TMM1982

Delta is pretty worthless.

kanderson1965

Thanks for that, FC it is then.

36902BRF

While I generally agree with your view on Skymiles (in fact to the point of never actually earning a Skymile) it has to be noted that Delta even with their unannounced devaluation in J for TATL in 2017 is cheaper points-wise from the West Coast than VS at peak times and not that much more expensive non-peak and Delta comes with MUCH lower YQ than VS or BA for travel originating in US. Delta also gives you more TATL options than VS.

It has been my experience it has always been wise to look beyond the bloggers (who lets be honest regularly trash VS too) and see what value any particular program has for one's particular travel needs.

36902BRF

Honestly that may be the right answer but I would take the time (which perhaps you have) to look at the various programs and look at how the numbers work on the earn and burn side, what the awards availability from your departure (points) and to the places you want to go. The internet is full of opinions but frequent traveler programs are pretty darn complex and the absolutely definition of YMMV.

For example while I prefer VS J to BA J, I prefer BA F to VS J (with the exception that VS Clubhouse > BA CCR). From my gateway city BA F award space is quite frequently available (multiple seats) and at least when I am traveling with my son it is now cheaper points-wise (with the Chase 2-4-1 cert) than VS J so that is no brainer for me. Also when traveling with my son on revenue J BA makes more sense thanks to their household account (I am not VA AU so no household for me) even though I would prefer to fly VS J since he is not left with orphaned points. Now of course none of this is relevant to you if you fly alone but it does show that ones mileage may vary depending on their circumstances.

Caciucco

'Flights do not automatically go back for booking....'

Thanks for this tip, I will likely phone to see whether anything can be done but at least I am prepared now, cheers

neilsr

I had been looking to book an internal flight from SFO to LAX next april using miles so contacted flying club and this was there reply:
As of the 12th of November 2016, we will no longer be Flying Club partners with Virgin America. Therefore, members will no longer be able to use their miles to book flights with them.

mia

True, but you should be able to book now for travel after the 12th.

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en...n-america.html

neilsr

Unfortunately used up most of miles on UC return flights & won't have enough miles until after the 12th.

pazza2000

Great, Ł35 is much more manageable than the increase in miles. Worth making speculative reservations before the changes then in my case.

xliioper

Heading to SXM with spouse next week for 22K miles/each roundtrip (DL flash sale). There are definitely deals to be found at times. Probably not the program for you if you are EU based (foreign surcharges) or fixated on J tickets to exotic places. But for regular folks like me who are content to fly coach within US, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, etc., it's been acceptable. I pay little attention to the bloggers (who clearly have their own agendas).

eknock007

Since I travel to Mexico a lot for leisure, I generally find good award availability on Delta to places like CUN and GDL from LAX in economy and business. So to me my VS and DL miles are very valuable. I hate that VX is going away. Just did a RT VS redemption on VX for 3 in first class for 40K miles each.