What is the optimal way to use Delta FF miles?

[Sandi]

Is there a price point that makes the most sense for using FF miles versus paying with money? We have enough for a couple RT flights for the family, but I don't want to "waste" the FF miles. DH says to just use the miles because who knows when they'll change the rules again. I'm tending to agree -- sort of like using a gift certificate before a business goes out of business.

Also, DH hates flying so only flies when we have to (ie, going to Europe or Mexico). Otherwise, he has time to drive to our destinations and DD and I fly. Do I have to transfer his FF miles to mine or my DD's account in order for us to use them or can I make reservations for me or DD as his award flight? I've looked at lots of the FAQs on Delta's website and it seems that I'd have to pay to transfer his miles (which just irritates me -- I paid for all of it).

Thanks!

 

[francie57]

Unless they have changed, when we transferred miles around two years ago there was a charge to do that. Not sure about the best way to use the miles, we have just used them for flights to Orlando. I do know that there are limited seats available on each flight and some seats will cost more miles than others, depending on the number of seats they have. We have been accumulating miles but Delta just stopped all non-stops out of our local airport so our next trip will be on either JetBlue or SW since I don't do layovers.

 

[soxfan11901]

I used to work in the FF program for a different airline, and in my opinion the best use of miles (most bang for your buck) is to use them for an upgrade to first class.
For instance, at the time I worked there it was 25000 miles for a free coach ticket. An average coach ticket probably costs let's say $500.
You could purchase that coach ticket and then use miles to upgrade to first class for 20,000 miles. A first class ticket on the same flights would run you $1500 - $2000. So you would be getting an extra $1000 - $1500 benefit using the miles for the upgrade.
Mileage levels may be different now, as it's been several years since I worked there and haven't kept up with any changes.

 

[Brian Noble]

For Delta, I figure anything better than a penny per mile is "fair". Your husband can book a flight for someone else out of his account. The only restriction is that each ticket must be booked with miles entirely from one account. So, if the flights you want are e.g. 40K round trip, but you each have only 38K, you have to transfer to book any of them. I don't bother transferring---the fee essentially makes them worthless.

Upgrades can be decent values, but not always---you often need to pay a higher fare to get to an "upgradeable" one. I've gotten very good value out of trips to Canada---almost two cents per mile, pretty easily.

 

[Sandi]

Thanks everyone. Upgrading isn't a big deal to me. While I love getting free upgrades to First Class, paying with money or miles isn't worth it to me. I'm 5'2", so that might have something to do with that!

The "approaching 2 cents per mile" rule is one that makes sense. I also appreciate the information about DH being able to book for me or DD. Paying to transfer miles is crazy -- even with the bonus miles Delta is offering through the end of this month.

I appreciate all of you with more experience providing your comments. It really is helpful.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I don't know the rules for Delta, but with United, you can only transfer a limited number of FF miles a year to another account (15,000).

 

[Redarrow5150]

You are allowed to use your points for someone else. I wouldn't transfer but just have that person use the FF miles and purchase a ticket for someone else.

 

[jennib5426]

I am a big Delta FF, usually a ticket in US is 30,000 - 40,000 miles. We got 6 free tickets using miles on Delta last year from Virginia to MCO, all were 30,000-40,000 miles, you can get it for 25,000 but times are usually middle of day or long layover. To me this is worth it since the ticket runs about $250-$350 and you don't earn a lot of miles if you pay cash.
I buy tickets with my account for different people all the time, you just enter passanger name at end before you book.
tranfering miles between accounts is expensive and not really worth it.

I would rather pay for a ticket to mexico and get 3000 miles then pay for a ticket to Orlando and get 1000 miles or no miles because I am taking the DH & DS.

Delta changed there rules so miles never expire now.