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Hey Sebby, I'm planning on going to Japan next year and flying business class. I was thinking about applying for the Alaskan Airline and American Airlines credit cards and getting the sign on bonuses to cover the flight. Is this a good strategy or is there a better way to do this? Thanks in advance!
Does anybody else think it is ironic that channels like these built a career off of telling ppl about the loopholes in credit cards and then get upset when too many people know and utilize those loopholes so they are taken away?
So does this mean that American Airlines flight attendants will stop bashing us over the head in the middle of the night with their credit card solicitations? Then the end of “the golden age of credit card rewards” can’t come soon enough.
Amex isn’t reducing their annual fee for Platinum, yet you can only access Delta Lounges 6x per year. Cutting service perks but not the annual fee. Not good.
✈I've been loyal to Delta because of the lounge access with Amex Platinum. It looks like I will start hopping airlines based on price after the changes are in place.
I dumped my Delta Skymiles Platinum AMEX today. Told AMEX it was because of their changes and they said they would pass that on to the their team as well as Delta. Saves me that $250 annual fee for something I am losing the benefit I obtained it for.
✈️ I used to be a big fan of Delta, and would often go out of my way to fly them, meaning passing up nonstop flights on other airlines because I felt like Delta was a nicer experience. Now however, since Delta has clearly decided that they hate anyone who isn’t some uber rich snob, I’ll be a free agent and look wherever has the best deal. Delta can compete on price now, and as for my Delta Amex 😂😂😂 forget it. That’s getting cancelled. Amex won’t lose a cent in that regard however, since all the spend that normally would have gone on my Delta card was moved to my Hilton Surpass instead.
One big bonus for the Amex Platinum card for us is being able to get in Delta lounges when fly Delta. The nerf of this benefit will make us reconsider whether to keep our Platinum card or not.
Man, Delta really hosed a lot of people. I wonder how many people will cancel the Delta Platinum (I'm assuming a ton), and the AMEX Platinum (maybe quite a few?). This is gonna be great for Capital One, but it'll crowd the Capital One lounges now so that'll be fun. I might actually switch over to the Platinum Card because of way less crowding I'm assuming in 2025.
I agree with you, but I think that is exactly what Delta wants. Only the most rich will be in the lounges and the regulars like most of us will be outside looking in. :(
@@cliffbarr1993 Yup and I bet it's because they want the lounges to feel like an actual lounge again instead of a zoo, which they've turned into. That just means the big spenders get that experience and everyone else is in the terminal.
There’s also tons of us that were going to get it but now aren’t because of this change. Delta just lost us as customers. I’m even thinking of downgrading now my delta gold and making it a sock drawer card
@@louisnvrr same here! I was waffling between Platinum Delta and Reserve because next year we're planning on some big trips and a bunch of smaller ones. Now? Hell no lol. Not only did Delta just devalue and make them awful choices now, but they also showed that they don't give a crap about the customer. Now I might sign up for the Hilton Aspire instead.
Honestly, skyclubs were a big reason I preferred to fly Delta whenever prices were comparable. I only fly a few times a year, so being limited to 6 visits isn't even that big of a deal. However, not allowing basic economy really makes those tickets a lot less competitive since I'm having to pay a higher rate, and we all know redeeming points with Delta has never been competitive either. Just a real bummer all around. Something I don't see enough people bringing up is the fact that while skyclubs may get a bit emptier, the stress put on Centurion lounges is going to increase to compensate. Especially in airports like LGA or LAX where there were multiple skyclubs but only one Centurion. I wouldn't be shocked if Amex lounge access is further restricted because of this. Just really downer news overall. I have less incentive to choose Delta now, and Centurion lounges are about to become even more of a hellscape. ✈️
I wholeheartedly agree with you. Just left a Sky Club at ATL today though, and can tell you that they have become so crowded and loud that you might as well be in the middle of the terminal. Of course the flight (domestic) wasn’t much better…entertainment screen not working, seat wouldn’t recline, WiFi would not connect, and all of this was in First Class. And don’t get me started on the past 4 International flights on “Delta One” on OLD equipment with tiny screens and worn seats…. This may send me elsewhere, too.
I wholeheartedly agree with you. Just left a Sky Club at ATL today though, and can tell you that they have become so crowded and loud that you might as well be in the middle of the terminal. Of course the flight (domestic) wasn’t much better…entertainment screen not working, seat wouldn’t recline, WiFi would not connect, and all of this was in First Class. And don’t get me started on the past 4 International flights on “Delta One” on OLD equipment with tiny screens and worn seats…. This may send me elsewhere, too.
@@fridayschild19 What terminal were you at? B? I've been through ATL four times in the last two weeks and didn't wait once. Well let me correct that...I did wait once only because it was 446am and it wasn't open yet. The problem is...if you fly at the busiest times of the day...you're going to be overcrowded and that's not going to change w/anything. If you plan your flights around those times...you're good to go. I honestly never have a problem getting in...but I also know to avoid the club in B altogether and not to fly on certain days/times. The more you fly or study how these places operate...the more you know and how to avoid disappointment.
Just made the switch to Delta Reserve and as a frequent traveler Delta HAD me locked in to their system. At this point I will not push for the $75k spend, rather focus on a more rounded travel card (i.e. VentureX) and not focus on booking only Delta moving forward. I’m am definitely curious what their analytics suggested…but it seems to me more will stop the status chase and start spending on other cards. For some reason I still hope this changes again before 2025. Spend data throughout 2024 might drive them to rethink the strategy.
We love the VX and I was considering going with the Delta Reserve or Amex Platinum, but now I think I'm staying with the VX and gonna get the Hilton Aspire for a double whammy.
I’m on the same boat, upgraded from Platinum to Reserve card 4 weeks ago and this. Feels like bait & switch. After next year, I’m canceling and going with an all around travel card instead of being brand loyal. Slap in the face.
✈️ I work in a job where I travel every week and because of that I got the amex platinum. Because of the amex platinum, I usually book Delta so I can use the lounges. Now considering both cancelling the platinum and switching to either American or United once these changes take effect
Indeed, I was having it for the 25K MQDs waiver and the 10,000 bonus MQDs miles which granted me Gold status or platinum. With the new rules, the most I could hope for is Silver. There will be no reason for me to keep the Delta Platinum or flying Delta as first choice . American Airline status is much easier to get, especially as they are many option to get miles by shopping.
✈ I’ve been an American / OneWorld loyalist since 2019, and honestly, have been pleased overall. I take around 20-30 flights per year, and as a lowly gold member, get first class upgrades about 1/3 of the time (my home airport is a non-hub, which makes a big difference), but even the loyalty point shift I’ve found to have been a positive for me rather than negative. Unsurprised to see Delta follow suit, but I’m surprised by how badly they implemented it compared to AA. I don’t think you’ll regret AA! Just don’t bring too many people over, I can’t have that much upgrade competition!
@@jyveturkie it’s automatic, I can choose premium economy at anytime for free, which honestly makes the status worth it. Upgrades is hit or miss. My airports are CHS and DCA. At DCA I get more upgrades than CHS.
Can you blame Delta? Imagine you just spend 24k on a flight to make it easier on yourself and they sit you next to one of these RU-vidrs that are flying for peanuts and are constantly talking about the food, lavatories, seats, and service onboard. Would you allow it? The same thing happens in the lounges. One time I was taking a shower after flying in from South America in Atlanta when a 20 something year old was recording in the shower area for their RU-vid channel. Horrifying.
People in the Delta and Amex subreddits are absolutely LIVID about these changes today. I think Ed Bastian will be getting quite a few angry emails in the coming days...
✈️ so then what was the point of them pushing the Delta Platinum card so hard for this last year if they knew they were just going to devalue the hell out of it honestly I don't think people get the Delta reserve card to put $75,000 worth of spend on it you do it for the companion pass and the multipliers I think most people aren't going to see this and either not apply or cancel their delta credit cards
After them taking away my Audible credit, limiting my delta sky club visits, and not allowing free guests at centurion lounges, I’m seriously considering closing my platinum card. I still use priority pass lounges but I have priority pass from my Aspire card so that perk doesn’t do anything for me either.
✈I travel domestic monthly and I don't like the changes. I travel internationally two to three times a year. I'll use Priority Pass overseas going forward. Starting 2025, goodbye Delta and hello American. Delta will loose a large number of loyalist and Amex may see a similar lost. (Amex cards used Amex Plat and Delta Plat).
Sebby, I would appreciate if you made a video comparing most loyalty status to decipher which one is still somewhat worth it. As someone who uses Delta every other week, trying to get a status with work travel, this is pretty bogus instead of disappointing. They saw the American Airlines approach, and implement it in an even worse way
I pay for my flights and got a good share of First class upgrades, this destroys the value prop of being able to book main and get FC depending on travel time. I'm not buying business or first ever out of my pocket so Delta went from best to worthless for me.
@@SolidLiquidFox from NYC first class would double to triple my average ticket price. In comparison even with opportunity cost included I’m only paying $50 average for my first class upgrades, not including comfort+ for free
@henryzhang7873 are you shopping around even with other carriers? First-class upgrades are not guaranteed. Getting off the status wheel is controlling your own situation and getting first class because you paid for it and not hoping for it. That's true free agency. There is value in that.
I will be a Diamond for 2024, and will likely rollover about 40,00mqm. Under the current system I will be close to starting 2024 as Gold for 2025. Under the new system, Delta is offering a 20 to 1 conversion, which means I won’t even be close to Silver for 2025. So much for all the flying and spending I have done with them. Second, my Delta AE Platinum will be less useful as well. I can see Chase benefiting, and I intend to use the Preferred card more. So Delta is losing a loyalist, and AE will be losing a fairly big spender. Chase had more travel partners anyway, so I will now branch out to other airlines. Beware of unintended consequences.
It’s actually quite good to me because I typically use my skypriorty elite status to get in to their lounge anyway when I fly internationally. For domestic trips, I use priority pass instead.
As a frequent business traveler (4-6 flights per month) I’ve been saying the line “if everyone has status (because of credit card usage) then what does status actually mean”. Prime example, last week on a 737-900 there were 48 passengers eligible for 1st class upgrade, there were 2 available seats. This was the red eye from Portland to Atlanta on a Wednesday - hardly a high demand flight route.
It was fun while it lasted. I charge $50,000+ a year (which gave me gold) on AMEX but I cannot do $75,000+ to make it to silver. When I was silver, I really didn't seen any benefits. Going back to the gold card. I'll just get my free Hawaii trip every three years like in the past.
Could not disagree with you more. Delta is getting greedy and over-monetizing their points program. That's not good for anyone. They should have made smaller changes and allowed the algo to sort out who deserved what upgrade. These changes on top of other changes in prior years is not good for loyalty. Their larger customers won't do more with them and the middle to upper tier customers will depart and go for status matches elsewhere. Naturally everyone has their own opinion but I just think making everyone feel special is better business. We'll see and maybe I'm a focus group of 1.
Just when I made into this “elite” circle Delta changes rule. I won’t stick around. I was flying delta exclusively last couple of years for these perks. Time to change that now.
Remember, the MQD spend excludes taxes, which can be ton of the fare, especially internationally. So you really need to spend MORE out of pocket than the requirements show.
well, I didn't notice this. As an international traveler its going to be even worse, so instead of 4 trips to europe to get to silver I will need 6 or more...awesome...
well, I didn't notice this. As an international traveler its going to be even worse, so instead of 4 trips to europe to get to silver I will need 6 or more...awesome...
Thank you for this explanation. I found Delta’s explanation of the new changes VERY confusing!✈️ I wholeheartedly agree with you. Just left a Sky Club at ATL today though, and can tell you that they have become so crowded and loud that you might as well be in the middle of the terminal. Of course the flight (domestic) wasn’t much better…entertainment screen not working, seat wouldn’t recline, WiFi would not connect, and all of this was in First Class. And don’t get me started on the past 4 International flights on “Delta One” on OLD equipment with tiny screens and worn seats…. This may send me elsewhere, too.
by definition if everyone is special, then no one is special. i've been a diamond medallion for years and over the last 2 years i've only been upgrade about 20% of the time. about 10 years ago, I was always upgraded. As for the lounges, what good is a lounge if you have to wait 20 minutes to get in, and once you're in there's hardly any space to sit.
I don't particularly care about the lounge access as a Platinum Medallion. However, the changes to accessing status is extremely infuriating. I've been a loyal Delta flier for over a decade. This is probably where I shift gears and my business purchases over to American Airlines, which seems to want to grow their base of customers versus weeding them out. Very strange move on Delta's part.
Most business travelers can't book rental cars or hotels outside of Concur or other travel agencies that have negotiated corporate rates. Also unable to earn hotel points or Hotel / Rental Car status through Delta / Expedia. Sounds like they want zero business travelers?
✈ Seeing a lot of frustrated Delta Platinum card holders in the comment. Would you do a video for those Delta Platinum card holders the best alternative to get lounge access back & other travel benefits that don't have an annual 50K to spend? As Delta Platinum card holder, this will be my last year at Silver status which is always achieved by the 25K spend. This was my primary used card in my wallet, however with out going for the status it may only getting 2 to 5K annually for just booking flights going forward. Only travel twice a year, but used the Delta lounges when traveling. I am now shopping for another card. I predict that Delta just clobbered their own Platinum card.
✈️ So much for the idea that Amex wouldn't let it happen because it would kill the dream of traveling more often. I know it's delta but negotiations with Amex must have happened and amex lost it because they couldn't afford to keep it. Sapphire reserve looks more appealing everyday.
@@hwang1607it's called flexible currency. Ultimate Reward Points being able to be transferred to Hyatt or United will undoubtedly be better potential return on spend than being locked into $550 annual fee Delta SkyMiles Reserve earning 1x SkyMile and 1 MQD per $10 in annual spend with the companion certificate being the only avenue for otherwise deferring the annual fee. 😊
@@hwang1607furthermore, before you suggest the lower $95 CSP, that $200 more less $95 becomes only $105 more for a higher class card in the ecosystem of Chase. I hope these comments help clear up any confussion.
@@hwang1607priority pass restaurants let you enjoy food in a less crowded space. Chase also has door dash and other coupon style offerings to offset the AF.
If I were them I’d be concerned because they would cause the overcrowded problems in their lounges and would strongly consider restricting access to people who only have their respective cards
✈ Some interesting game analysis that you sort of glossed over: The people that only bought basic economy who still had access to the SkyClub via the AMEX Platinum will now be forced to either spend ~$50 more for main cabin (thereby paying for lounge access and MQD miles) or just forego the lounge and status all together. Personally, my strategy was to buy basic economy and enter Sky Clubs via the AMEX Platinum. Will have to reconsider if I want to pay that premium for main cabin now.
The big question on spend your way to status using credit cards is one of opportunity cost. If I am going to spend $240k to get status on delta I would have to determine whether it would be better idea to put it on my venture x card and get 480k capital one miles. The real question is what is status worth? The answer for me, who takes maybe two long and four short trips per year is probably not much if they are going to make me jump through hoops.✈
Switched to delta as my status airline so I could access the lounge with the platinum card. The centurion lounge is always full and so delta is a nice and often better option. Going to be leaving Amex and delta in 2025.
I am in Atlanta, the Delta hub but recently I haven't seen any good deal on the flights. It's much more expensive and I prefer flying with either Southwest or some of the airlines. But limiting the access to six visits is fine with me as we don't fly that much. I'm not into too much of an airline status anyways because for family as a whole might not get upgraded and I always prefer to use points and miles to get that thing done if ever it is needed. By the way, do you know if you can still purchase the $ 50 sky club access for guests through Amex?
Do you think Amex will limit annual visits for the Centurion Lounge for Amex Platinum cardholders? This move by Delta seems to be hinting that. Hopefully Chase builds out their Sapphire Lounge network at all the major airports so I can ditch Amex all together.
That'll be the day everyone goes Gold lol. Thankfully my hub ,MEX, still gives us 2 free guest and doesnt matter on the spend.However If they limit the guest theres no point
I don’t see the big deal because if you’re flying first or business then you still get access to the lounges unless I missed something. If it’s regardless of cabin class, then it’s a problem. Otherwise I’m all for attacking the overflowing crowds. The lounge currently feels like an airport Walmart. I like how Amex is trying to return a prestige feel to the card.
You only get first or business if you are flying international. Well, you can get into AA business class lounge with their AA AAdvantage credit card, but hose lounges are so packed to the brink.
I love how all of the Tubers that have the cards needed to not be affected are like "Meh....hey you...this could be a great thing for you.". I just got the Delta Plat literally this week for lounge access. What a waste of time and money.
As a Delta Skymilage member with a Delta credit card and a person that's constantly flying; I think one of the reasons they are doing this is because the lounges have become so overcrowded! It became too easy to enter the lounge that those that really deserve it can't even enjoy it... Multiple times I was either denied entry because it was too full or being inside to "relax" was worst than just being outside the lounge.
The partnership with American and Hyatt made me fly more with American this past year. Which makes it more appealing. They have recently done a promo that may cause me to consider flying more with them in the future. I don’t mind United but they tend to screw over their regional airports in this past year. Also, a bit off topic, United has been enforcing an unusual rule with military using their lounges. They created this “leave only” policy which is an oxymoron. Majority of the time any service member is flying is either for leave or business reason. My are they reducing it for leave only members and that’s something we don’t carry orders stating “bbwe are on vacation.” It’s the dumbest rule of the major three airlines with lounges. ✈️🇺🇸🌎🔺
✈️ I can live with the visit reductions. It’s the annual fee per AU card that grinds my gears. I Don’t think that it was mentioned: Do the AUs get their own 6 visits or is that pooled?
✈️ Most places I fly to have a Centurion lounge including my home airport. I rarely find myself at an airport that has a Sky Club but no Centurion lounge. So the access change isn't a huge deal for me I don't think I'll hit 6 visits a year
✈️🛩💥 that's my emoji representation of these changes to their program. Crash and burn more epic than the SPG to Bonvoy changes. American, United or Alaska would be the only options. Personally, I value Star Alliance more than OneWorld.
These travel companies really piss me off. When times are tough (like during the pandemic) they were crying about bleeding money and having to park planes.When fuel prices go up, they cry, and price the tickets out of the reach of most people. Then just as soon as things look up, they start cutting back services and again running ticket prices through the roof. Now people are starting to fly and they want to shut the doors to the lounges. Thankfully, I don't fly that much but when I do fly, I fly economy so that will affect me. I'll just have to use my spending power elsewhere.
✈ I knew the writing was on the wall. I started making an effort to pursue BA status for the same one world benefits (because most of my flights are to europe or around the east coast so it's easy to fit in DCA/CLT.
This was probably some consultant’s plan to boost profits while cutting services. These policies cater to consultants because who else flies this much? Seems McKinsey or BCG was biased when developing this plan
Ouch, that really hurts. Being able to stop in made the requisite connections through SLC and ATL bearable: guess American is going to get more of a look.
AMEX Platinum has been on the chopping block for our family for a while now. Seems like the perks are slowly being chipped away. We are Keeping the AMEX Gold, Hilton Aspire (better status/perks than Platinum), upgrading Delta Platinum to Reserve, and BBP.
I'm so damn sick of these Companies. No one cares about EARNING your business anymore. It's all about figuring out ways to F their customers. I'm calling AmEx to see if I can cancel my card and go back to a regular AmEx.
✈ I am not in a Delta hub so this doesn't affect me but I am in American Airline hub. It would be nice if Sebby would do a video on best ways to get AA loyalty points for top AA status. It would be a big help and hope AA doesn't see the video. 😂
✈On the surface this does not appear like it will affect me very much. I have an Amex Platinum and I have yet to go to a Delta lounge more than 6X in a year. My major question is what effect, if any, will this have on guest access? I gain entry with the Platinum and use the airline credit to pick up the tab for bringing in my wife. Are they dropping paid guest access?
Why r they approving too many people for the plat and y aren’t they opening more lounges? I dunno…it seems Amex can’t keep up and they are alienating customers instead of expanding lounge access. I’m probably just going to keep the gold card next year.
I'm going from Gold Medallion to free agent. I'm in NY so I have pretty much every airline at my disposal. I've considered going to United bc Star Alliance has the best partners (IMO) but I don't care for venturing out for EWR. I'll probably end up flying a lot more JetBlue, tbh. Delta is still a good option in NY but I'm not going to chase status. I'm definitely going to downgrade the Delta Platinum to the Gold card now, since they've absoulutely neutered the value proposition of the Delta Platinum card.
✈️ I will not be switching cards, but this is disappointing. I was an Alaska MVP Gold (oneworld Sapphire) for about 18 months and the lounge benefit on international flights is amazing! I love how Alaska does status and the integration with other oneworld airlines is really well done. No friction getting into the incredible Business lounge in Helsinki when flying Economy. Made for a great experience before my flight, will be a oneworld loyalist for a long time.
Thank you for posting this video. Next year will be my last hurrah with Delta Diamond Status. This really is a much worse version of the AA Loyalty points program. No frequent flier is going to use the Delta rental car a& hotel portal through expedia just to get $200 MQDs and loose all their rental car and hotel perks.
I’ve had both the AMEX Centurian black card and the Platinum card. Now I don’t have either of them. It’s been ok. Too much to pay out I learned with not much in return. Although the Centurion black card sure got me some nice attention from attractive women! 👍🥰😎
DL is killing two birds with one stone. First, reducing SC overcrowding. Second, incentivizing co-branded Amex card use. I have been a SkyMiles member for over 35 years, and am a million-miler with a DL-branded Amex platinum. I retired this year, so my medallion status will revert to silver. We don’t have a SC at our home airport, so we enjoyed SC access on long layovers and at airports with a SC - paid the $50 each to get in, 3-4 times a year. So, upgrades are gone, and so is SC access. DL said they rewarded million-milers (their most loyal customers as they put it in the release) by moving million-milers from 6th place to third in tie-breaker criteria. That’s useless as long as medallion level is the first tie-breaker. I get it, I’m not part of their preferred customer base any more. I’m fine with that, but don’t blow smoke up my rear end by telling me how much you value my loyalty. Show me instead.
Changes to SkyMiles for status are a joke but SOMETHING had to be done to stop all these AmEx cardholders from overcrowding DL lounges. Anyone griping about it must not have been subjected to LOOOOOONG entry queues everyday at JFK, ATL or SLC. CONSISTENTLY 20+ deep lines EVERYDAY for the last year.
✈️ Abandoning my plans to pursue Delta status next year, now focusing my energies on trying to get a status match from Hyatt Globalist to AAdvantage Platinum Pro, then use that to obtain benefits flying on Alaska Air out of SFO/OAK in the immediate future or maybe Starlux later on. Now if only Hyatt would send me that (apparently targeted) status match email... 😢
I went in on Delta reserve last December when they had 120,000 Miles sign-up bonus. No way I’m going to spend $75,000 a year going forward. Next week I’ll be in three different cities. in between flying and layovers and coming back. I could conceivably hit eight or nine lounge uses in one week. I’ll stick with it next year but I probably fly about 20 to 25 times a year and don’t think that’s enough to really make any meaningful status. Most likely will be canceling that AMEX as I don’t really use the companion pass.
I was just getting positioned to go all in with Delta in 2024, wow game changer. Trip coming up in March to HKG then back from Singapore, need to go look at all my options all over again and rethink next year. I do not see an upside on this Delta move only some people who don’t get screwed as bad as others. Super disappointed in Delta, but I’ve learned this is a ever changing landscape and you have to be able to change along with it, so AA may be my new 2024 airline. Well done video Sebby as always, Thank you!!
This is so confusing. I expect to travel mostly Delta in the future (they seem to be the only airline that has not switched to hard seats that make my rear end hurt), but there is no way I will qualify for their lounge with this kinds of rules. My wife and I make 2-3 round trips a year (usually with connections, so about 4 lounge uses per trip) in economy plus. What is the cheapest way to obtain lounge access (any lounge)?
My wife just started a job and she needs to fly every week from Atlanta to Minnesota, we were going to apply for the American Express card beginning of October and cancel our American airlines executive card($450). With these new changes not be signing up for the AMEX card.
ATL to MSP route is pretty much dominated by Delta. The Skyclub changes don’t take effect until February 2025 so I would get the Reserve, enjoy the Skyclubs for a year, and then downgrade the card in 2025
Something had to change but Delta way overcorrected here. A lot of Delta loyalists that were flying Delta despite higher fares to maintain status will just switch to booking whatever decent airline has the best fare for the route or just switch to flying another airline entirely. I don't see any good reason to keep a Delta branded card either. These numbers just don't make any sense. It makes more sense to get a better card with better benefits like the CSR.
Here in Salt Lake , Delta rules. I don't doubt that AA might be better in light of this change, but their presence here is marginal. Once when we flew back from Phoenix on AA (Costco package), they dumped us off at the very end of the B concourse that they had attached a temporary ramp that led to a temporary covered walkway that was exposed to the 30 degree temps and howling winds in the early evening. Baggage claim was very nearly a 30 minute walk. The ramp was no joke. At least 100 yards up a pretty steep incline to get to the terminal.
As an Atlanta resident I’ll probably still fly Delta. I hit silver for the first time this year. I don’t spend a lot on my Delta Plat card, so I’m leaning towards cancelling it. I only travel 3-4 times per year. So this doesn’t move the needle too much. If that increases I will probably apply for the Reserve. I really did like the 10k MQM boost on the delta platinum. ✈️
If you’re chasing AA status, don’t sleep on their shopping portal. Every mile earned also converts to loyalty points. It can help speed up the status chase.
I live in Atlanta where there’s no Amex lounge, and tons of delta lounges. But now I have to pay more for main cabin to get into the lounge..? AND pay $700/year.. I’m really reconsidering my Amex platinum card.
Honestly can’t be bothered to deal with these details so I just don’t hold cards with annual fees. No stress worrying I am not getting my moneys worth.
This video has a ton of great points for the Amex Platinum, but what’s your outlook for the value of the Delta Reserve? I question if with all these changes will the Reserve actually be worth it. Companion tickets are great but the companion fares are so hard to use and so few are available.
✈️ Hi Sebby - love your content! I’m currently Diamond with DL and a Million Miler. I made some mistakes over 15 years ago with Amex and I am still on their blacklist even though I now have a high income and a 840 credit score. So Amex spend is not an option for me (unless you know some secrets about getting delisted lol). I still do long mileage runs on Sky Team members to keep my spend up. I’m seriously wondering given all these changes if it’s worth it anymore. Citi loves me and I would have no problem getting their AA card. Do you think it makes sense for me to defect after all these years with DL??
@@AskSebby same here re MQMs your video is making me question in same line - we mostly fly DELTA - wife is DELTA Diamond - I fly less so DELTA Gold/Platinum and also split so also AA Gold - we both have AA Citi Exec card for lounge access and as a back up - we'd do better just switching entirely to AA under these changes - thank you for always being so informative
✈️ Delta has been sending me offers for 85k points for the platinum, I was about to grab the business plat and spend my way to higher status (currently Silver) Definitely thinking twice now, Ink is now a strong contender for a business card
My spend has gotten me to Silver the last two years (~$30K). That won't get me even half way there with the new rules. I did upgrade to the Reserve, so SC access is intact, but this is a bad deal.
Road Warrior here…✈️ Still running the numbers. The number I am shooting for is $75k, I hope to hit that one to get me lounge access for a year. That will seal my renewal. Honestly, I am happy for these changes. The lounges have turned into dumps. I was just in ATL Lounge A17, it is in need of a remodel. Lots of stuff just worn out. It was jam packed, noise was louder than the gate. Grabbed my food and left.
The comments here and elsewhere are interesting, from scorched earth to a pledge of absolute devotion, it is a bit polarizing. I'm moving my Delta Reserve spend to 2 BBP cards, and downgrading my Business Platinum to a Gold. I only fly 3 times a year, why not earn double the miles and pay for my own upgrades?
What happens to the miles you have already earned? I have about 260,000 miles, the lounge is nice but not a real concern for me. I have a Delta Amex platinum card and with spend habits I’ve achieved Platinum Medallion status, but I guess that will become history.
My biggest gripe and part of the overcrowding is families. Especially the centurion lounges at LAX and MIA. crawling over strollers and watching the kids stick their fingers in the buffet while mommy has a Chardonnay. The host at the Miami location was literally pulling his hair out whilst trying to manage romper room.
Got an Amex business platinum card ad while watching this video! 🤣 Anyways I think for sky club access with the cards they should make it unlimited for any route that gets you lounge access in delta one and then put those 6 or 10 visits limit for the short haul flights that don’t give you lounge access for flying business/ domestic first class.
