Welcome to a weekly feature on the Delta Points blog. Each week this series covers in a “rookie” way either a Delta or travel related theme and attempts to break down to a basic level each topic. You can read up on all the previous posts HERE. Now on to this week’s feature.

A reader asked me to post about all the perks you can get as a Delta SPG CrossoverRewards member and I think this program, with all it’s in’s and out’s deserves a “rookie” look.

The first thing you really need to do, rather than have me just cut-n-paste from the SPG site that has a great description of all the program benefits is to click HERE to read them all (and the Delta.com one is HERE as well). I will summarize real quick the key points and then some of my issues and you can share yours in the comments on the blog below.

All levels of medallion get points but PM & DM get more. They get:

Diamond and Platinum Medallion® members can also enjoy 4pm late checkout, access to the SPG elite check-in line, complimentary in-room Internet access, and upgrades to enhanced rooms at check-in.

So, you get some nice perks that many times cost more money and do give you many of the same perks as a GOLD SPG member and that is sweet (more on this soon).

Then, from the SPG side, GOLD & Platinum SPG qualify, but only Platinum gets all the Delta perks.

SPG Platinum elite member, you are eligible to receive priority check-in, Priority Boarding, and first checked bag free in accordance with the SkyMiles Program Rules and the Crossover Rewards Terms on eligible Delta flights (First checked bag free for the Crossover Rewards Participant and up to 3 additional passengers traveling under the same reservation as the Crossover Rewards Participant.).

So looking in this direction, if you have no status with Delta, you get a bunch of perks that an entry level medallion gets, but noticeably you get NO chances at upgrades that even the lowest medallion (Silver Medallion) does have a chance for. Unlike the Delta AMEX cards (Gold/Platinum/Reserve) that gives you+8 more on the same reservation free bags, this perk only give you+3.

More info to consider. A Silver Medallion with Delta, who only gets 1 free bag now, can get the Delta AMEX and get 2 free bags domestically (50 lbs). But, say you are a Delta Silver and an SPG Platinum, can you then leverage this the same way as with the AMEX card? SPG says:

No Incremental Benefits. A Crossover Rewards Participant who qualifies for elite benefits pursuant to Section 4.2.a and who has Medallion status in the Delta SkyMiles program will not receive incremental benefits. [and]  If you are registered for Crossover Rewards and are an SPG Platinum elite member, you are only entitled to receive one checked bag free.

This also would mean as say a GM or higher you would not then qualify for say 3 bags free from your SPG Platinum status. But what about going the other way, that is, you have say Delta DM status and are an SPG Gold. Do you get more perks since you are already an elite with SPG? Notice what SPG says:

Yes. If you are registered for Crossover Rewards and are a Delta Diamond or Platinum Medallion member, you will receive complimentary in-room Internet during Eligible Stays through Crossover Rewards, so you may choose a different welcome amenity (e.g., 250 bonus Starpoints) as an SPG Gold elite member.

I have had, for the most part, good results with this. I think overall SPG has done a good job. However, some brands do not fully understand the CrossoverRewards program and tend to balk when you ask for more than wifi one perk (I have to tell them I am a CrossoverRewards member and should get both – they relent – but give you “the look” and I hate that)! BTW if a hotel already has free WiFi you do not get to pick more perks:

If an SPG Participating Hotel provides in-room Internet on a complimentary basis, no substitute benefit will be provided to Delta Diamond or Platinum Medallion members who are registered for Crossover Rewards.

Another “gotcha” for those who like to use a booking portal to get extra points. If you do this, you cannot triple dip and get CrossoverRewards. Take a look:

If you make a reservation for a Delta flight through an online travel agency (e.g., priceline.com, expedia.com, booking.com, orbitz.com, elong.com), you are not eligible to receive Crossover Rewards benefits for that flight even if you are registered for Crossover Rewards and are an SPG Platinum elite member. However, if you make a reservation for a Delta flight through a corporate booking tool that is powered by an online travel agency, you may be eligible to receive Crossover Rewards benefits for that flight.

Does this mean others like KAYAK.com would not work? They should be fine as they just scrape data and do not pay extra points. Others, like Travelocity via Ultimate Rewards site and the like maybe readers can comment if they have gotten both those credits and CrossoverRewards (and would be much appreciated btw)!

When it comes to earning SPG points from Delta flights keep in mind that like the Skybonus program  the points are based on the base fare price not the total price of the ticket. Consolidator fares and priceline.com type fares do not qualify. Also it needs to be a Delta code share flight that is have a DL in front of the number (so you could earn on say KLM if a code share flight). For SPG stays, like Delta, tax etc. does not qualify going from SPG to Delta to earn Delta points.

What if you have an issue and points do not post right? Here is where most people are upset as it seems from readers that each company is pointing fingers back at the other. SPG says that:

If you are registered for Crossover Rewards and meet the eligible criteria to earn Starpoints and/or Delta miles for your eligible flight or stay: (1) if you are missing Delta miles for an Eligible Stay at an SPG Participating Hotel, contact the SPG Customer Contact Center; (2) if you are missing Starpoints for an eligible Delta flight, contact Delta SkyMiles Customer Support.

This makes it clear (but I have been told it can still be a fight to get credits some times). Either way, there is no question the CrossoverRewards is a very nice perk in a year where we have seen mostly enhancements cuts from Delta. SPG points are each worth 1.2 Delta Skymiles should you choose to send 20,000 over in one block to Delta Skymiles. If you are a Delta elite or an SPG elite be sure you enroll to enjoy the perks you have coming to you! – René

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Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card
from American Express®
25,000 points card

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Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card
from American Express
25,000 points card

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Today is a reader input day. I tend to spend much of my time in Skyclubs, XpressSpas and in the gate area looking for a bump. Thus, I think I am missing out on a bunch of good eats.

One of my favorite places in Atlanta, that Lisa & my fellow blogger MJ on Travel & I visited before BAcon conference was “One Flew South” (that’s us there in the photo above). Really good food and worth the visit if you have some time to enjoy it (i.e. don’t rush).

If you are in a rush, to me, one of the best values and really simply good basic food is Panda Express. You have so many choices and the seating area to the side of the food court. Both this and One Flew South are both in the center area of “E” concourse.

But these are just two in Atlanta airport and you can look at a PDF of the list as well. There a ton more at Delta hubs (I am sure at other airports too, but we are Delta flyers). What I want to do is get your input. Tell me what place you really like and why in the comments below so when we visit a Delta hub, will know where to go! Thanks for the help – René

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PS – Don’t miss out on the 60,000 point INK promotion ending soon!

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▲Delta▲ SkyMiles® Credit Card
RESERVE/PLATINUM/GOLD
from American Express®
Click here for more information

Congratulations uclalum who says – I have yet to sign up for a Chase card.

(Gosh to be you uclalum – so many points, so many great cards to enjoy)! I will contact you soon via email and you are in the running for the July 1st Silver Medallion Delta Status prize as well!

From all the respondents we see some good data. Very few have ever attempted to get a Chase new card bonus more than once. Some, like my Lisa, after many years (3-4) have been able to get the same bonus again. This may be due to time or it may be due to this long has caused the card to change enough to become a “new” card as we do know that Chase will let you get the exact “same” card again if the card is a “new” card from Chase’s standpoint.

Anyway, I thank you all for your input and feedback. I plan to tinker over the years and please report back on the post if you get some interesting results. Lastly, keep in mind the clock is ticking on the outstanding 60,000 point INK cards! – René

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▲Delta▲ SkyMiles® Credit Card
RESERVE/PLATINUM/GOLD
from American Express®
Click here for more information

The outstanding 50,000 point offer from Chase INK Plus and Chase INK Bold has been temporally bumped up to  60,000  after spending $5000 during your first 3 months of card membership. This makes one of the best deals going even that much better and if you have been waiting to get this card this would be a very smart time to pull the trigger on one or both of them if you have not had them in the past. The Chase INK Cash card, normally 20,000 points has also been bumped up to  25,000  points! While not as good as an initial point bonus, if you already have the other two cards, this can be a very nice way to add to your point totals (I HOLD or had all 3 already)!

Chase has been amazing with support and products the past few years! The Chase Sapphire preferred  40,000  point bonus is still going strong and the Chase Freedom card can get you 7500 points every few months with the rotating bonus categories resulting in 30k per year worth a cool $375 off when redeemed for hotels or cars etc (and can be sent another Chase account in the same household or transferred to many other programs 1 for 1 as well if you want)!

Will they match the 50k deal if you got it inside 90 days? It is worth an e-mail to try as in the past Chase has been the BEST to match the current BEST public offer if you got a card inside 90 days of the current offer! (EDIT: reports are coming in that Chase IS matching if you got in on the 50k offer once you meet the $5000 spend)

I love my Delta for travel but when it comes to paying for so many other things (hello Grand Cayman) Chase is just my very best friend – René

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PS – I will push off the SWAG winner till Monday night this week!

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▲Delta▲ SkyMiles® Credit Card
RESERVE/PLATINUM/GOLD
from American Express®
Click here for more information

There are so many things that can end up creating a KLM travel voucher for you. In fact, you should always, for any kind of delay, either swing by the “Crown Lounge” or, even faster, one of the automated kiosk machines all over the airport and just scan your boarding pass to see if a pre-programmed voucher spits out.

No matter how big or small your voucher is they have a really kool perk when it comes time to redeem them for Delta travel. Why? Notice what Delta.com says about many of these types of certificates.

Paper vouchers may be redeemed at Delta, Air France and KLM ticket counters. Redemption’s at www.delta.com/redeem will not incur a transaction fee. Fees will apply if voucher is redeemed through any other Delta location.

One way to get to a Delta “ticket counter” is to mail it in. Now the mail does take a while so Delta will put your ticket on HOLD until the vouchers get to them should you choose to redeem them that way. You can hold a ticket this way up to 10 days. I have in the past forgot to mail it in and I was not successful asking for an extension so I just went ahead and payed the total due with my Delta AMEX card before the 10 day hold expired (and then used the voucher on another ticket and remembered to send it in this time)!

So be on the lookout for one of these little gems if you get one save it  if you can as most are valid for one year and also keep in mind since they are paid out in EURO’s you will get an even better return vs the dollar (at least at the current going Euro to Dollar rate)! – René

PS – You still have time for SWAG Saturday Skyclub & GoGo pass giveaway!

▲Delta▲ SkyMiles® Credit Card
RESERVE/PLATINUM/GOLD
from American Express®
Click here for more information

Two weeks ago I had a combo Skyclub and GoGo pass and it proved very popular. So why not do it again and give you another shot at the combo SWAG! This week, as every week, the rules can be found HERE. Be sure you comment before the winner is picked at some point Sunday afternoon.

As we all know you can NOT get a Chase card more than once (mostly). You can, when they come out with a “new” product, get the “same” card again as it really is not the same card, but a new card. This is much different from other banks that either have no time limit or a time limit you must wait before you get a card and can get a new card bonus again. Because of this, there are many Chase cards that I will always HOLD or keep and pay the annual fee (and plus I really like some cards too as you can see).

But then there was Lisa’s successful attempt at the 80,000 point Priority Club card and getting the bonus again after many years away from the card. Others have also after waiting a great many years also received the new card bonus again.

So to have a shot at this round, I want some feedback and feel free to comment with JUST your first name or a screen name if you would like to enter that way. I want to know if you have ever got a new card bonus more than once for the same Chase CONSUMER (or personal) card and if you did  HOW LONG  it was between cards apps and or closing of the old card. If you have ever done this please say so and what card it was like the   Chase Sapphire  or  Chase Freedom  or  Chase BA  . If not, you can just comment you have never had the same Chase card more than once for example and that will count as an entry. I thank you all in advance for the help! – René

▲Delta▲ SkyMiles® Credit Card
RESERVE/PLATINUM/GOLD
from American Express®
Click here for more information

I have to give credit where credit is due. I am just so impressed by the layout on the Facebook page for the Delta Points blog. Check out how neat and clean and crisp the “look” above is. I mean, you get a great quick full review of each post. You get the lead photo in the post included as well. You can keep scrolling down FOREVER without having to click on a next, next, next button or line. This is truly impressive and I need to say I made a mistake to not have Delta Points on Facebook from the very start so I am sorry for that mistake (even though I still don’t love Facebook in general).

I have gotten good feedback on the monthly review that will be a new standard feature of the blog but if you ever want a quick and immediate review of the latest on the blog “Liking” and saving the Delta Points Facebook home page is a great way to get caught up fast. ;-)- René

Be sure to check back at 1:PM for SWAG Saturday – Skyclub pass up for grabs!

▲Delta▲ SkyMiles® Credit Card
RESERVE/PLATINUM/GOLD
from American Express®
Click here for more information

The oldest advice is still the best advice. No matter if you are an elite at any level or just a Skymiles member, if you do not like what you are hearing just say thanks let’s wait and leave it all alone for now and hang up and call back!

Today, talking to a DM rep, I could “hear” that this was not going to go well. The conversation went like this:

Me – I need to split a reservation for (date) for my wife and I

Rep – Let’s see split a reservation ok hold on…

At this point I start to sweat. Oh no. The things that could go wrong at this point. And this is the Diamond line no less. At this point, stopping would more than likely be much worse, but I knew what I was soon in for (I could taste it almost).

Rep – can you hold for just a minute

Me – sure (inside now scared beyond belief and checking Delta.com like a hawk)

Many, many minutes go by and I keep sweating and looking at my wife like “this is just stupid”!

Rep – OK I got it split.

Me – Great thanks (I think about hanging up at this point, but press on)

Me – I need to get Lisa’s Skymiles ticket changed from this date to one of these 3.

Rep – OK can you hold please.

Me – Sure.

Now I know what will happen next. The rep will come back and say there are no seats at low level. She will say KLM will not give them up. She will ask if I want her to reissue at some much higher Skymiles award. Not this Delta flyer! I get to work on Delta.com leg by leg while I wait.

Rep – I have found some seats for your dates but they are all mid level.

Me – That will not work for me! I have found some flights can I give them to you?

Rep – OK sure.

Me – Flight one, flight two, overnight then flight three. All show low level. Do you agree?

Rep – Oh yes, so you want to overnight?

Me – (thinking to myself – yes I told you that I will be happy to overnight when we started this) Yes, do you see the seat?

Rep – Only 1!

Me – My wife is only one so we only need 1!

Rep – Oh, yes. Thank you so much for helping me do my job. I have it reissued. Do you need help with hotel or car rental for Lisa

Me – No thanks all set (thinking I just want to get off the phone and NEVER talk to you again lady)!

So, there you are kids. Never ever ever forget with Delta or any other reps, if you don’t like it, and don’t want to teach them how to do their jobs then hang up and call back! – René

▲Delta▲ SkyMiles® Credit Card
RESERVE/PLATINUM/GOLD
from American Express®
Click here for more information

Hi Everyone,

I am so excited about cruising again, now that I have seen what is on the horizon. I love Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, it was my first major cruising experience and I really believe if you enjoy cruising, the first line you cruise with will always be your favorite. You can always count on great food and service with the Royal Caribbean Lines (they have their own rewards card too but you are better off with a Chase Sapphire).

Royal Caribbean will be introducing a new class of ships starting with the Quantum of the Seas due to sail late November 2014. This ship will leave from Bayonne, New Jersey and will be doing Caribbean sailings.

Since the ship is slightly smaller than the Oasis class, the goal this time around is not to be the biggest ship afloat, but the one with the most new innovations to keep everyone “wowed” and have unending, non-stop entertainment on board.

The Quantum of the Seas will have all the extra bells and whistles we have come to know and love about Royal Caribbean like the rock climbing walls, and FlowRider surf simulator, but also it has added some amazing things that will make other ships sad when they pull into port next to the Quantum!

⚓  The North Star

This is a large suspended observatory capsule that raises you over 300 feet above sea level where you can see the most awe inspiring views of the ocean and the destinations you are visiting. Leaving from Bayonne in the North Star you would have the most spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty. Even though being suspended over the ship is not something I would normally love, I would try it for that view alone.

⚓ RipCord by iFly

This is an enclosed sky-diving simulator! You dress the part with a sky diving jumpsuit and helmet and spend time with experienced instructors who teach you the correct body position and techniques. You are suspended, thanks to wind tunnel technology and you will be able to reserve this online like you do with shore excursions prior to sailing.

⚓ SeaPlex

This is an indoor activity space that has a roller-skating rink, bumper car rink, a circus school and a basketball court. If you happen to work up an appetite while you are there just walk over to the food truck located nearby to grab a snack.

⚓ TWO70

This looks like someplace where I would spend lots of time. It’s a huge open area with a 270 degree panoramic view with floor to ceiling windows that span two-and-a half decks high. During the day it’s a great place to relax with friends and have a great conversation while listening to someone play the piano in the background. Then during the evening the setting is transformed when they dim the lights, add the 3 story video wall and have Cirque du Soleil type performances. If you want to have a drink, there is also an ice bar!

Other awesome additions are the virtual balconies in the interior staterooms as well as the connected single staterooms that allow more flexibility for people traveling alone or larger families who need the extra space. For children there is the Adventure youth programs, DreamWorks characters and first run movies as well as free character breakfasts.

If you are a frequent cruiser now the destinations are not the only reasons to sail, this ship promises to keep you entertained and happy in port and out at sea.

Bon Voyage⚓  – Tamara

▲Delta▲ SkyMiles® Credit Card
RESERVE/PLATINUM/GOLD
from American Express®
Click here for more information

I thought Monday’s post would cover just about all the common questions I seem to often get via e-mail. Little did I see that this would spur a bunch more. So, let’s again try to knock out all the new round of “common” questions (at least now I will have a few good posts to send links to reference so thanks and please keep these question coming – they are great)!

Q/S) I have the Delta (Gold/Platinum/Reserve) card so I get a bag free. I booked an award ticket for my mom and they made her pay for her checked bag – it should have been free right?!
A) She should have paid, sorry. It seems bag fees questions never end. With the Delta AMEX card the up to 9 free bags (you+8 more traveling with you) you must be in the group. The fact that the points came from your Skymiles account is fine, but unless you are on the plane too the others have to pay for their own bags (unless they have their own Delta AMEX card that is).

Q/S) When buying my ticket Delta asked me about award booster to get extra Skymiles for my trip. I do need a few more for an award. Is this a good deal?
A) Almost NEVER! The cost is way too high per point. Having said that, if you cannot get points the other simple way with say a Delta AMEX or the so many other ways to get points, then for say 1000 or so it may work out to get you over the top. Just understand you are way over paying for these points.

Q/S) I am on a non-award ticket, should I split the revenue ticket for a better chance at an upgrade?
A) Maybe but if you do, depending on your partner’s status, one of you may have no shot at an upgrade. What do I mean? Say you are a Platinum Medallion and your partner has no status at all. On a paid ticket, you both, if on the same reservation, have a chance at the 24 hr window to upgrade. But, if you split, you have a chance at the 5 day window all the way until flight and that may work better, but then your partner is stuck in coach (or if you are nice you give then your seat and you ride in back ). [edit: reader reports you can still request partner upgrade after split; I have had issues doing it this way in the past but at least know it is possible] Also, just since we are talking splits, on an award under the above condition it could be a good idea to split as you must both be GM+ to have any chance at an upgrade.

Q/S) Can you please tell me how to do a mileage run HUB city like MSP, DTW, ATL? There never seem to be any good deals.
A) I wish I had a penny for each time I got this question. The simple answer is it DOES NOT MATTER where you live. I live in South Bend Indiana. It is $400 to fly anywhere and much much more to start a mileage run from South Bend. You know what, I don’t care. When a good run comes up I book it back to back days! I then, before my 24 hr cancellation window is closed, try to find a way to get from where I live (or for you HUB people from your HUB) to the start city. That is why you should get and USE now and then cards like the Barclays Arrival World Mastercard or the US BANK FlexPerks card (or like me have both) as you can then use these points to not just get you to your start city but also earn miles along the way but not cost you “real” money!

Q/S) Can a medallion help book (i.e. use the elite line) and then book for someone else with THEIR points not the elite’s to get faster/better help?
A) Yes, but don’t abuse this. The elite line, in my experience, has no problem taking the time to book for say your mom or dad or brother or sister. Just be smart about this. While we are talking about this I will knock out another one related to this one.

Q/S) When I log in as an elite I see low level seats but when I go back under my dad’s Skymiles account they are all mid and high award levels. Can I hold them under my account and then call in and book them from their account?
A) Oh such a nice try but no. Elites have greater access to low level awards. Also, holders of the Delta AMEX cards have greater access to low level awards. As soon as your dad’s Skymiles account gets into the mix either or both of these will not apply and the award space will be on their terms not yours. As I talked about in Monday’s Q&A have them consider getting a Delta AMEX and then use pay with miles as an option if the price is right.

Q/S) I was able to get a mixed award ticket coach and business to Europe all at low level (business over the water so it worked out to 100k). But, some of the legs in Europe were coach. Can I, after I book, change those award legs from coach to business class?
A) PM & DM can change all they want free up to 72 hrs before flight so sure just keep checking now and then to see if any part of the trip opens up in business. On a schedule change, on the Delta metal parts, say you were in coach to start from your city to the city you depart from over the water, you should be able to request that one in business and award space should no longer be an issue due to the schedule change. However, no matter what happens, low level space must be open on the partner airlines for you to get those seats even under schedule change issues.

Q/S) I am sick of never being able to use my Skymiles (SkyPesos, SkyPiles, DieMiles)! There are never any seats and I have a ton of points, 55,000! Is there anything good in the Skymiles Marketplace to buy to cash out and be done!
A) OK deep breath. Again, you need to read the E7 post in the Essentials tab. Next, if it is just too much work, please e-mail ADAM and for his fee you will at least get real value from your Skymiles. If you just don’t want to do that then there can be some value in the Skymiles Marketplace. Look at hotel rooms or car rental. You can, with just a little work, get close to 1 cent per point value. Also look at spending your points at 1 cent each to just buy a ticket. I value my Skymiles at near 2 cents each so I would not do this often. But if you want out, at least get a decent return as you burn them please. (btw 55k is not a ton of points, I am still over 2 million on all programs and desperately trying to spend down under 1 million but there seem to be too many good credit card offers)!

Phew. I think that does it (until I get like another 10 ). No seriously, if I have not covered a topic you want to know about feel free to comment below (click the word comments and scroll down) or if you have a follow-up question to the above ones. – René

PS – I am doing my best to keep up with e-Mails but am behind.

If I don’t get to you, feel free to e-Mail me again please!

▲Delta▲ SkyMiles® Credit Card
RESERVE/PLATINUM/GOLD
from American Express®
Click here for more information