WWYD... a lot of variables

[sam_gordon]

We are a family of 5 looking to book airfare for a trip in June.

SW: $330pp currently.
Delta: $350pp currently.

Both of those are from an airport 2 hours away. A closer airport doesn't have SW and Delta is $450pp+. Yes, Delta is the cheapest option from the "home" airport.

Now, here's where it gets complicated...
A) DW has Delta's CC which entitles everyone in her travelling party (up to 8) a free checked bag.
B) DW has 10K miles which can be used for $100 credit if booked through her account.
C) I have 65K miles which can be used for $650 credit if booked through my account.
D) DW can 'upgrade' her Delta CC which gives a free companion ticket and enough miles for one night hotel room.
E) I can sign back up for Delta's CC and get an additional 30K miles.

So lots of options, but don't know which provides the most "bang for the buck".

 

[kaytieeldr]

Can those miles get you any complete airfares? Can your wife transfer her miles to you? Five thousand, with the 30,000 from the credit card and your existing miles, might get you four round trips? Not sure, it's been years since my Delta miles amounted to anything.

 

[sam_gordon]

Can those miles get you any complete airfares? Can your wife transfer her miles to you? Five thousand, with the 30,000 from the credit card and your existing miles, might get you four round trips? Not sure, it's been years since my Delta miles amounted to anything.

Delta charges to transfer miles. So it would cost $130 minimum to transfer her 10K miles to me.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Keep in mind signing up for the CC to get 30K miles usually requires that you first charge $3000 to the card in a 90 day period.

 

[Brian Noble]

The companion tickets are restricted in fare class; they are not as flexible as you'd hope. Check the fare classes that apply, and see which one this is.

If you use pay-with-miles for *any* portion of an itinerary, no one on that itinerary earns miles. So, don't use a small amount; you'll just be wasting them.