Any Delta Medallion Members?

[PoopandBoogers]

Im a member of DL, AA, UA, as well as SW, Jet Blue FF programs and just used to fly the best or convenient route, but never got status cause I was so spread out. Never really cared. This yr decided to stick with Delta and about to get silver status and wondering if it's worth a damn. Fly about 50-60 segments a yr so Ill probably be gold, possibly platinum by yrs end.

Also, strongly leaning to get the Delta Reserve card to possibly bump me to the next level and get the mqm bonus, mqd waiver, plus free skyclub access. But dont know if it's worth the $450 annual fee, since I already pay the $350 for the Chase Reserve. (Already have Priority PassClub access so usually use the one in ATL, how does DL's Sky Clubs compare).

 

[RunRonnieRun]

Silver is garbage. You might see a couple of perks at Gold. Starts feeling worthwhile at Platinum. This is exaggerated if your home airport is ATL.

I like the Reserve card. The concierge is a nice perk and Skymiles/MQM bonuses add up. SkyClubs are hit or miss. The newer ones, particularly in strong hubs, are great. There's no reciprocity with the card in other airlines' clubs.

 

[dmm5157]

Get out of my head. I was half way through a FF program related thread, but for American Airlines. Work too busy right now for me to finish post, eventually. I'm Platinum with AA now, but it expires in August and I'm addicted to the 1st class upgrades already.

 

[PoopandBoogers]

Get out of my head. I was half way through a FF program related thread, but for American Airlines. Work too busy right now for me to finish post, eventually. I'm Platinum with AA now, but it expires in August and I'm addicted to the 1st class upgrades already.

Ha awesome. Please post what you were going to post, always good to hash out ideas and opinions.

MLB has AA and DL as the main airlines, so much of my flying is through them. Love that airport and the flights are many times, cheaper (and much more convenient) than than MCO. But one of the reasons im sticking with DL is ive had so many delays and issues with AA over the yrs, plus I hate CLT airport with a passion (except Whiskey River). ATL is so much better, plus CLT doesnt have a PP lounge, and I use the helloutta the one in ATL. No brainer for me.

 

[LesClaypool]

Ha awesome. Please post what you were going to post, always good to hash out ideas and opinions.

MLB has AA and DL as the main airlines, so much of my flying is through them. Love that airport and the flights are many times, cheaper (and much more convenient) than than MCO. But one of the reasons im sticking with DL is ive had so many delays and issues with AA over the yrs, plus I hate CLT airport with a passion (except Whiskey River). ATL is so much better, plus CLT doesnt have a PP lounge, and I use the helloutta the one in ATL. No brainer for me.

I've only ever gotten to Silver w/Delta a couple of times. Had a grand total of 2 first class upgrades in probably 4-5 years of being Silver. Never found it worthwhile. Basically you're Zone 1 and get a free checked bag...not the greatest perks I've ever heard of, but better than a poke in the eye, I suppose.

I did get an offer from AA though via email back around Christmas that offered free AA Platinum Pro status for 6 months. At the time I didn't have any trips planned, but there appeared to be no catch, so I was like, "Sure, why not."

Fast forward a few months and my boss and I were asked to attend a conference on somewhat short notice in Honolulu, of all places. I was like, "Hmmmm...let's see if this Platinum Pro status is worth anything?" and booked a direct flight from Dallas to Honolulu. The day before I took off, I got that wonderful email, "You have been upgraded (to a lay flat seat for 8.5 hours)" It was awesome.

Cool story, bro.

 

[PoopandBoogers]

Silver is garbage. You might see a couple of perks at Gold. Starts feeling worthwhile at Platinum. This is exaggerated if your home airport is ATL.

I like the Reserve card. The concierge is a nice perk and Skymiles/MQM bonuses add up. SkyClubs are hit or miss. The newer ones, particularly in strong hubs, are great. There's no reciprocity with the card in other airlines' clubs.

I fly through ATL mainly to connect, and have heard that silver aint worth a damn thing there, but if I can at least upgrade to C+ occasionally I would be happy. And will be gold possibly platinum by yrs end especially with the reserve, so Id hope to reap the benefits at other airports. Cant imagine ever getting Diamond, would love to talk to one of them and see how the hell.

One card Ive been looking hard at is the Amex Plat, mostly for the Sky Club and Centurion club access, but since I already have the Chase reserve (great travel card btw), I keep coming back to the Delta Reserve just solely for the miles bonus and mqd waiver.

 

[PoopandBoogers]

I've only ever gotten to Silver w/Delta a couple of times. Had a grand total of 2 first class upgrades in probably 4-5 years of being Silver. Never found it worthwhile. Basically you're Zone 1 and get a free checked bag...not the greatest perks I've ever heard of, but better than a poke in the eye, I suppose.

I did get an offer from AA though via email back around Christmas that offered free AA Platinum Pro status for 6 months. At the time I didn't have any trips planned, but there appeared to be no catch, so I was like, "Sure, why not."

Fast forward a few months and my boss and I were asked to attend a conference on somewhat short notice in Honolulu, of all places. I was like, "Hmmmm...let's see if this Platinum Pro status is worth anything?" and booked a direct flight from Dallas to Honolulu. The day before I took off, I got that wonderful email, "You have been upgraded (to a lay flat seat for 8.5 hours)" It was awesome.

Cool story, bro.

Yeah Zone 1 on DL is really like zone 5. At silver did you at least get C+ or preferred seat upgrades regularly?

PP is AA's highest level right? Howd you get that email? That seems like a no brainer. My brother is midlevel AA and said at one point he got 1st class upgrades on 6 flights in a row. Pretty impressive.

 

[LesClaypool]

Yeah Zone 1 on DL is really like zone 5. At silver did you at least get C+ or preferred seat upgrades regularly?

PP is AA's highest level right? Howd you get that email? That seems like a no brainer. My brother is midlevel AA and said at one point he got 1st class upgrades on 6 flights in a row. Pretty impressive.

I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a spam email from AA. I get lots of those and always just delete them. Thank god I read this one. I have no idea how/why I got it though. It just showed up in my inbox one day.

I'm not Silver this year but I got a few C+ upgrades in years past. Not a ton though. I think people are suckers and actually pay for those, and thereby take up the otherwise upgradeable nature of those seats.

 

[PoopandBoogers]

I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a spam email from AA. I get lots of those and always just delete them. Thank god I read this one. I have no idea how/why I got it though. It just showed up in my inbox one day.

I'm not Silver this year but I got a few C+ upgrades in years past. Not a ton though. I think people are suckers and actually pay for those, and thereby take up the otherwise upgradeable nature of those seats.

Yeah Im not paying for C+, its like $100 each way extra for basically a little better seat, Sky Boarding (zone 4 lol), and free drinks. Ill take it for an upgrade and be happy, but it's a sucker buy for the most part.

 

[dmm5157]

I've only ever gotten to Silver w/Delta a couple of times. Had a grand total of 2 first class upgrades in probably 4-5 years of being Silver. Never found it worthwhile. Basically you're Zone 1 and get a free checked bag...not the greatest perks I've ever heard of, but better than a poke in the eye, I suppose.

I did get an offer from AA though via email back around Christmas that offered free AA Platinum Pro status for 6 months. At the time I didn't have any trips planned, but there appeared to be no catch, so I was like, "Sure, why not."

Fast forward a few months and my boss and I were asked to attend a conference on somewhat short notice in Honolulu, of all places. I was like, "Hmmmm...let's see if this Platinum Pro status is worth anything?" and booked a direct flight from Dallas to Honolulu. The day before I took off, I got that wonderful email, "You have been upgraded (to a lay flat seat for 8.5 hours)" It was awesome.

Cool story, bro.

Pretty much what happend with me. I've had 4 first class upgrades in the past 3 months, including 5-hour flight from LAX to MCO last night. It's a huge benefit. Also, getting the free extra legroom seats is a help.

I have 17 500-mile upgrades remaining, I'll probably only fly 3-4 more times before my platinum status expires. I'm considering doing the AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card, haven't decided yet though. Not sure going to Executive is worth it, I already have TSA Pre Check and not sure I'd use the Admirals Club membership much.

https://secure.fly.aa.com/citi/ecm/citi-aadvantage-platinum

 

[dmm5157]

One negative I can see is if the CC has to be used on reservation to get the upgrades, if I go that route. Work requires I use my corporate card for all travel expenses, so I cannot use the new card if I were to get one.

Anyone know if the platinum status for AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard sticks with your FF member number or only to travel booked with the credit card?

 

[PoopandBoogers]

One negative I can see is if the CC has to be used on reservation to get the upgrades, if I go that route. Work requires I use my corporate card for all travel expenses, so I cannot use the new card if I were to get one.

Anyone know if the platinum status for AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard sticks with your FF member number or only to travel booked with the credit card?

Not sure on AA, but I think for DL its linked to your FF account and can get miles, boarding, baggage etc. But you wont get bonuses, waivers, or awards that are card based.

Check out the Points Guy and Flyertalk websites, especially the message boards and comments sections. They are great sources of info.

 

[dmm5157]

Not sure on AA, but I think for DL its linked to your FF account and can get miles, boarding, baggage etc. But you wont get bonuses, waivers, or awards that are card based.

Check out the Points Guy and Flyertalk websites, especially the message boards and comments sections. They are great sources of info.

Will do, thanks

 

[Buckheadnole]

I am. I am a Delta Diamond, so I am fairly spoiled. There are still issues with Diamonds getting upgrades if you fly through Atlanta. I have been on a few flights where there are as many (or more) Diamonds in the back of the plane as there are in first class. They are working cutting the number of Diamonds this year with changes in the credit card MQM benefit beyond Platinum. Even those changes will not help Silver or Gold.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

Silver medallion = being the first peasant in line
I guess that's better than being the last peasant in line if you're into looking down upon your fellow peasants to make yourself feel better. After momentary rush of superiority you're quickly reunited with the reality that you are still just a peasant.

Gold and above on Delta are all that matter.
Platinum and above on AA

No idea about United, they're basically sitting at HQ copying Frontier and Spirit for ideas on how to make passengers feel like they're in a paddywagon.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

No idea about United, they're basically sitting at HQ copying Frontier and Spirit for ideas on how to make passengers feel like they're in a paddywagon.

I fly United almost exclusively and the benefit of United is the Economy Plus seating.
I used to get upgraded all the time but now mostly fly between hubs so rarely do anymore. Doesn't really matter on a 2 hour flight anyway. But there are plenty of E+ seats and that extra legroom is a godsend.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

I've become a fan of JetBlue lately. Noticeably more legroom, live TV, fast wifi, legit snacks.

After over a decade of lording over airline status, last year I said enough and now fly the airline that optimizes my time, dollars, and comfort for that particular leg of the trip. Fairly liberating. Being a peasant on JetBlue beats Delta Silver or AA Gold.

 

[PoopandBoogers]

I've become a fan of JetBlue lately. Noticeably more legroom, live TV, fast wifi, legit snacks.

After over a decade of lording over airline status, last year I said enough and now fly the airline that optimizes my time, dollars, and comfort for that particular leg of the trip. Fairly liberating. Being a peasant on JetBlue beats Delta Silver or AA Gold.

Im the exact opposite in ditching the lowest fares and best flights for status, we'll see how that goes.

Love JetBlue and in addition to what you stated, I believe the wifi is free. And those blue potato chips are legit. Their FA's are legit too, flown down to Puerto Rico a few times for work and they make a habit of rubbing their rear ends on you when shimmying down the aisle. Protip- get an aisle seat.

Only downside is their limited flight paths. (But they do offer cheap flights to small, niche airports which comes in handy).

 

[kc78]

At one point I was flying all over the world for work and there was a year where I hit Diamond. The benefits of that were awesome. There's nothing like getting upgraded to first class from economy on an 8 hour overnight flight. That's the most luxurious I've ever felt on a flight. Unfortunately I rarely fly now, so I'm back to being cattle like the rest of us.

 

[RunRonnieRun]

Im the exact opposite in ditching the lowest fares and best flights for status, we'll see how that goes.

Love JetBlue and in addition to what you stated, I believe the wifi is free. And those blue potato chips are legit. Their FA's are legit too, flown down to Puerto Rico a few times for work and they make a habit of rubbing their rear ends on you when shimmying down the aisle. Protip- get an aisle seat.

Only downside is their limited flight paths. (But they do offer cheap flights to small, niche airports which comes in handy).

Status is overrated. 100% of the time I'd rather pay for a first class ticket than travel enough to "earn" upgrades.

 

[kc78]

Status is overrated. 100% of the time I'd rather pay for a first class ticket than travel enough to "earn" upgrades.

Sure, I guess if you post in the Locker Room you can afford it. Business class isn't worth the cost for anything less than 4 hours. And the difference in price for International is astounding. Last flight where my company let me at least cost it out was about 1,800 for economy plus (On Delta) to the Philippines and 9,000 for business class. Sure it's great, but I'm not certain it's 7,000 dollars great.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

Im the exact opposite in ditching the lowest fares and best flights for status, we'll see how that goes.

I gave up on the status rat race because every year there seemed to be more people with status, watering down the actual value of status, and the thresholds for reaching anything above the lowest status tiers seemed to increase and get more convoluted.

They had their fun with me, and I them. I might get back into it sometime in the future but for now I'm happy being untethered.

 

[RunRonnieRun]

Sure, I guess if you post in the Locker Room you can afford it. Business class isn't worth the cost for anything less than 4 hours. And the difference in price for International is astounding. Last flight where my company let me at least cost it out was about 1,800 for economy plus (On Delta) to the Philippines and 9,000 for business class. Sure it's great, but I'm not certain it's 7,000 dollars great.

It's absolutely worth it for shorter flights. More space, on/off faster, get treated like a human.

I booked a flight to Austin recently that was something like a $170 RT difference between first class and regular economy. It's a no brainer to book the front of the plane.

 

[LesClaypool]

It's absolutely worth it for shorter flights. More space, on/off faster, get treated like a human.

I booked a flight to Austin recently that was something like a $170 RT difference between first class and regular economy. It's a no brainer to book the front of the plane.

That's probably a one-off though, RRR. It's typically $400-$700 more, sometimes per leg.

Trust me, every time I book coach w/Delta, I look at the app to see how much it is to upgrade. I can't remember a time it was ever less than that. Not saying it doesn't happen...but it doesn't usually happen, at least not to me.

For $170 more though, for a 2-3 hour flight, I'd have jumped on it too. Especially since it's first-class both ways. That's not bad at all, IMO.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

My company prohibits booking first or biz class for domestic flights, regardless of cost difference.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

Sure, I guess if you post in the Locker Room you can afford it. Business class isn't worth the cost for anything less than 4 hours. And the difference in price for International is astounding. Last flight where my company let me at least cost it out was about 1,800 for economy plus (On Delta) to the Philippines and 9,000 for business class. Sure it's great, but I'm not certain it's 7,000 dollars great.

I've always put it this way, given a choice between the following:
a) busness class seat
b) economy comfort + $5000

I'd choose option B.
Of course no company I know of gives you that choice but if they did they could save a couple thousand on each of these long haul flights.

 

[NotGuiltyNole]

I fly at a minimum every other week. I just pay to fly first class, and not deal with the hassle. The prices from Comfort to 1st class is usually within 20%. I am a diamond with the reserve card. I have more skymiles than I know what to do with. Don't really want to travel when I travel as much as I do.

I am also a Spire Royal Ambassador with IHG hotels. That is the best loyalty status I know of. Get to clean out the minibar every day for free, welcome gift, access to the club, and huge upgrades every trip.

 

[JohnnieHolmesNole]

What the hell are you guys talking about, with all of this chatter about points and stuff? American Express Black, and the virtual concierge, handles all of that junk, right?

 

[kc78]

It's absolutely worth it for shorter flights. More space, on/off faster, get treated like a human.

I booked a flight to Austin recently that was something like a $170 RT difference between first class and regular economy. It's a no brainer to book the front of the plane.

If I ever saw the flight at that close, then yes. I've flown business class on domestic many times. It's nicer, but if it's on my dime it's not $600 nicer which is what I normally see the difference at (Although it's likely higher due to flying out of Tallahassee and Pensacola primarily) even though there's no such thing as real business class out of either of those cities. But most of the time on domestic, I'm content with economy plus (At least on Delta). Anything over 4 or 5 hours and that starts to change real fast. Unfortunately on those flights it's never a reasonable difference.

If you can get the company to pay though, it's always worth it.

 

[PoopandBoogers]

I fly at a minimum every other week. I just pay to fly first class, and not deal with the hassle. The prices from Comfort to 1st class is usually within 20%. I am a diamond with the reserve card. I have more skymiles than I know what to do with. Don't really want to travel when I travel as much as I do.

I am also a Spire Royal Ambassador with IHG hotels. That is the best loyalty status I know of. Get to clean out the minibar every day for free, welcome gift, access to the club, and huge upgrades every trip.

The price from comfort+ to 1st is 20%?! Ive never seen that, maybe coach to comfort+, but usually comfort+ to 1st is a 100% upcharge.



I also have Platinum status at IHG, obviously not RA (that requires stays at Intercontinentals right?) But explain the free minibar thing to me. Sounds intriguing.

I have memberships to Hilton, IHG, Marriot/Starwood as well and generally find IHG to be lacking when comparing perks, but they are everywhere and easier to find so usually use them (although Hilton Hamptons are also on every little podunk exit and easy to find as well).

 

[OsceolaNole]

Currently platinum w/ Delta and have about 70k medallion miles already this year. Based in ATL so I don't get there on segments.

Two weeks ago my legs were:

ATL to DCA (no upgrade)
DCA to LGA (comfort)
LGA to FLL (1st)
FLL to ATL (comfort)
ATL to BDL (1st)
BDL to ATL (comfort)

Really depends on the route. I rarely/ever get upgraded ATL to LGA or SFO, but I'm usually good for an exit row aisle seat.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

I am also a Spire Royal Ambassador with IHG hotels. That is the best loyalty status I know of. Get to clean out the minibar every day for free, welcome gift, access to the club, and huge upgrades every trip.

That's quite a title. Do they bring out the trumpeters when you roll up to the entrance?

 

[dmm5157]

I'll fly first class as long as it's under $800. We have to book through travel agent and pay with corporate card so any travel over $1,000 requires approval from one of our financial officers. I have only done that ones for a $1500 first class ticket to St. Thomas that usually only costs $350 because it was only available flight for a week that I had to be there.

I would fly first class every time if I could. I'm around 30% success rate lately for first class upgrade requests with American Airlines but that ends when Platinum expires for me in July unless I reup, which I probably will.

 

[RunRonnieRun]

That's probably a one-off though, RRR. It's typically $400-$700 more, sometimes per leg.

Trust me, every time I book coach w/Delta, I look at the app to see how much it is to upgrade. I can't remember a time it was ever less than that. Not saying it doesn't happen...but it doesn't usually happen, at least not to me.

For $170 more though, for a 2-3 hour flight, I'd have jumped on it too. Especially since it's first-class both ways. That's not bad at all, IMO.

Most of the flights I book (ATL to MCO, MLB, TPA, FLL, AUS, DFW, PHX, CLT, and RDU) are in this ballpark more than half the time. First class within roughly $200 of main cabin.

 

[RunRonnieRun]

What the hell are you guys talking about, with all of this chatter about points and stuff? American Express Black, and the virtual concierge, handles all of that junk, right?

The real person concierge with Delta Reserve handles quite a few things for me. Not sure about a virtual version.

 

[FSU_Chris]

I was a diamond medallion the past 4 out of 5 years but recently took an industry position with very little travel. I miss the normalcy flying was but i love being at home with the kids and wife more. Delta Diamond vs Platinum are different playing fields.

 

[Oski Germany]

As others have mentioned Silver gains you very little but Delta Gold works well for me. However, I fly mostly internationally on Delta partners Air France, KLM, and Kenya Airways...and Delta Gold translates into Flying Blue Elite Plus the equivalent of Delta platinum. Having access to lounges on 30+ hour trips from the states to Africa and upgrades to business class makes it well worth it.

 

[NotGuiltyNole]

Ibso

The price from comfort+ to 1st is 20%?! Ive never seen that, maybe coach to comfort+, but usually comfort+ to 1st is a 100% upcharge.



I also have Platinum status at IHG, obviously not RA (that requires stays at Intercontinentals right?) But explain the free minibar thing to me. Sounds intriguing.

I have memberships to Hilton, IHG, Marriot/Starwood as well and generally find IHG to be lacking when comparing perks, but they are everywhere and easier to find so usually use them (although Hilton Hamptons are also on every little podunk exit and easy to find as well).

I spend about 70-90 nights a year in InterContinental hotels. If you are top 5% of their customers you get RA. This allows you to take all liquid out of the minibar every day. In my suitcase I have 36 mini bottles and 3 1 liter bottles of kettle. I take them to BBQ comps.

 

[NotGuiltyNole]

What the hell are you guys talking about, with all of this chatter about points and stuff? American Express Black, and the virtual concierge, handles all of that junk, right?

Centurion is a waste of money. You spend $4 a year on a card that really gives you about the same as reserve. Anymore it is just a status thing.

 

[MrNonSequitur]

I'm Diamond with Delta. I usually accumulate anywhere from 175k - 235k MQMs per year (depending on how many international trips I do). Home airport is the GOAT MCO.

Delta is the best for business travel - I've had senior status with a LOT of airlines through the years and they are head and shoulders above the rest as far as service and upgrades. They need to improve their food selection menus at the SkyClubs as well as in 1st class, however.