Thinking about going for Reserve... hoping to get some feedback about my situation.
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 206
Thinking about going for Reserve... hoping to get some feedback about my situation.
Hey all,
I am thinking about going for the business reserve. (or non business). I live in NYC, we are a family of 4, we fly about 3-4 times a year altogether.
The reason I am thinking about it is since I will be able to use the companion certificate quite easily once a year - the annual fee won't matter.
Now for my business I use my cards very heavily. I put about 200k a month on them. So my thinking is that by putting 120k on reserve I will reach Gold and with roll over maybe even hit platinum every other year.
So my thinking is that since the 120k doesn't really matter to me, and the companion will get used for sure once a year, then even if I get upgraded for free once a year (all of us? or is that a stretch? ) then maybe it is worth it.
If I do not do that then that 120k will go on freedom unlimited or partially on amex bbp or platinum business so doesn't seem like such a huge tradeoff.
My main question is really how likely I am to get a free upgrade once when traveling 4 of us - 3/4 times a year on delta? I usually travel on kids holiday from school of course...
I am thinking about going for the business reserve. (or non business). I live in NYC, we are a family of 4, we fly about 3-4 times a year altogether.
The reason I am thinking about it is since I will be able to use the companion certificate quite easily once a year - the annual fee won't matter.
Now for my business I use my cards very heavily. I put about 200k a month on them. So my thinking is that by putting 120k on reserve I will reach Gold and with roll over maybe even hit platinum every other year.
So my thinking is that since the 120k doesn't really matter to me, and the companion will get used for sure once a year, then even if I get upgraded for free once a year (all of us? or is that a stretch? ) then maybe it is worth it.
If I do not do that then that 120k will go on freedom unlimited or partially on amex bbp or platinum business so doesn't seem like such a huge tradeoff.
My main question is really how likely I am to get a free upgrade once when traveling 4 of us - 3/4 times a year on delta? I usually travel on kids holiday from school of course...
#3
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 144
If youre spending $200k/month, you could do $250k in your name and $250k your spouses name (if appropriate given your business, I assume you are the owner) and you would both be diamond. As a DM in NYC, Id say I clear into FC about 50% of the time (used to be higher even as a PM in 2019) and thats often with one companion. This would get you RUCs and GUCs to use on your travels as well as sky club and centurion lounge access.
IMO, your best bet is using your points from Amex or Delta reserve or other travel ccs to buy first for special vacations especially if theres only a few per year.
IMO, your best bet is using your points from Amex or Delta reserve or other travel ccs to buy first for special vacations especially if theres only a few per year.
#4
Join Date: Jul 2022
Posts: 832
They'd hit the MQD waiver, but nobody's hitting Diamond with only 3-4 flights per year.
#9
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 5,229
#10
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,696
I know two people who were not able to use the companion certificate in 2022 for First Class flights. I am not sure if was because one of the legs had no First Class but you may want to research as I think you can find a thread on flyertalk.
#11
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 144
Yes but then youre looking at $2400 in annual fees and have to decide if that is worth it to you to get DM + 600k redeemable miles which depending on the destination might cover 3 domestic main cabin round trips for the whole family or would rather have the $48k in cash back. I guess on my calculation it wouldnt be worth it for only 3-4 flights per year and I would spend on a different card but to each their own. With that volume of spend you could always have the reserve in the mix to get some skymiles in the bank.
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,421
Yes but then youre looking at $2400 in annual fees and have to decide if that is worth it to you to get DM + 600k redeemable miles which depending on the destination might cover 3 domestic main cabin round trips for the whole family or would rather have the $48k in cash back. I guess on my calculation it wouldnt be worth it for only 3-4 flights per year and I would spend on a different card but to each their own. With that volume of spend you could always have the reserve in the mix to get some skymiles in the bank.
#13
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Minneapolis
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold, GlobalEntry, Admirals Club, United Club
Posts: 1,951
#14
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 144
#15
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,421
The discussion was about whether OP and spouse should each get DL credit cards and put $250,000 spend times two on them for two DM cards. I don't anyone is suggesting that they put all of their annual spend on DL AmEx cards.