Burn my miles now?
Mar 14, 2013, 6:00 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SAN
Programs: DL DM / 2MM - Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 1,516
Burn my miles now?
I am currently a Plat mainly based on carry over from last year.
I will NOT be a Plat after this year. Probably a Silver, unless they only step me down one level.
Anyways, with all the DL miles changes, should I be burning my miles ASAP? I have about 300k right now.
Opinions sought. Thank you.
I will NOT be a Plat after this year. Probably a Silver, unless they only step me down one level.
Anyways, with all the DL miles changes, should I be burning my miles ASAP? I have about 300k right now.
Opinions sought. Thank you.
Mar 14, 2013, 6:10 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM HH Gold, Marriot Titanium
Posts: 1,298
Unless you have some goal in mind, I would probably burn.
All this MQD and Delta-spend based *Wood earning make me think there's a major devaluation on its way. Find an excuse to take a trip and do it soon.
All this MQD and Delta-spend based *Wood earning make me think there's a major devaluation on its way. Find an excuse to take a trip and do it soon.
Mar 14, 2013, 6:26 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 31
While reducing one's SkyMiles balance is always a good idea given the recent direction the program has been taking, there's no reason to burn the miles on a second-choice trip. You've got all year as a PM to burn them with unlimited award changes. 300k should get you two seats in J to China or four in Y.
It's never too early to start planning and looking for low availability with Delta!
It's never too early to start planning and looking for low availability with Delta!
Mar 14, 2013, 6:31 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: DTW, LAX, MBJ
Programs: AA, Delta Kryptonium (DM) Hyatt Diamond IHG Fake Plat (Ambassador), HH Gold
Posts: 832
You can book two J tickets for less than 300K. When are you thinking of going? Where will your trip originate?
The trick is to get two J tickets.
Check the Award ticket success thread
Mar 14, 2013, 7:09 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SAN
Programs: DL DM / 2MM - Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 1,516
MSP. Probably early November if in 2013. I'm not great at finding these. I'll check out the thread. Thanks!
Mar 14, 2013, 7:14 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 31
No reason it has to be in 2013 -- your PM privileges may expire next March, but your award tickets will stay the same. (You'll just lose the free changes and upgrade eligibility if in domestic Y). Award tickets become available 330 (?) days out, and you'll need all the tricks in the book to snag low seats with DL.
Mar 14, 2013, 7:28 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM HH Gold, Marriot Titanium
Posts: 1,298
That said, I definitely think the devaluation is coming. I don't know that it will be as harsh as advertised, and I think many PM and DM members travelling for corporate reasons will make out well with the deal. The real key will be whether or not DL decides to go straight cash-equivalent redemption, or go more the route of the hotel programs and have a more mixed program.
Either way - best of luck with your decision
Mar 14, 2013, 7:58 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,117
Mar 14, 2013, 8:14 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM HH Gold, Marriot Titanium
Posts: 1,298
Mar 14, 2013, 9:39 pm
#15
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: San Jose, CA
Programs: DL DM, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 2,874
I would use them, and no problem really in booking for early or mid 2014. You'll have PM status until Feb 28, which gives you a LOT of time for free changes to improve the itinerary. You book through early Feb now and I'd feel comfortable being able to make any necessary changes by the Feb 28 deadline booking into May/June. Getting to Asia in J from the west coast is very easy lately, especially if it's outside of KE blackout dates. Getting to the west coast on DL is the tougher one but with flexible dates you might not have a problem.
Check the great thread on redeeming SkyMiles on DL partners, usually on the first page or 2 of this forum.
Check the great thread on redeeming SkyMiles on DL partners, usually on the first page or 2 of this forum.