gooselee

The FC companion certificate on the Reserve card is very different from the IAP offered on the unbranded Plat card.

The Reserve cert is for domestic US flights only and allows/requires you to buy discounted FC fares, so it's actually quite valuable IMO.

The unbranded Plat IAP program is for international flights only and usually requires the purchase of a refundable, full-fare ticket, which can often cost more than twice whatever the non-refundable discount fare is. If you ordinarily have a need to purchase those types of tickets, there's great value there, but if you ordinarily seek out the cheapest nonrefundable fares, then not so much. I've priced flights out with IAP three or four different times and never found it worthwhile.

The DL Reserve card DOES provide DL lounge access. Actually the same as the unbranded Platinum - you must be flying DL that day.

The add-on in terms of lounge access for the unbranded Plat is that you get Priority Pass, as well (and Centurion/Airspace in those locations).

I believe the DL Reserve also allows you to pay $29 for SkyClub access if you happen to be flying another airline.

iflyalexair

You, my friend, are wrong. I hold both a personal and business Delta Amex. I start Jan 1st off with both as Platinum. I dedicate all spend to one, reach the 25k and 50k spending thresholds to earn 10k MQMs at each level. I call and upgrade that card to reserve (and sometimes there's an additional 5k MQM upgrade offer). I then spend and additional 30k and 60k on that card. Those reserve thresholds net me 15k MQMs at each level. Once I have the MQMs, I call in to downgrade it back to platinum.

I repeat this process on the other card. Which, assuming that I reach every spending threshold, will net 100k MQMs plus any additional from upgrading. This year when I upgraded the first to reserve, I got the 5k MQM bonus. So, I am on track to earn 110k MQMs solely through Amex.

And, FWIW, if you can time the cards right for which particular product you have when your annual fee is assessed, you can get a reserve companion certificate and then downgrade to platinum since you are awarded the certificate on your anniversary for the card that you held at that time.

:-)

MSPeconomist

What cards are those? For access with a regular AmEx Plat or Centurion charge card, you also must be flying DL that day.

MSPeconomist

Even if you're now GM rather than PM, you get access to DL and partner operated international lounges when flying DL international.

jdrtravel

Actually, MQM's & status are worth exactly nothing if you never step foot on a plane, with the exception of some very small fringe benefits with partner loyalty programs for hotels and car rentals.

gooselee

I'm going to trust this, as the previous advice I got from iflyalexair regarding DL Amex upgrade cycles and companions certs were spot on for me. I believe he/she does this upgrade/downgrade cycle every year, as well.

I think that was referring to cards for other airlines. The Chase UA Club card provides a full UC Membership, and Citi AA Executive card provides full AC Membership, IIRC. In that sense, DL and Amex are actually behind with the CC game.

iflyalexair

This is true. I average only about 30 segments a year. Having all the fringe benefits of DM (choice benefits, near 100% upgrade percentage, free award changes, etc.) are great and not having to worry about getting 125k mqms is even better.

iflyalexair

Glad it's working out for you!

gooselee

It is - thanks! Though...I just have my one card with Mrs. Lee as an AU. The MQMs are nice but honestly the companion certs are the real win for me.

JayTeaBee

Those sure are some interesting lines you are taking with the DL Amex's. Food for thought. I hold both a DL Plat & DL Reserve. I'm not even in a position to max out MQMS on both, but with luck I'll do 85k in spend which will net me 40k MQM's between the two. Sounds like I could cutback to just one card and do the upgrade/downgrade thing, possibly saving me $ in annual fees. That being said, we also find tremendous value in the companion certs. I much prefer the reserve cert for the J opportunities and the reserve does provide this lowly PM with skyclub access. Cool thread though!

flyerCO

The issue everyone had was that it wasn't stated that you needed to have multiple personal and business cards to get those MQMS. The OP seemed to indicate you could get it from having just one card. You need the personal and business version of two cards to get the MQM posted.

yolandearagon

I have had the Delta Reserve card for several years but for most of those years I was platinum. I get almost none of the benefits because I only fly abroad (from one US airport -- and now can't get into the Skyteam lounges in Europe); I only have carry on luggage; I always travel alone; international upgrades are near impossible; and I never use the concierge. For me the extra MQMs are worth little since I'm not going to spend on the MQDs with so few benefits (for me). I'll be closing or changing my Amex Reserve on my anniversary in November since Skymiles are no longer of any value to me

Anyway to my question. Since I now have the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, I charged my trip to Scotland tomorrow (on Delta) to that card rather than the Reserve card. Does anyone know if having charged the flight on CSR will prevent entrance? I have read through the fine print and it looks like if I take my Delta ticket and Delta Reserve card to the Skyclub in Boston, I should be able to get in one last time. Thanks!

MSPeconomist

There's no requirement that the DL ticket be charged to the Reserve card for SC access.

yolandearagon

Thanks so much, PEEconomist! I figured with all the downgrades at Delta, I must have missed something in the fine print. I'll let you all know if I experience any problems.

puddinhead

Why when they can get you to pay now. It's all about money and dangling benefits while having to deliver fewer and fewer.

Giving FC upgrades to FO on a award ticket sounds exciting but so does winning the lottery. And the odds are similar.