You might say its time had come. I applied for and received a Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card from American Express. Let’s explore why getting a credit card that comes with a $450 dollar annual fee was a good idea for me, and may be the right card for you. A while back I posted about the impact my relocation to Atlanta has had on my Delta SkyMiles experience. In short, I am all Delta, all the time. While I don’t consider myself a hard core “road warrior,” I certainly fly enough to obtain a middle level of elite status, and this year, an even higher level of status is well within reach. Assuming my current flying patterns continue, I will achieve SkyMiles Platinum Medallion status this year.

A hiatus in my travels last year led to my descent into the seventh circle of hades, aka being a Silver Medallion in Atlanta. Now that I am on the road again, I’ve been earning Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) at a pretty steady pace. Gold Medallion is on the horizon, and Platinum Medallion is probably coming just in time for Christmas. As I’ve been flying more, I began to consider what things I could do to obtain status more quickly. Right now is not a good time for me to mileage run even though I’ve seen some really attractive fares out there. However, with no need to apply for a mortgage, and being in a good place with my credit card situation, it is a good time to add a new card to my wallet. Since the Reserve Card includes 10,000 MQMs with your first purchase, I felt like this was a good option for me.

Applying for the personal Reserve Card was out since Amex won’t allow you to earn the bonuses that come with a new card if you’ve held another personal SkyMiles card product within the last 90 days. I already carry the personal Platinum Delta SkyMiles Card, so I applied online for the Reserve Card for Business. I completed the application, which was already partially completed thanks to using my Amex website login. I was instantly approved for a fairly generous credit line, and they expedited the card to me via UPS. I made my first purchase the day I received the card, and the 10,000 bonus MQMs posted to my account within a few days, even before my first statement closed.

While the MQMs were a big motivator in my application for the card, it does come with some nice benefits such as Sky Club access for you and up to two guests, priority boarding, and a first checked bag fee waiver for you and up to nine companions in your same reservation. The personal Reserve Card is now offering 10,000 bonus redeemable miles with your first purchase as well. With either card, you will earn a 15,000 bonus MQMs and 15,000 bonus redeemable miles when you spend $30,000 dollars on the card during a calendar year. If you spend an additional $30,000 during the same calendar year you will receive an additional 15,000 bonus MQMs and 15,000 bonus redeemable miles.

In summary, lacking the time for a well placed mileage run at the moment, the Delta Reserve Credit Card was the right option for me. In addition to the MQM bonus, the card comes with compelling benefits that make it worthwhile for me as a budding Medallion flier living in Atlanta. Did you know that the Reserve card is one of the “tie breakers” in the Medallion upgrade queue within your elite level and fare class? If you are in a travel situation similar to mine, the Reserve Card might be worth a look for you.

-MJ, May 13, 2013

LINK: The Delta Gold/Platinum/Reserve Credit Card from American Express 

If you apply for and receive a credit card through the link in this post, I will receive a commission. After selecting “Apply Now” you will see an option to apply for a business card if that is the type of product you are looking for.

Hat tip: The Points Guy

The Points Guy and others had some interesting posts Wednesday afternoon about what appeared to be an accidental early release to Delta.com of the details on a new “revenue based” SkyMiles program. As you might imagine, there are also some spirited discussions taking place at Flyertalk and Milepoint. Highlights of the possible changes include:

Beginning March 1, 2013, the Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) SkyMiles members earn on select fare classes will change:

For Delta-marketed flights, the MQM bonus for First/Business F and J fare classes will double from 50% to 100%, and Economy M fare class will no longer earn a 50% MQM bonus. This change will apply to tickets purchased on or after March 1, 2013.

The above changes also will apply to F-, J- and M-equivalent fare-class tickets on Aeromexico-, Air France-KLM-, Alaska-, Alitalia-, and Virgin Australia-marketed flights. This change will apply to travel flown on or after March 1, 2013.

Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) – Coming Next Year

Beginning January 1, 2014, SkyMiles members residing in the United States (excluding Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) will qualify for Medallion status based on an additional threshold – the member’s annual spending with Delta, which will be measured by Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). Members must also meet the existing Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) qualification criteria.

The threshold ranges from $2,500-$12,500 MQDs depending on Medallion level.

Alternatively, Delta SkyMiles Credit Cardmembers can be waived from the new Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) requirement if they make at least $25,000 in Eligible Purchases within the calendar year.

Where does MJ stand on this?

First, I am taking a wait and see attitude as to whether or not this actually happens. Second, if it does, as long as these are the only changes on the earning side, it will not change my flying patterns as they currently stand. I carry a Delta Amex card, so the spend requirements for MQDs will not impact me. Even if I didn’t carry the card, rest assured, Delta will be getting $2,500 in travel spend out of me and that is only going to rise now that I have relocated to Atlanta. Frankly, there is something I find compelling about connecting loyalty from branded card spend with loyalty from flying. I also can’t help but wonder if tying spend at some level to Medallion qualification might possibly impact some of the 75+ upgrade lists in a good way as well? OK, maybe not enough to matter, but it’s a nice thought.

I have also seen some write that these changes are just part of the program, and that we haven’t heard anything on the redemption side just yet. While that is technically true, I would opine that SkyMiles became a revenue based redemption program with the advent of 3-tier awards a few years ago. We’ll see if more change is coming on that side of things. In the meantime, I will be flying Delta almost exclusively for the foreseeable future.

This just in from Delta. Bonus MQMs….. makes an appearance from time to time… I seem to remember more lucrative offers at times in the past, but I’ll take what I can get.

“Get to your next Medallion status faster with Hilton HHonors™ and Delta. Sign up for this offer and you’ll earn 250 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM’s) to elevate your Medallion status. Plus earn double miles and get to Award Travel faster when you book and complete a two-night stay between now and December 15, 2012 at any participating hotel or resort within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio.* Be sure to select Delta as your preferred Double Dip® Points & Miles™ partner in your HHonors profile to qualify for this offer. With two times the rewards, you’ll get to experiences worth sharing faster than ever.”

Since I have a few hotel stays coming up, I’ll be taking advantage of this. Be sure to check out the full terms and conditions and register here.

OK, I realize I’m probably in the minority here at Boardingarea.com and probably anywhere else in the world of miles and points, but I limit my loyalty. What do I mean? You won’t find me attempting to hoard miles and points in tons of different programs. I pretty much stick to a couple of airlines, a couple of hotel chains…and maybe a rental car program or two along the way. Throw in Chase Ultimate Rewards and a little bit of Amex Membership Rewards, and I’m covered. I don’t suppose that I should forget Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program either. While it doesn’t work like a frequent flier program, I do get perks for cruising with them a lot, so I’ve decided to focus on Royal Caribbean (and Celebrity which grants equivalent elite status for Royal Caribbean cruisers) for cruising.

There’s a reason I don’t pursue a points hoard in a plethora of programs. Primarily, I just don’t have the time to keep up with more than a handful. Services like AwardWallet make it easier to track multiple programs, but given the airlines’ apparently growing antipathy towards services like that, I’m beginning to wonder how much longer until other airlines and even hotels jump on the bandwagon of not permitting outside access to our balance information.

With a limited menu of programs that I’m willing to invest in, I must choose my programs wisely…..with a focus on those where I’m likely to obtain and sustain some level of elite status. Living in Atlanta, my choice is pretty much made for me…. I must learn to live with Delta SkyMiles and find ways to make that program work for me. I look at earning elite status and earning redeemable miles as two separate things. Elite status is very important to me for my air travels so I must focus on obtaining that with the airline I’m likely to use most. As a result, I’ve pretty much gone full immersion Delta for the time being. SkyMiles are among the most challenging award currencies to use, but I need to increase my SkyMiles stash and that’s where my focus is right now.

With SkyMiles’ notoriously stingy redemption opportunities, one must think about a backup plan. For me, that’s either going to be AAdvantage or MileagePlus. I like AAdvantage. In fact, AAdvantage is my favorite all around mileage program. I have lifetime Gold status…..and a few miles in my account. I’ll hold on to them, and fly American when it makes sense. But MileagePlus is where I will focus on building my backup miles. United offers fairly decent redemption, and the fact that I can instantly transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points into my MileagePlus account makes this an easy decision as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is likely to remain in my wallet for a very long time…..at least as long as the card product remains as good as it is today.

Hotels have become an easier decision for me. My travel patterns just won’t allow for me to stick with my favorite program, Starwood Preferred Guest, exclusively. I’ve always struggled with who I should choose as my backup….Hilton or Marriott. I’m in another minority blogger category in that I prefer Marriott Hotels to the Hilton brand, but it’s easier to maintain mid tier status with Hilton. Reward stays count for elite credit with Hilton, and the threshold for obtaining status is lower than Marriott. Nonetheless, I still struggled with making the call on this. Then the Hilton HHonors Reserve Card rolled onto the scene. I struggle no more. Hilton Gold status is a benefit of just carrying the card. Hotel loyalty settled.

I realize that many of you are more dedicated to the pursuit of miles and points than I am. And do know that I don’t just forgo the opportunity to collect other currencies. If I’m not using one of my “focus” program airlines or hotels, I don’t just ignore their loyalty program, I just do not dedicate time to keeping up with other programs. I am sitting on enough Dividend Miles to fly us to Europe roundtrip in Business Class, and it’s only a matter of time and opportunity before we do just that. However, I personally struggle to stay on top of dozens of programs. Keeping my focus on a select handful that benefit me the most is a strategy that works best for me and has helped me continue to travel well. Like all things mileage program related, YMMV. Look for a future post on cruise loyalty.

LINK: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card 

LINK: Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve 

Disclosure: If you apply for and receive a credit card through the links provided, I will receive a referral bonus. Please know I appreciate your readership whether you use my links or not.

As you know, the MJ on Travel team has relocated to Atlanta. We are settling into our new digs, and our belongings (what we didn’t drive down) will arrive this weekend. Looking at my travel calendar, I have 8 Delta flights booked over the next several weeks, and that’s just what I know about. There will be more. That brings us to my first travel-related question of the move: Amex Platinum or Delta Reserve?

A review of the benefits of each card is in order.

LINK: The Platinum Card from American Express

• This is a key card in any traveler’s wallet, and one that I’ve been carrying for several years. I rarely use the card for routine charges, but it is instead one that I carry for its many benefits including:
• Access to the airport lounges operated by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and US Airways on day of travel. Note: You can access US Airways lounges whether you are traveling with them that day or not. Additionally, you will receive Priority Pass Select membership offering access to hundreds more lounges.
• The Cruise Privileges Program offering up to $400 dollars in onboard spending credits, upgrades, and other onboard amenities on many cruise lines.
• A $200 dollar airline fee credit annually which covers things like baggage fees and onboard meals. You can only receive this benefit on one airline per year, so choose wisely.
• The Fine Hotels and Resorts program offering room upgrades and many other benefits at select hotel properties worldwide.
• Starwood Preferred Gold status.
• Status in the rental programs at Avis, Hertz, and National.
• Global Entry fee waiver. ($100 dollar value)
• Many, many other benefits that you can read about here. The annual fee for this card is $450 dollars.

LINK: The Delta Gold/Platinum/Reserve Credit Card from American Express

This card is the top tier card offering from the Delta SkyMiles program. It comes with annual fee of $450 dollars as well, and it includes access to Delta Sky Clubs. There are other benefits as well.

• 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) (and now 10,000 redeemable miles too) with your first purchase. You can also earn up to 30,000 additional MQMs. 15,000 when you charge $30,000 dollars in a year, and an additional 15,000 when you charge $60,000 dollars. You’ll receive 15,000 bonus redeemable bonus miles at each of these thresholds too.
• Priority for Medallion upgrades.
• First checked bag for free for you and up to nine companions in the same reservation.
• Concierge services.
• You can read about the other benefits of this card here.

Each of these cards carries some compelling benefits. As a guy who is about to be flying Delta almost exclusively, the Delta Sky Club access, and most especially, the additional MQMs that come with the Delta Reserve card make that an enticing possibility. That said, as some of you know, MJ on Travel likes to cruise. The airline lounge access (including the Delta Sky Club), the Cruise Privileges program (which includes my favorite lines Royal Caribbean and Celebrity), and the $200 annual airline fee credit mean that this card actually pays for its $450 dollar annual fee itself. That’s even before I add in the value of SPG Gold status and the Global Entry fee.

On the other hand, the Delta Reserve card only gets me into the Sky Club, and does not include the benefits of the Platinum Card I value most. However, the bonus MQM possibilities are enough to make me seriously consider this card. I’m a little loathe to carry 2 cards that come with a $450 dollar annual fee each card. I will keep the Amex Platinum Card and forgo the Delta Reserve card. If I come up a little short on MQMs by year’s end, then I may reconsider. Afterall, if the Amex Platinum Card already pays for itself, am I really paying two $450 dollar annual fees? Will I even care if the Delta Reserve card saves me from losing status? Stay tuned. But for now, Amex Platinum wins!

Disclosure: If you apply for and receive a credit card through the links I’ve provided, I will receive a referral bonus. As always, please know I appreciate your readership whether you apply for a card through one of my links or not.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.

I’ve really enjoyed reading Gary’s analysis and thoughts about Delta’s recent award chart change which led into a discussion about revenue based frequent flier programs. I won’t call him right or wrong, I’ll only say you should read what he says if you haven’t already. I don’t even have anything to say about what Delta did. Actually, I have plenty to say about that and revenue-based programs. The reason I stay away from the discussion is that there are a plethora of blogs out there talking miles and points to no end. Gary’s blog, is of course, the patriarch…and the granddaddy of them, and one I read every day. I just don’t think I’d have that much to add to what he and the other handful of top bloggers have to say in this debate. I am always glad to discuss my thoughts on these things when I see you in person at any of the frequent flier events.

I do have to say that I think many fliers over-estimate the bottom line contributions of the various mileage schemes to the profitability of airlines. I’m not saying that they are not profitable, I simply don’t think they are “beyond your wildest dreams” profitable. Just my opinion. Here’s another opinion for you. Revenue based programs are coming to an airline near you. Personally, I began to ponder the possibility of revenue-based programs with Delta’s introduction of “pay with miles” a few years ago. All indications are that Delta is very likely to make a move in this direction at some point in the future.

Personally, I think the other airlines will let them go first and see what happens. If the world doesn’t stop spinning, it is a virtual certainty that the other airlines will begin to follow suit. Whether that’s good for them or not, I don’t know. Rumors are that some of them seem to think revenue-based is a good idea. Only time will tell. I hope it doesn’t happen, but if it does, I will still find a way to play…. and you can take that to the mileage bank.

I’m apologizing for the second time in a week for the light content here at MJ on Travel in the last few weeks. Suffice it to say that I’ve had a bit going on personally and professionally, and now it’s time to come clean. I have an announcement to make.

MJ on Travel world headquarters is relocating to Atlanta.

Yes, MrsMJonTravel and I have had it going on for a few weeks now. You know the drill if you’ve ever moved. Real estate….selling a house, buying a house, packing a house, marketing a house…..etc. In short, I’ve simply been oddly busy, and as a result, I’ve neglected the blog a bit more than I would prefer. Actually, I think this change will make for some good blogging material. Moving…flying… and learning to love Delta. Actually, I already love Delta, it’s just that now I’m going to be loving Delta a lot more, and attempting to figure out how to make SkyMiles work a little better for me.

Your tolerance is appreciated as we work through this. We’re kind of excited about the whole thing.

Delta is offering a 50 percent bonus on purchased SkyMiles through July 31, 2012. I don’t need to debate the relative value of SkyMiles versus other currencies here. We all know the deal. And we also know my advice on buying miles. Don’t do it unless you are topping off your account to take advantage of a specific award. But if you’re going to buy miles you might as well get some bonus miles too. Click here for details at Delta.com.

Edited to add: And Gary offers a pertinent comment. I scrolled to the bottom of my email and found this: “This offer is open only to the recipients of original email. Offer is not transferable and cannot be combined with any other offers. Transaction must be completed between now and July 31, 2012 to receive the 50% mileage bonus. The 50% mileage bonus offer expires at 11:59 pm CST on July 31, 2012. Offer does not apply to miles transferred under the SkyMiles Transfer Miles program. The 50% mileage bonus will post to the account within 24 hours of purchase. Offer is not transferable and cannot be combined with any other offers.”