Going for DM
Jul 19, 2022 | 3:40 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: msp
Programs: AA PLT 3MM, DL PM 2MM
Posts: 1,150
Going for DM
I know for 2023 there may be many but I like to stick with Delta.....in MSP.....upgrades tough I'm sure but with Reserve CArd too may helps....pay for F when traveling with significant other...for 2024 probably drop to PLT but give it a try for a year....could flip over to U or A but any advice....I suspect many think / asking same question....I'm in it for phone line, sudden scheduling changes, GUC....makes sense or flip and stay at PLT....does it make sense to have one carrier at the top tier?
Jul 19, 2022 | 5:18 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, DC, Chapel Hill, NC (RDU)
Programs: DL Plat (won't hit DM again) 2MM (2.5), HH Gold, PC Gold, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 5,725
FWIW, I''ve been DM since it was created and before that NW Plat for years and years.
I have the miles to make PM for next year and will likely get the Amex Reserve waiver. But won't make DM next year, or maybe ever again. Retired and flying on my own $s now.
It was nice while it lasted but resigning myself to being 'lifetime' gold based on being a 2MM as we move forward.
I have the miles to make PM for next year and will likely get the Amex Reserve waiver. But won't make DM next year, or maybe ever again. Retired and flying on my own $s now.
It was nice while it lasted but resigning myself to being 'lifetime' gold based on being a 2MM as we move forward.
Jul 19, 2022 | 5:33 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,598
I know for 2023 there may be many but I like to stick with Delta.....in MSP.....upgrades tough I'm sure but with Reserve CArd too may helps....pay for F when traveling with significant other...for 2024 probably drop to PLT but give it a try for a year....could flip over to U or A but any advice....I suspect many think / asking same question....I'm in it for phone line, sudden scheduling changes, GUC....makes sense or flip and stay at PLT....does it make sense to have one carrier at the top tier?
Jul 19, 2022 | 6:06 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2021
Programs: DL Diamond, UA Gold, Marriott Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 262
Everyone has been saying this. I really disagree. Yes, you need to buy PS to guarantee into D1 but you can still get at least $2-3K out of each cert without much problem.
Jul 19, 2022 | 6:31 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: SFO (Sonoma)
Programs: DL Charter DM/DM/2.4MM, IHG Diamond Elite, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,092
That’s assuming that the flight is being operated by an A333/B763ER with the PS cabin. There are still 10 A333s and more than 30 B763ERs that don’t have the PS cabin. Any of these aircraft which are scheduled to fly on an International flight can be booked in MC and are automatically available to use a GUC cert to go straight into D1 (if available of course!).
Jul 19, 2022 | 6:34 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,598
Jul 19, 2022 | 7:50 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Huntsville (for now)
Programs: DL DM, Hilton Gold; Marriott Titanium
Posts: 149
First time DM last due to the MQD accelerator and will likely make it again this year. Obviously better than PM, Ive managed to use both GUCs to upgrade award flights to Europe; upgrades are just tough everywhere with the rush to use RUCs and the density of travelers but Im glad I did it. Hoping next year will be better. Ill have 300k+ MQMs at the end of the year so Ill be fine in out years making PM if this travel slows down.
Jul 19, 2022 | 10:04 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: TX
Programs: Alaska, AA, Marriott
Posts: 943
I've been DM since March 23 (ends Aug 31, acquired through an Amex promotion) and have had two round trips: AUS-ATL and DEN-LGA. I'm 100% for upgrades. I have DEN-BOS coming up next week and my upgrade has already cleared. We'll see what happens BOS-MSP-DEN on the way home. DL isn't my primary program but they're a preferred airline for my employer and for these trips they were the best least cost option (lowest non-basic economy fare). I don't have the DL Amex... just getting upgraded on status alone.
If you have a chance to earn DM and keep it and your flight schedules avoid peak "consultant travel times" I think you could expect a reasonably high domestic upgrade rate.
If you have a chance to earn DM and keep it and your flight schedules avoid peak "consultant travel times" I think you could expect a reasonably high domestic upgrade rate.