Among frugal travelers, Delta Air Lines SkyMiles may be considered one of the tensest topics of conversation. While some people love Delta’s frequent flyer program and earning Medallion status, others jokingly call them by a different name for their constantly shifting award chart and varying award redemptions.
In 2016, Delta executives went on the record saying that they wanted flyers to use SkyMiles to “control the experience” instead of booking free flights. Is it possible to still get value out of alternative uses to these miles? Here are five ways to spend SkyMiles that could help you “control” your next experience aboard the Atlanta-based carrier.
Buy Sky Club Membership with Delta SkyMiles
For weary travelers, the Delta Sky Club can be a beacon of hope in an otherwise long trip. With membership, flyers can access the lounge no matter which airline they fly and have a light meal and complimentary beverage. Some lounges offer more amenities than others: for example, the Sky Club lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport features the famous Sky Deck.
Value: Low. Flyers who primarily travel aboard Delta have multiple ways to access the Sky Club, from using The Platinum Card from American Express, to selecting club membership as part of their Medallion benefits. Additionally, those who hold the Gold Delta SkyMiles Card from American Express can purchase discounted lounge passes for $29 when traveling – offering plenty of options for access outside of paying with points.
Buy drinks at Sky Clubs with Delta SkyMiles
Another perk of collecting Delta SkyMiles is the ability to purchase premium experiences at lounges – including high-end beverages. At the JFK Sky Club, flyers can purchase some of their favorite drinks using their SkyMiles balance, adding a little extra elegance to their travels.
Value: Extremely low. Considering the number of complimentary offerings, combined with the price of beverages at THE BAR at the Delta Sky Club, there may be more value in holding on to SkyMiles for upgrades and flights instead of buying drinks at the bar.
Buying airfare using Delta SkyMiles Pay with Miles
As another option for “controlling” the experience, Delta also allows travelers who hold a Delta American Express credit card to reduce the cost of their flights by exchanging miles for discounts. Through this method, travelers can reduce their costs (at the rate of 5,000 SkyMiles for $50 discount) instead of waiting to pay for their entire trip with miles.
Value: Varies, but trends low. Redeeming SkyMiles through Pay With Miles values the points at one cent per mile, or add points at 3.5 cents per mile. For those who have no other use of their SkyMiles, this can be an efficient way of lowering the cost of domestic trips – but it may be better to save points towards an award ticket.
Upgrade with Delta SkyMiles
SkyMiles are not just useable for paying for flights. Frugal travelers can also upgrade their flights using points and miles as well. On certain flights, Delta flyers can upgrade from regular economy to premium economy, all the way to the business class.
Value: Varies. Delta only allows upgrades on certain ticket codes, depending on here travelers are going. With international partners, upgrade options are even more limited. While this can be an effective way to get to the front of the aircraft, upgrades should be used to business class or above – not premium economy.
Shopping with Delta SkyMiles
Finally, as with every points program, travelers can use their points to shop for everyday household items. Those who hold a Delta credit card from American Express can use their SkyMiles to buy everyday goods which may be on their wish list.
Value: Extremely low. Traditionally speaking, shopping using miles does not represent a good value or return on points. Considering SkyMiles do not expire, there are better opportunities to use miles than shopping.
What is your preferred way to use SkyMiles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com