Delta Segment Run opinions
 

Hello all, I've never done a mileage run or a segment run (if there is such a thing) but i was wondering what tips and tricks there were for finding the most cost efficient way to pick up segments. I probably won't need to do one but I actually thought it would be kind of fun. I just don't want to spend a fortune.
Thanks!

newbie thoughts
 

I'm new to both Flyertalk and to MR's, this year, I'll be making Silver for the first time on Delta.

For next year, I was looking at collecting segments to maintain my FO status. My calculations, and I'm sure others will have something to say about my math, is as follows.

From what I've read, a good mile run is less than $0.04 a MQM. If 25,000 MQM = status, then status should cost less than $1000 on MR"s alone.

If your trying to get there on segments, then 30 segments = status, therefore
$1000 / 30 = $33.33 per segment.

For me, I'm looking at spending less than $0.06 per mile or $1,500 for status which works out to $50 per segment. This will allow to have some fun weekends away with my wife, without spending all our time collecting miles.

Just fyi, I don't travel for work, it's just become a new hobby.

What worked amazingly well for me last year was to book early and await the free reroutes that came with schedule changes. A stop in MKE can usually be added to MSP-DTW in this situation with a minimum of additonal travel time. Routes scheduled for DC9 service are best, this are mostly being replaced by CR9s, that change of carrier is your invitation to reroute.

This year I have been doing end on end ticketing, mostly trying to turn great prices into useful trips. At this point I am booked up to 25 segments and 19k miles so I don't know if requal will be miles or segments, luckily it is stil early in the year so I'll get there somehow.

zooy, $33 per may be a little low for DL. UA will let you bounce around the system but DL has learned Midwestern geography and closed some great loopholes.

I haven't been able to find / book anything that low, but I'm hopeful. Most of my delta trips are booked between 4.5 and 6.5 cpQm. Not worthy of a millage run, but fun trips with the Mrs.

To be honest, until a fw weeks ago, I didnt even know what a MR was.

aye, i found a $50/seg out of CHI to CHA on DL via DTW, IND or CMH, and ATL recently. $33 would be pretty sweet. Fortuantely this was on a Friday, too, so bump potential adds to the sweetness

I'm new here so I've still got MUCH to learn, but best I understand, the main reason for choosing miles to segments is the advantage of getting to spend the miles later (for more flights).

If you are collecting miles, perhaps dumping Delta might be a good start. First of all, there's not a lot of .04 runs. second, delta's avail for redemption sucks and usually to get where you want to go.....when you want to go, it costs double miles, so your .04 runs, if you can get them, end up costing .08 or more. Just something to mull over

This year I'm enjoying my flights on Delta, and paying for them with my VDB credits earned last year. As long as I keep my flights under .06cpm I should hit FO this year and it will have cost me less than $100 I paid for the first flight. With any luck, a few more VDB's will come my way, and I'll hit GM.

That said, this might be a good time to ask where to look for a comparison of the different programs. Benefits and costs, etc.

that's true, but there are other variables, like the bump potential i've mentioned. 4 segments on a friday has a much higher potential than it would on a tuesday, wednesday, or saturday. then, you would get some form of voucher for giving up your seat.

so much to learn!