Delta Skymiles ?

[winniethepooh2012]

Anybody know if using Delta Skymiles to plan a WDW trip is reliable?

 

[optibeam]

The one and only time I tried to use my miles for a ticket, it was a disaster. I was flying from Europe to the US. While checking in, I was told my ticket had been canceled by Delta (I finally got my miles and fees back after 8 months). I had to buy a ticket on the spot. I wouldn't risk it if you have a vacation on the line. I'm saving miles now upgrades. At least I already have a seat reserved. My 2 cents.

 

[JennSaint]

We've used Delta skymiles on about 3 occasions now and have never had a problem. We also fly at this time of year around President's day when everyone is trying to get out of the Northeast. So far we've had no issues!

 

[tkldisney]

I used them as well with no problems.

 

[DebbieB]

I've used them many times without a problem. One problem you may run into, as with most airlines, is there are very few 25,000 mile awards. The last time I had to spend 32,500.

 

[phinz]

We've never had any problems except for the fact that they're outrageously "expensive" for what you get.

 

[JLR]

I have been trying to seek out miles flights in advance, but I keep finding that there are no low mile flights even 9 months out. What is with that? Nearly every single flight from September through January to and from Orlando are at medium miles (40,000 for RT), yet some flights in May, June and July at the lower level are available. Anyone know what is going on?

 

[Jellylorum]

I have found that mileage inflation has impacted all of the airlines. Makes me wonder if there are more than 2 seats in the lower tiers.

 

[JLR]

I have found that mileage inflation has impacted all of the airlines. Makes me wonder if there are more than 2 seats in the lower tiers.

 

[DebbieB]

I have been trying to seek out miles flights in advance, but I keep finding that there are no low mile flights even 9 months out. What is with that? Nearly every single flight from September through January to and from Orlando are at medium miles (40,000 for RT), yet some flights in May, June and July at the lower level are available. Anyone know what is going on?

That can happen if they have seats still open, they will lower the amount needed to fill them. That happened to me last year. I got tickets in February for October. The latest flight out of Orlando for 32,500 miles was 12:30pm (no 25,000). I booked it. Around August that flight got moved back to 11:30am. I checked again and they had a 6:30pm flight for 32,500 miles, in addition to a couple other ones mid to late afternoon. I called them and said the earlier time was unacceptable and asked if we could switch to 6:30pm. They did it with no problem.

 

[winterman]

JLR,

I have the gold Delta Amex. credit card. This allows me to discount the flight costs by using the pay with miles feature. This card also waives the baggage fees.

Look on Delta's website, you can apply for the credit card and get a substantial miles deposit to your Delta frequent flyer account. The first year's fee is waived. You can cancel the card within a year so you don't have to pay the annual fee for the second year.

The website will also explain the pay with miles feature. I maintain the card because the annual fee is less than the baggage fees when DW and I fly Delta who is the primary carrier at Bangor airport.

I hope that this is helpful for you.

 

[dtstampz]

I ended up using my airmiles for a ticket in September. Had to use 40,000 miles for the flights I wanted. I just got tired of watching the prices go up!
I also have the Delta gold card, and you'll get 25,000 miles after the first use. And I like not having to pay baggage fees!

 

[JLR]

JLR,

I have the gold Delta Amex. credit card. This allows me to discount the flight costs by using the pay with miles feature. This card also waives the baggage fees.

Look on Delta's website, you can apply for the credit card and get a substantial miles deposit to your Delta frequent flyer account. The first year's fee is waived. You can cancel the card within a year so you don't have to pay the annual fee for the second year.

The website will also explain the pay with miles feature. I maintain the card because the annual fee is less than the baggage fees when DW and I fly Delta who is the primary carrier at Bangor airport.

I hope that this is helpful for you.

I ended up using my airmiles for a ticket in September. Had to use 40,000 miles for the flights I wanted. I just got tired of watching the prices go up!
I also have the Delta gold card, and you'll get 25,000 miles after the first use. And I like not having to pay baggage fees!

Thanks to you both! I believe I will! I was debating because I have 41,000 miles now and the 25,000 miles is not enough for the second ticket, but I forgot about the pay with miles feature!

 

[happymommy]

If you're using the miles for flights, start checking as far out as possible. I did that for our summer Hawaii trip, starting at 330 days out. Within a few short weeks, I found 4 first class for 85,000 miles each (saved us $2,000 per ticket!). So it takes some work, but that was the second time I've scored 4 first class with them. We get a lot of miles as I transfer them from Amex Membership Rewards when they have a bonus.

You can also use miles in the marketplace for hotels and rental cars, and if you're medallion (or have their amex I think) you can get a decent price for amex gift cards.

For some help you can visit www.flyertalk.com also.

 

[phinz]

We just got two first class tickets to Seattle for 65,000 apiece.