Delta skymiles and other ?

[shannon006]

We have always flown Airtran, now Southwest. We love Southwests fare reduction and cancellation policy. However DH flies a few times a year for business, and they always fly Delta. We decided to go ahead and get the Delta American Express Card, to use primarily for business. Having said that, we started looking at Delta for our WDW and DL trips. It doesn't seem by reading that Delta is as nearly lenient on changes as Southwest. For those of you who travel using Delta, would you mind sharing your experience with them? Such as when I was looking at some travel dates and I clicked on refundable rates only, the rate literally was 5 times higher than when I don't click on it. This rate is for main cabin.

How difficult is it, or is it even possible to get points refunded if the miles go down?

If we book on points and need to change or cancel, is there a fee? Do the points immediately go back into your account?

Thanks

 

[bumbershoot]

It doesn't seem by reading that Delta is as nearly lenient on changes as Southwest.

NO airline is as lenient as SW is.

I cannot even think of another airline that allows changes without a fee for normal fares. (though Alaska Air has a very simple way to get credit for the exact same flight you booked if the price goes down)

If you need to change or cancel and have the miles redeposited: http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/use-miles/award-travel/award-service-fees.html You would need to have status in order to get the fees waived, not just have the CC.

Not sure about how it would work if the points needed went down. I personally have found, while using DH's Delta miles, that Delta has some of the highest points needed for any given flight than Alaska or United needs (taking into account the differences in how the airlines value their mileage tickets). And I've never seen them go down.

 

[DebbieB]

I've flown Delta with miles, I always buy the insurance, it's around $25. They don't refund miles for free.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I've flown Delta with miles, I always buy the insurance, it's around $25. They don't refund miles for free.

What are the benefits to the insurance?

OP: The conventional wisdom is that the best credit card for someone looking to fly domestic routes in coach is one that pays 2% cash back. Most people get a lower value for their miles, and have less flexibility in booking. -- -- Suzanne

 

[DebbieB]

What are the benefits to the insurance?

OP: The conventional wisdom is that the best credit card for someone looking to fly domestic routes in coach is one that pays 2% cash back. Most people get a lower value for their miles, and have less flexibility in booking. -- -- Suzanne

https://www.delta.com/merch/searchTripInsuranceAction.action

Trip Protection
Whether you're flying halfway across the country or halfway around the world,Trip Insurance protects you against unforeseen circumstances that can disrupt your plans. The maximum amount of Trip Cancellation coverage is $10,000. The maximum amount of Trip Interruption coverage is $10,000.

Coverage details
BENEFITS
Trip Cancellation Protection1
Up to amount purchased
Provides reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable trip payments and deposits if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason before you depart

Trip Interruption Protection2
Up to amount purchased
Reimburses for the unused, non-refundable portion of your trip and for the increased transportation costs it takes for you to return home due to a covered reason

Emergency Medical and Dental Benefit
$10,000
Reimbursement for the expenses related to covered emergency medical or dental care incurred while on your trip

Emergency Medical Transportation
$50,000
Arranges and pays for the cost to medically transport you to an appropriate medical facility to receive care and to get you home after you have received care

Baggage Coverage
$500
Provides reimbursement if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen while you're traveling

Baggage Delay Coverage
$100
Provides reimbursement for essential items if your luggage is delayed for 24 hours or more

Travel/Trip Delay Coverage
$150
Provides reimbursement for meals and accommodations if your travel is delayed for 6 or more consecutive hours

Change Fee Coverage3
$150
Provides reimbursement for airline fees if you need to make a change to your flight ticket

Concierge
Included
Provides you with information about your destination and can help you select restaurants, reserve golf tee times or secure tickets to local events

24-Hour Hotline Assistance
Included
Coverage includes a broad range of services that may help you if you encounter a covered medical emergency, legal situation, or disrupted travel. Provided by our multi-lingual coordinators

1 The maximum amount of Trip Cancellation coverage is $10,000
2 The maximum amount of Trip Interruption coverage is $10,000
3 NY Residents: this coverage is covered under the trip cancellation/interruption protection benefit. Existing Medical Condition coverage provided with this plan. Subject to certain conditions. Learn more

 

[SuzanneSLO]

https://www.delta.com/merch/searchTripInsuranceAction.action

Thanks for the link.

Lately, I have been using a credit card with travel insurance coverage to book flights. Do you prefer Delta's stand alone coverage to that offered by a credit card? -- Suzanne

 

[DebbieB]

Thanks for the link.

Lately, I have been using a credit card with travel insurance coverage to book flights. Do you prefer Delta's stand alone coverage to that offered by a credit card? -- Suzanne

I really haven't looked at what is available with a credit card. Delta was only $25 and had comprehensive coverage, not only for cancellations but also baggage and medical.