As a frequent cruiser, I'm also a frequent flyer, and Delta Air Lines has been my preferred carrier for years.
In 2018, I achieved the highest level possible within the brand's SkyMiles program-Diamond Medallion-and already it has been an absolute joy.
It wasn't until last year that I decided to upgrade my American Express credit card to the Delta Reserve variety and, boy, am I glad I did. Sure, its $450 annual fee is a hefty one, but it includes complimentary Sky Club access plus a discounted $29 rate for up to two guests.
Best of all are bonus Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) that are issued after certain spending thresholds. These are what really help in climbing the frequent flyer status ladder. To be sure, most of mine are actually earned by flying them, but the extra boost is often the difference between Platinum, which I've been before, and Diamond.
Admittedly, I was excited when my new luggage tags designating my tier first came in the mail. This time they were composed of fancy embossed metal. Now my carryon robustly dons my travel nerd pride.
What I've loved the most, however, have been a number of pleasant surprises.
As a Platinum Medallion member last year, I was able to choose one major perk in addition to benefits like preferred seat selections, fee waivers, Sky Priority access and more. I chose four regional upgrade certificates that allowed me to upgrade to business class on domestic flights.
For Diamond, I anticipated three major perks, but I wasn't aware that I would also be able to select one extra for having achieved Platinum status on the way up. I was jazzed to be able to first choose four global upgrade certificates for international business class, complimentary Sky Club access for up to two guests and 25,000 bonus miles, then another four regional upgrade certificates.
On top of that, I now get premium aircraft boarding, which permits me on early ahead of Sky Priority, with first class even while flying coach, and I have a VIP phone line. Plus, I earn more miles per dollar as a Diamond member too.
The first time I actually took advantage of the full spectrum was heading to the Travvy Awards in New York from California, and I wanted to test organic upgrades. While I have the certificates, Diamond members get the highest preference for a swap when empty seats are available for waitlist.
With Platinum, I got a couple of upgrades last year with this strategy, but Diamond remarkably placed me in business for three out of four legs-two issued days before the actual flight.
On such a waitlist, only last-minute paying customers and then upgrade certificate holders in descending order of status would take priority. The only reason I didn't get an organic upgrade on the fourth flight was that the business class cabin was already full. Of course, for future flights this year, I'll have the option to apply my certificates to nearly guarantee an upgrade, but at least now I have a sense of my odds.
In either case, I have been extremely impressed with my Diamond experience thus far. Even the little things like the purser on my last flight thanking me for being a loyal customer go a very long way still for my continued patronage.
Bravo, Delta, bravo!
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