I have a question about another one of the Platinum benefits too...

I became a Platinum last November. As I read on Delta's website numerous times, Platinums have Award Ticket Redemption, Reissue, and Redeposit fees waived.

So today I had 3 Award tickets on hold and I called in to the SMS line to have them ticketed. I was then told that I would be charged $82.50. I was a little taken aback by the high amount for just 3 domestic award tickets. He explained that I had to pay a $7.50 tax and 911 fee (Which I fully expected to pay regardless and didn't have a problem with), and I also had to pay a $20 direct ticketing fee (this is what I had a problem with).

I asked him that I thought Platinums had the Award ticket redemption fees waived. He said that that doesn't apply to the direct ticketing fee or the taxes or the 911 fees.

I ended up just getting the tickets issued online by myself to avoid the direct ticketing fees, and I was left very confused.

So, what exactly ARE the "Award Ticket Redemption Fees" that are being waived for me as a Platinum -- when I am charged the same "fees" as a Gold, FO or general Skymiles member? What exactly is the "benefit" here, if there really is any?

Thanks for any input....

For domestic flights, yes, capacity controlled still, but out of the G bucket rather than the Z bucket (unless you're on one of the domestic F="business" routes). I've never used a PMU on my own, but traveling with a non-Medallion or FO spouse, I've sometimes found K fares RNO-ATL-LGA that are only $150 RT higher than the cheapest L/U/T fare, and will let both of us UG in advance (I have an EF subscription, so I can check G availability before purchase). On tight routes where even PMs might not get UGs, they could have G open a few weeks in advance when there's no V open.

If you change your tickets to a different day/flight/etc then the change fee is waived. If you re-deposit your miles then the change fee is waived. If you call SMS to have them find all your flights and then ticket those flights, they charge the $20 service fee. Some agents are really nice and will help you with your flights, then offer to let you log in and redeem the miles to avoid the fee (even though they've done the work).

Wednesday I changed some award tickets to upgrade from coach to first class. The lady had to re-deposit the miles from the coach tickets, then re-book the new tickets in first class. At the last second she mentioned that taxes & service charge would be $83 a ticket ($63 in taxes) and I agreed.

After hanging up the phone I got to thinking that wasn't too fair. I called to CHANGE a ticket, not to re-deposit miles and buy new tickets. I used the contact us link on DL.com and asked them to refund the service fee, to which they sent an email within 3 hours (WOW) that said they would reverse the fees.

Also - for me the fees I would get hit with as a GM were $75 per ticket if booked within the 10 day (I think it's 10 but could be 14) window of the flight. Most award flights for me (and Mrs. K) were booked at the last minute so I would get hit with $150 in booking fees (and that is booking online). This fee being waived for me is huge! ^

Domestic upgrades with PMUs are indeed capacity controlled. Note that the upgrade inventory (G) is separate from the Medallion upgrade (V). There can be G seats available and no V seats (or vice versa).

The one advantage of using PMUs domestically is that they can confirm (if available) at time of booking. If you book with a K or higher fare class ahead of the Medallion window and G seats are available, you can use a PMU and score the upgrade before they are given out to the regular Medallions.

I have almost the same situation. Not received PMU certificates neither card but upgraded on the website.

They told me all items should be received not lather than Feb 20.

I am in the same boat, and will be glad if I get my PMU certs by Feb 20.

I normally get mine in mid February

Does anyone know if Delta waives the reissue and redeposit fees mentioned above for companions booked on the same award itinerary as a plat?

It doesn't mention it on their site. Thanks.
https://www.delta.com/skymiles/about...fits/index.jsp

It is <=20 days

Thanks..boy was I off. Even more of a benefit!

I qualified on Dec 20 and got my PM packet by the Jan 7 or 8...just in time to use a PMU from ATL to ZRH. ^

You probably should call and inquire.

I went from GM to PM (my first time qualifying as a PM) on Dec 27. I've yet to receive anything in the mail from Delta. My online account shows me as PM and that's it.

You probably qualified after the 'cutoff' for getting the packet in about two weeks. I'd expect it in mid-late Feb.

It's irrelevant whether the PM is flying; what matters is whether the PM's miles were used. I have booked award travel for family members to fly to see me, only to have plans change and have to cancel the itinerary. The miles have gotten redeposited with no fee.