Delta AMEX Platinum vs Reserve
Aug 30, 2022, 5:51 am
#31
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, DL MM
Posts: 4,246
Aug 30, 2022, 6:27 am
#32
Join Date: May 2002
Location: STL
Programs: DL PM/1MM, DL SkClub LT, Marr LT Plat, IHG Plat, HH Diam
Posts: 2,005
Don't take my word for it, check out the thread here with FOUR HUNDRED+ replies regarding waits to enter SkyClubs these days...
Aug 30, 2022, 7:28 am
#33
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,895
Aug 31, 2022, 7:16 pm
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,234
No, that would be churning cards as I said. I mean what’s the point then?
Aug 31, 2022, 8:28 pm
#35
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,895
I can get SkyClub access via the regular Amex Platinum, so I don't factor in SkyClub access in my Delta Platinum vs Delta Reserve Analysis. and I've considered downgrading from Reserve to Platinum many times. In fact I hold two Amex Platinum and one Delta Reserve and try to justify all three without any value placed on lounge access...
1) IMO it is more efficient (slightly) to spend $30K on the Reserve - you hit the $25K MQD waiver and get 15K MQM every year
2) I can't get excited about the Delta Platinum bonus categories (2x for dining and supermarkets) - hard to put spend on those categories when Amex Gold is available
3) Companion pass is a much more useable
4) Upgrade priority tiebreaker
5) Better Amex stuff like trip delay insurance, etc
6) Global Entry reimbursement, etc
1) IMO it is more efficient (slightly) to spend $30K on the Reserve - you hit the $25K MQD waiver and get 15K MQM every year
2) I can't get excited about the Delta Platinum bonus categories (2x for dining and supermarkets) - hard to put spend on those categories when Amex Gold is available
3) Companion pass is a much more useable
4) Upgrade priority tiebreaker
5) Better Amex stuff like trip delay insurance, etc
6) Global Entry reimbursement, etc
Sep 1, 2022, 8:57 am
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,419
Sep 1, 2022, 12:19 pm
#37
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Plat, DL AMEX Plat
Posts: 333
It depends on the benefits you already have and want extra
Choosing between the DL Plat versus the DL Reserve Amex cards depends on the benefits you already have on your own, and the ones you want to have extra.
In my case, as a DL Plat or Gold medallion who flies mainly international, I already have Sky Club access. I do care about the extra miles I'm getting with the DL Plat card in certain categories, and the MQMs and MQD waiver I can get that make me qualify for DL Gold when flying alone would make me only a Silver.
I don't fly much domestically, but if I do I'm normally able to use the Plat companion cert as I tend to book many months in advance. Not willing to spend money on a first class ticket anyway.
So for me the choice is clear: I'm sticking to the DL Plat Amex card, no matter how many offers I get to upgrade to the Reserve.
In regard to the JFK T4 Sky Club: even when it's busy I still think the SC has a more quiet atmosphere than the regular terminal. And the 3 times so far I used it, there was a wait but never longer than 10 minutes to enter. Decent food too. Is it worth extra money? That is your own valuation, but for me it's very much worth it to pay extra for the DL Plat Amex so I make DL Gold medallion.
In my case, as a DL Plat or Gold medallion who flies mainly international, I already have Sky Club access. I do care about the extra miles I'm getting with the DL Plat card in certain categories, and the MQMs and MQD waiver I can get that make me qualify for DL Gold when flying alone would make me only a Silver.
I don't fly much domestically, but if I do I'm normally able to use the Plat companion cert as I tend to book many months in advance. Not willing to spend money on a first class ticket anyway.
So for me the choice is clear: I'm sticking to the DL Plat Amex card, no matter how many offers I get to upgrade to the Reserve.
In regard to the JFK T4 Sky Club: even when it's busy I still think the SC has a more quiet atmosphere than the regular terminal. And the 3 times so far I used it, there was a wait but never longer than 10 minutes to enter. Decent food too. Is it worth extra money? That is your own valuation, but for me it's very much worth it to pay extra for the DL Plat Amex so I make DL Gold medallion.
Sep 2, 2022, 4:18 pm
#38
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Atlanta, Malaga
Programs: DL DIA, BA Gold
Posts: 124
Choosing between the DL Plat versus the DL Reserve Amex cards depends on the benefits you already have on your own, and the ones you want to have extra.
In my case, as a DL Plat or Gold medallion who flies mainly international, I already have Sky Club access. I do care about the extra miles I'm getting with the DL Plat card in certain categories, and the MQMs and MQD waiver I can get that make me qualify for DL Gold when flying alone would make me only a Silver.
I don't fly much domestically, but if I do I'm normally able to use the Plat companion cert as I tend to book many months in advance. Not willing to spend money on a first class ticket anyway.
So for me the choice is clear: I'm sticking to the DL Plat Amex card, no matter how many offers I get to upgrade to the Reserve.
In regard to the JFK T4 Sky Club: even when it's busy I still think the SC has a more quiet atmosphere than the regular terminal. And the 3 times so far I used it, there was a wait but never longer than 10 minutes to enter. Decent food too. Is it worth extra money? That is your own valuation, but for me it's very much worth it to pay extra for the DL Plat Amex so I make DL Gold medallion.
In my case, as a DL Plat or Gold medallion who flies mainly international, I already have Sky Club access. I do care about the extra miles I'm getting with the DL Plat card in certain categories, and the MQMs and MQD waiver I can get that make me qualify for DL Gold when flying alone would make me only a Silver.
I don't fly much domestically, but if I do I'm normally able to use the Plat companion cert as I tend to book many months in advance. Not willing to spend money on a first class ticket anyway.
So for me the choice is clear: I'm sticking to the DL Plat Amex card, no matter how many offers I get to upgrade to the Reserve.
In regard to the JFK T4 Sky Club: even when it's busy I still think the SC has a more quiet atmosphere than the regular terminal. And the 3 times so far I used it, there was a wait but never longer than 10 minutes to enter. Decent food too. Is it worth extra money? That is your own valuation, but for me it's very much worth it to pay extra for the DL Plat Amex so I make DL Gold medallion.
Sep 3, 2022, 10:05 am
#39
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Plat, DL AMEX Plat
Posts: 333
I am similar to you. I upgraded to Reserve and wish I hadn't. I fly mainly international too so get US lounge access anyway as a Diamond. Reserve doesn't work at most overseas lounges no matter your medallion level so its better to get AMEX Plat if you want lounge access and of course you can earn more miles easier. To me Reserve is the worse product of the bunch for its price. Very hard to use companion certs (have to be rtn trip, and now GU certs only work one level higher. I would ether get Delta Plat or Amex Plat.
Sep 3, 2022, 2:36 pm
#40
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 476
I spent a bit of time studying the benefits of both cards. I had the Delta Amex Platinum for years and upgraded to the Reserve in June. I watched a bunch of Youtube videos comparing the two cards, along with the Amex Platinum. I ended up going with the Reserve because I wanted lounge access, upgrade priority, the 15k MQMs for the card spend, and the ability to book a FC companion certificate. I also am not too concerned about mileage accrual. My friend who has the Delta Amex Platinum refuses to upgrade to the Reserve because she likes the 2x miles at grocery stores and restaurants. In the end, it depends on what you want and how you use your card.
Sep 5, 2022, 5:40 am
#41
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: DTW
Programs: DL-DM / 2MM, Marriott Titanium, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 130
Typically I am at 50 to 65 segments each year with 4 or 5 out-of-country long hauls (NBO, DAR, CMB).
Main benefit to me – SkyClub access valued at $695 (though considering the overcrowding is much less interesting). Others are: Companion Cert purchasing 1st class seats which I would value in the $600 to $1200 range or more. I have been able to use them each year except one. Use of the Centurion/Escape lounges when SkyClubs aren’t available.
I don’t need the MQM boosts, and seldom use SkyMiles.
Main benefit to me – SkyClub access valued at $695 (though considering the overcrowding is much less interesting). Others are: Companion Cert purchasing 1st class seats which I would value in the $600 to $1200 range or more. I have been able to use them each year except one. Use of the Centurion/Escape lounges when SkyClubs aren’t available.
I don’t need the MQM boosts, and seldom use SkyMiles.
Sep 17, 2022, 1:39 pm
#42
Join Date: Dec 2021
Programs: Delta Skymiles
Posts: 18
Do Reserve card AUs also get tiebreaker status or is it just the main Reserve cardholder? I know AUs with just the free AMEX Delta Plat do not, but I'm curious if those AUs with the additional fee Reserve card also get tiebreakers.
Sep 17, 2022, 2:12 pm
#43
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: 18,933
"Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Basic Card Members have access to Upgrade Priority within the Delta SkyMiles Complimentary Upgrade Program."
Sep 5, 2023, 2:13 pm
#44
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Atlanta Metro
Programs: DL , AC, BA, Hhonors Diamond, IH Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,358
I don't see a dedicated forum just for the Delta Platinum, but I just thought I'd report that I got an offer in the mail for a Delta Amex Platinum with a 75K mile SUB after $3K spend, PLUS a $500 credit towards a Delta Vacations product, which more than eliminates the annual fee. I decided to take them up on it, as I had a property tax payment coming up that would fulfill most of the spend requirement. I saw it as a free 75K miles. (I was able to find a great deal on a vacation package for a trip I was planning anyway, so in effect saved $250 there.)