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-   -   Using Delta miles for KLM (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta-air-lines-skymiles/1227562-using-delta-miles-klm.html)

brudoburns Jun 18, 2011 9:14 am
Using Delta miles for KLM
 
Never tried before - is it difficult? We are going from LAX to JNB and would like to go through Amsterdam. Any tips? We always start looking 330 days out but I have no idea whether or not KLM puts seats in that early. Anyone done this? Thanks

3Cforme Jun 18, 2011 9:16 am
Sign up for a FlyingBlue account (free, no miles needed for searches) and look for Classic awards in Business or coach. These should be bookable with DL miles, by phone or on delta.com. Ignore FlyingBlue's award fees.

cfischer Jun 18, 2011 10:02 am
You can get them @ at the 330 mark; FB will start showing avail. from 300 days out. Make sure you book early.

Sabai Jun 18, 2011 10:14 am
AF and KL arguably present better redemption values and often have more availability than does DL's own metal.

IME KL holds premium seats until a week or so before depature; so if you want WBC, you might first nab Y seats and wait for the chance to make a new award reservation when/if inventory opens up. You then must cancel and redposit the miles for your placeholder in the back; if you aren't Plat or above, you'll pay dearly for this.

Not sure if LAX-JNB would be a single redemption or if KL views AMS-JNB and LAX-AMS as two different trips?

Good luck.

3Cforme Jun 18, 2011 10:22 am
Originally Posted by Sabai (Post 16583645)
IME KL holds premium seats until a week or so before depature; so if you want WBC, you might first nab Y seats and wait for the chance to make a new award reservation when/if inventory opens up. You then must cancel and redposit the miles for your placeholder in the back; if you aren't Plat or above, you'll pay dearly for this.
There are already dates in the distant future showing Business availability LAX-AMS-JNB. The two-step, redeposit fee gambit you describe isn't necessary.

mtkeller Jun 18, 2011 12:08 pm
Originally Posted by Sabai (Post 16583645)
AF and KL arguably present better redemption values and often have more availability than does DL's own metal.

IME KL holds premium seats until a week or so before depature; so if you want WBC, you might first nab Y seats and wait for the chance to make a new award reservation when/if inventory opens up. You then must cancel and redposit the miles for your placeholder in the back; if you aren't Plat or above, you'll pay dearly for this.

Not sure if LAX-JNB would be a single redemption or if KL views AMS-JNB and LAX-AMS as two different trips?

Good luck.
It doesn't matter how KL views it when it comes to booking with DL miles. DL will view it as a US to South Africa redemption.

xolinlevh Jun 18, 2011 1:31 pm
Random somewhat related question, are AF/KLM miles 1:1 with delta miles? Signed up as described in here and checked out an award flight and showing RT for about 50-60k Miles, JFK-CDG, in Premium econ, way better the i ever see on DL....

mtkeller Jun 18, 2011 1:39 pm
Originally Posted by xolinlevh (Post 16584508)
Random somewhat related question, are AF/KLM miles 1:1 with delta miles? Signed up as described in here and checked out an award flight and showing RT for about 50-60k Miles, JFK-CDG, in Premium econ, way better the i ever see on DL....
FB miles are much harder to earn than DL miles, as many discounted fares earn only 25% FB miles. Redemption rates are also different. Iirc, FB will do a "sale" occasionally where you can get TATL J for 50K r/t (plus exorbitant YQ and other fees) if you're redeeming FB miles (likely for low season travel).

xolinlevh Jun 18, 2011 1:44 pm
Originally Posted by mtkeller (Post 16584544)
FB miles are much harder to earn than DL miles, as many discounted fares earn only 25% FB miles. Redemption rates are also different. Iirc, FB will do a "sale" occasionally where you can get TATL J for 50K r/t (plus exorbitant YQ and other fees) if you're redeeming FB miles (likely for low season travel).
Ooh k, i didnt look to close just quick pricing showed as low as 25k each way, or 50k each way for business, which would be amazing as in jan i got one coach ticket for 100k on delta....Wasnt sure if i could use all my saved DL miles to get some super cheap fares on KLM

mtkeller Jun 18, 2011 2:19 pm
Originally Posted by xolinlevh (Post 16584563)
Ooh k, i didnt look to close just quick pricing showed as low as 25k each way, or 50k each way for business, which would be amazing as in jan i got one coach ticket for 100k on delta....Wasnt sure if i could use all my saved DL miles to get some super cheap fares on KLM
Nope, you redeem at DL rates, regardless of who the carrier is that your flight will be with.


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