling it, so you can:
- Buy a non-refundable ticket with any combination of gift card/eCredit plus your AMEX, again provided that the residual amount charged to your card is $250 or less
- After credit has posted, and at least 48 hours after buying it, cancel it (ensure there's no fee for cancelling it) so you get an updated eCredit for the full ticket amount.
- alternatively, if you buy a ticket far enough in the future, there is no particular need to cancel the ticket, just change it once you have some new dates or itinerary in mind (you can change origin, destination or both)
- however, note that the waiver of change fees on Basic Economy tickets is ending: https://www.delta.com/us/en/travel-p...sbeforeapril30
- thus you should use main cabin tickets for this purpose (assuming DL does not extend the BE policy due to omicron etc.)
- You can even use the result of (2) as an eCredit to repeat step 1 with a different AMEX card if you have multiples. Note that in this context, changing an unflown future ticket is exactly equivalent to an eCredit in the amount of the ticket's value.
- 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). This is just an example; as per the previous bullet there is no reason it needs to be specifically $50, or even a gift card. The "additional collection" is what leads to the credit, the reason why it is "additional" is unimportant.
- In general, only additional collections less than ~$250 are automatically reimbursed. If you use a $50 gift card to buy a $500 ticket, a $450 additional collection will be generated but it will not be auto-reimbursed by Amex.
- If you already have gift cards or ecredits in particular denominations that don't line up well with the price of the ticket you want to buy (additional collection will end up being too much to get auto-reimbursed or too little to efficiently use up the fee credit), consider whether you may be able to reach a better outcome by splitting up the purchase -- buying a round trip as two one ways or buying multiple passengers separately. But, note that buying 2 one-ways instead of a round trip can sometimes cost more, making it not worthwhile, and note the caveats about multiple passenger purchases below, as well as considering the risk that buying 2 passengers separately can have negative implications for Medallion upgrades (if applicable) as well as creating the risk that you are separated from your travel companions if there is a flight cancellation.
- The "additional collection" transaction notation shows up after the transaction posts, on the website only (both desktop and mobile) if you click into a transaction to view the details (it does not appear in the app, or while the purchase is pending)
- Note that special care is needed when booking tickets for 2 or more people in a single transaction.
- When booking multiple people in a single transaction on Delta.com, each person's ticket charges to the credit card in a separate transaction, and gift cards are used starting with the first ticket until they are exhausted. So for example if you were booking 2x $210 tickets, for a total transaction of $420, if you used a $200 gift card the charges would post to Amex as a $10 additional collection on the first person and a $210 regular ticket charge for the second person, resulting in only a $10 reimbursement. For the same two tickets if you used a $220 gift card, the first person would be covered entirely by the gift card and the second person's ticket would charge as a $190 additional collection, resulting in a $190 reimbursement.
- This would work differently if ecredits are used instead of gift cards since ecredits are not transferrable -- ecredits can only be applied to a ticket for a person whose name is on the ecredit; if other people are booked in the same transaction, any leftover ecredit balance will *not* be applied to those other people.
- Canceling a ticket within the 24-hour[1] risk-free period generally results in funds being returned to where they came from (GC back to GC and CC back to CC) even if the ticket is non-refundable; also, Delta interprets the 24-hour risk free cancellation period generously -- you actually have until midnight of the day following the day of booking (in which time zone is oft-speculated but unclear). Thus, this can work out to nearly 48 hours if the timing is exactly right. Hence the suggestion above to cancel only after 48 hours, or avoid canceling altogether.
- Caution when buying multiple tickets in a single transaction: 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). In this situation you would need to book the two tickets separately to get the credit on each one.
- FCM offers may require accepting for the entire trip (vs just one segment) or calling in to up-fare the whole trip (please post data points either way)
Paying for a ticket partially with SkyMiles
NOTE that DL has two different programs for partially paying with SkyMiles, that seem superficially similar, but are quite different
- Pay With Miles is a feature available to DL-branded AMEX cardholders that lets you pay for part of your ticket using SkyMiles in increments of 5,000 miles = $50. If you use PWM then the remaining amount charged to your card posts as additional collection and will qualify for the fee credit (multiple data points)
- Miles + Cash is like buying an award ticket but using cash to substitute for some of the miles. As an example, you might be offered a ticket for 40,000 miles + $5.60, or 30,000 miles + $205.60 (these numbers are made up). If you choose the latter option what you are really doing is buying 10,000 miles for $200, then using those 10,000 miles plus 30,000 that you already had to buy the 40,000 ticket + $5.60 in taxes. This will post as two separate transactions, $200 for the miles purchase, and $5.60 for the taxes on the award ticket. The $5.60 will be reimbursed (just like any other award ticket). The $200 seems like it does not get automatically reimbursed, although it may post as "Frequent Flyer Fee/Purchase" in which case you have a pretty good case for getting it credited manually by contacting AMEX.
- Note: Miles + Cash is usually a terrible value (even for SkyMiles)
- See the list of FAQs at the bottom of the "Pay With Miles" page for more info (search in particular for "What is the difference between Pay with Miles and Miles + Cash?")
other non Gift Card options
- baggage and other service fees (same day change/standby, change fees, etc.)
- taxes on award flights (including the $5.60 September 11 security fee)
- in-flight purchases (EXCEPT wifi) -- although currently nothing available due to COVID?
- 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)trip extras have been discontinuedThe $59 for Delta Skymiles Select is reimbursed (posts 2180, 2182)SkyMiles Select is no longer available for purchase
these may not credit automatically, but people have had success getting them processed manually after the fact
- seat purchase fees (if you buy an upgrade and it does not credit automatically and you call in, do not call it an upgrade, call it a seat purchase/assignment fee)
- premium beverages purchased in the Sky Club (post 462)
(DEAD) eGift Card (eCert) details
- gift cards have not worked since 2019/06/22 and this section has been removed to save space. See the 2015-2019 version of this thread for historical details.
Airline fee $250/$200/$100 reimbursement reports: DL only (2020-21)
Feb 18, 2020, 9:52 am
#421
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 3
Think this happened to me - used a $50 GC and charged remaining $239.80 to Amex Plat. Transaction did NOT post as Additional Collection and meter did not move. Didn't think to check whether $50 GC was purchased with Plat at the time.
Feb 18, 2020, 11:35 am
#422
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ATL, BHM, DUB, County Wexford
Programs: DL DM, AA ExPlt, Diamond HH, HY, BW, & Titanium Elite Marriott
Posts: 4,864
Feb 18, 2020, 8:19 pm
#423
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: BJS/YTO
Posts: 5
DP in foreign currency (CAD)
2/11 bought a Westjet codeshare departing from Canada (YQB) with a 50USD eGC, charged to my Amex platinum
2/12 transaction posted as additional collection with a merchant address in Toronto (2225 SHEPPARD AVENUE EAST, SUITE 100)
2/16 credit posted
2/11 bought a Westjet codeshare departing from Canada (YQB) with a 50USD eGC, charged to my Amex platinum
2/12 transaction posted as additional collection with a merchant address in Toronto (2225 SHEPPARD AVENUE EAST, SUITE 100)
2/16 credit posted
Last edited by zhaoyingzhe; Feb 26, 2020 at 10:48 am
Feb 19, 2020, 7:30 pm
#424
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: NYC
Programs: Delta DM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 53
2/12 - Purchased $50 GC and flight from JFK-SEA with the GC + $491.80 on Amex Plat (additional collection)
2/19 - Meter still has not moved.
Reconfirmation that additional charge can't be too high.
2/19 - Meter still has not moved.
Reconfirmation that additional charge can't be too high.
Feb 19, 2020, 7:41 pm
#425
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: NYC
Programs: Delta DM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 53
If it works on taxes for award flights. Can I purchase an award flight that has high tax such as UK and then just cancel later once it posts? (since plat+ can get awards cancelled for free).
Feb 19, 2020, 9:51 pm
#426
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
In the scenario you describe Am Ex would probably just claw back the credit anyway since the american express would be credited back for the taxes when you cancel the award ticket, everytime I've cancelled an award ticket they always credit back the credit card orgianally charged.
Feb 20, 2020, 10:52 am
#427
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 3
2/5th - $248 REFUNDABLE one-way ticket from SFO-SAN (Delta), with $50 DL GC, and charged $198 to Platinum card
2/5th - changed flight (after 15 mins of the 1st booking). $342 REFUNDABLE one-way ticket from SFO-LAS (Delta), and charged $94 to Gold card
I couldn't modify the SFO-LAS any further and couldn't take advantage of the $250 on my Aspire.
Has anyone experienced this? I am new to this.
It listed several reasons for that the flight couldn't change online... one being "your reservation may require manual handling."
I am certain that my SFO-LAS was REFUNDABLE. I have a screenshot of this before processing the change, reading "Changeable/Refundable" underneath Main Cabin (M).
Does this mean that I need to contact Delta to make any future changes?
Thanks!
2/6th - charges posted as additional collection on Platinum and Gold card
2/10th - airline credit posted on Platinum and Gold card
2/14th - called Delta to change the SFO-LAS to SFO-ORD, Refundable, one way. Charged $212 on Hilton Aspire card
2/19th - airline credit posted on Hilton Aspire card
Feb 20, 2020, 2:30 pm
#428
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Marriott(LifePlat) HHonors(Diamond) Hyatt(Exploris) IHG(PlatAmb)
Posts: 5
Anyone tried to book using Companion Certificate from Delta Plat? Trip Cost Breakdown shows $X for Passenger 1 and $0 for Passenger 2 and then all the taxes and fee. If what others experienced with purchasing two tickets in one transaction where only the second ticket gets coded as additional collection and reimbursed, I would think nothing will be reimbursed under Comp Cert, well maybe some taxes/fee. Any experience with this or speculation how it would work?
Feb 20, 2020, 3:08 pm
#429
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,946
Anyone tried to book using Companion Certificate from Delta Plat? Trip Cost Breakdown shows $X for Passenger 1 and $0 for Passenger 2 and then all the taxes and fee. If what others experienced with purchasing two tickets in one transaction where only the second ticket gets coded as additional collection and reimbursed, I would think nothing will be reimbursed under Comp Cert, well maybe some taxes/fee. Any experience with this or speculation how it would work?
Feb 20, 2020, 3:30 pm
#430
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,239
I vaguely recall arguing with Amex a handful of years ago over F&B charges in the club, but not sure if it was AA or DL.
They finally acquiesced because it makes zero sense to reimburse lounge access fees and onboard F&B but not lounge F&B.
Usually I use my Skymiles for premium beverages at the amazing redemption rate of $0.02 lol, but I have a trip coming up soon and i’ll give it a try on the Amex Plat.
They finally acquiesced because it makes zero sense to reimburse lounge access fees and onboard F&B but not lounge F&B.
Usually I use my Skymiles for premium beverages at the amazing redemption rate of $0.02 lol, but I have a trip coming up soon and i’ll give it a try on the Amex Plat.
I spent ~$20 one week ago, and as of today, no reimbursement and no movement on the meter.
The guest fee for entry to the MSY SkyClub I paid (which *was* reimbursed last month, 2 days after the charge) showed up with "Delta Air Lines Atlanta" as the merchant and "Club Membership Fee" as the description.
The bar charge was billed as "DELTA SKY CLUB283107JAMAICA NY" and does not have a transaction description.
I guess I will probably have to call Amex after 3 more weeks and argue this one out.
Feb 20, 2020, 4:03 pm
#431
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Marriott(LifePlat) HHonors(Diamond) Hyatt(Exploris) IHG(PlatAmb)
Posts: 5
appreciate the reply. another cert will go to waist, so many restrictions on what can brooked with Delta
Feb 20, 2020, 4:04 pm
#432
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Marriott(LifePlat) HHonors(Diamond) Hyatt(Exploris) IHG(PlatAmb)
Posts: 5
Feb 20, 2020, 9:00 pm
#433
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Oakland CA
Programs: DL Gold, AS MVPG, Globalist
Posts: 1,008
Did you purchases each ticket separating Or together as one transaction with the GC?
I bought 2 tickets one way with $50 GC +246.40 on my Aspire .
Statement shows
1st ticket Tran. $148.20 as Passenger Ticket
2nd ticket Tran. $98.20 as Additional collection
From previous experiences, I should get reimbursed for 2nd tran and not the 1st. Maybe I should purchase each ticket separately in the future? Should I contact amex CS?
I bought 2 tickets one way with $50 GC +246.40 on my Aspire .
Statement shows
1st ticket Tran. $148.20 as Passenger Ticket
2nd ticket Tran. $98.20 as Additional collection
From previous experiences, I should get reimbursed for 2nd tran and not the 1st. Maybe I should purchase each ticket separately in the future? Should I contact amex CS?
Feb 20, 2020, 9:02 pm
#434
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: RDU
Programs: HH Diamond, AA Gold, Marriot Plat
Posts: 209
So wait, does DL post each person's ticket transaction separately on the card, even if purchased as one reservation? I need to buy a ticket for me + 1; after the gift card it's $222. I can buy them separately if needed but would rather not because +1 is not a frequent traveller, so i'd like to be on the same reservation as him.
Feb 20, 2020, 10:06 pm
#435
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159