15% off all SkyMiles awards for Amex cardholder
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 14,305
Its being sold by the DL website, not something being sneakily pieced together using a 3rd party booking system. If DL sells the ticket, then there is no reason they should be coming after you later.
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: IND
Programs: DL PM & 2MM™, Lifetime HHonors Diamond
Posts: 20,719
This entire thread is exactly what is wrong with FT.....turning a big positive into a negative.
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,952
You know this is simply not true. It took me 15 SECONDS to find an example of a trip that is available for 18,000 SkyMiles that has a cash rate of $360. I am not saying there aren't some terrible redemption rates and PWM is in fact the best deal.
This entire thread is exactly what is wrong with FT.....turning a big positive into a negative.
This entire thread is exactly what is wrong with FT.....turning a big positive into a negative.
Last edited by xliioper; Jan 24, 23 at 8:43 am
#21
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 2,822
do people actually put spend on this card? this is one you get for the benefits, not the earnings. The companion cert alone is worth the AF.
#22
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: miami, florida
Posts: 3,942
Every second January I pay the IRS $245,000 plus a 1.89% fee on my Reserve card and immediately file a tax return for a refund. I get 1.5 SM on the amount over $150,000 plus 60,000 MQMs plus 2 FC companion certs. Then I put the card in a drawer for 2 years. This gives me 2 years of DM status but CBs only every second year. This has been the best way for me to maintain my DM status and not having to stress over getting 40,000 MQDs (20,000 MQDs per year).
Last edited by sydneyracquelle; Jan 24, 23 at 9:34 am
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 13,482
#24
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Diamond, American Gold, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,279
Would be interesting. I am currently short on SkyMiles after using them on redemptions to Hawaii, then upgrading using certificates. I also used them on other various economy redemptions in 2022. Given you earn MQM on award tickets I’ve been using SkyMiles more frequently. JFK to
LAX, then waitlisting an RUC, good use of SkyMiles. Even better if you pay 15% less.
LAX, then waitlisting an RUC, good use of SkyMiles. Even better if you pay 15% less.
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: IND
Programs: DL PM & 2MM™, Lifetime HHonors Diamond
Posts: 20,719
Yes, there can be outliers (and as I noted above, long haul awards originating in Mexico/Caribbean look to have largely been untouched by recent changes). But these look to be increasingly rare. You don't mention route, but Caribbean/international destinations can carry significant taxes on awards which distort true CPM value (you have to subtract out taxes assessed on award from revenue price if you want a truer CPM comparison).
#27
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: PBI
Programs: DL 2.8 MM/PM, AA MM/GLD, Hilton Gold, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 1,663
Interesting. I downgraded my Business Reserve card to Platinum since I already have SkyClub access through the regular AmEx Platinum. But might consider upgrading back to Reserve if this benefit was added.
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,952
Okay, let's see your example. Here's one I picked at random for DTW-FLL (roundtrip 1/31 - 2/8). Accounting for $12 award fee, I get
Basic Economy -- 1.14 CPM
Main Cabin -- 1.12 CPM
Comfort+ -- 1.12 CPM
First Class -- 1.10 CPM
Granted, you can do somewhat better (1.2 - 1.3 CPM) on connecting itins due to the revenue fares having higher taxes (PFC, segments taxes) on connecting itins which get waived on award redemptions.

Basic Economy -- 1.14 CPM
Main Cabin -- 1.12 CPM
Comfort+ -- 1.12 CPM
First Class -- 1.10 CPM
Granted, you can do somewhat better (1.2 - 1.3 CPM) on connecting itins due to the revenue fares having higher taxes (PFC, segments taxes) on connecting itins which get waived on award redemptions.


Last edited by xliioper; Jan 24, 23 at 11:34 am
#29
Join Date: Aug 2022
Posts: 44
Okay, let's see your example. Here's one I picked at random for DTW-FLL (roundtrip 1/31 - 2/8). Accounting for $12 award fee, I get
Basic Economy -- 1.14 CPM
Main Cabin -- 1.12 CPM
Comfort+ -- 1.12 CPM
First Class -- 1.10 CPM
Granted, you can do somewhat better (1.2 - 1.3 CPM) on connecting itins due to the revenue fares having higher taxes (PFC, segments taxes) on connecting itins which get waived on award redemptions.
Pic removed
Basic Economy -- 1.14 CPM
Main Cabin -- 1.12 CPM
Comfort+ -- 1.12 CPM
First Class -- 1.10 CPM
Granted, you can do somewhat better (1.2 - 1.3 CPM) on connecting itins due to the revenue fares having higher taxes (PFC, segments taxes) on connecting itins which get waived on award redemptions.
Pic removed

#30
Join Date: Aug 2022
Posts: 44

With a 125,000 welcome points and 15% OFF, I am seriously considering getting it.