Redeeming Miles for Award Travel Can Be Challenging

A piece from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution over the weekend highlights the challenges travelers face attempting to redeem frequent flyer miles for free flights. Specifically mentioned is Delta Airlines, recently rated 2nd to last out of 22 airlines, for award travel redemptions at the 25,000 mile level. Read more.

Delta Airlines Adds Min Stay Requirement on Some Award Travel

In yet another disappointment to the Delta Skymiles "useless miles" program comes a minimum stay requirement for certain award travel resumptions. Effective August 2010, customers who redeem award travel within 21 days of departure will now have a Friday or Saturday night minimum stay requirement. According to the Delta website certain elite members, Delta-branded credit card holders, and those willing to dish up extra miles for mid or high tier award travel are exempt from the fee.

A growing number of travel experts believe the Delta Airlines SkyMiles program has fast become the worst frequent flyer program in the U.S. due to mounting fees, strict policies, and lack of low-tier award travel availability.

Earn 1,000 Delta Miles for $1.84

(expired)

I've been hesitant to post this deal because Delta Airlines is notorious for blocking members from redeeming miles (one of the worst in the industry), but perhaps you can salvage some value out of it.

Here's the deal: New Shutterfly members earn 1,000 Delta SkyMiles after making their first purchase. Simply buy one photo, add shipping, and the total cost comes to $1.84. Here's the link.

If you are within 1,000 miles of reaching your next "milestone" with Delta, then perhaps this is a deal worth pursuing.

(Edit: Received a note from a reader reminding us that this type of transaction automatically resets the expiration date of Delta SkyMiles another 24 months. Definitely another benefit. Thanks!)

Terrorist Attack Foiled on Detroit-Bound Flight

Breaking News: A Nigerian Man attempted to light a powder aboard a Detroit-bound plane Friday before it made an emergency landing at Detroit International Airport, in what the White House is now calling an attempted terrorist attack. The man had “some kind of incendiary device he tried to ignite” in a bag strapped to his body a U.S. official told NBC news. Two passengers witnesses the attempted attack, and a third jumped and restrained the man. More details from CNN.

Note: The plane includes Delta insignia, but operated by Northwest Airlines.

Delta Airlines To Roll Out Fourth Level of Elite Status

Coming in early 2010, Delta Airlines will introduce a fourth level of elite status to SkyMiles Medallion, the airline's frequent flyer program.

This highest tiered status - Diamond level, is achieved only after earning 125,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles in a calendar year, or flying a whopping 140 segments. Previously, and typical of other frequent flyer programs, the highest level of elite status officially comes after earning 100,000 flight miles or 100 segments.

So what benefits come your way for flying just a "tad bit" more? A complimentary Sky Club membership, entitling you to visit club lounges around the world; 125% Medallion Miles Bonus on all paid flights; and the ability to rollover Medallion Qualification Miles for status the following year. These benefits are in addition to ones afforded to the next tier down - the Platinum level, such as waived award ticketing & redeposit fees, complimentary upgrades, and a selection of Choice gifts.

Delta is expected to make an official announcement of these upcoming changes later today.

Double Northwest/Delta Flight Miles With Delta AMEX

If you have a Delta SkyMiles American Express Card or are planning on applying for one, consider registering for the double flight miles deal that was just released. Simply sign up for the promo, then book your future travel plans on the card, and you will earn double flight miles for the rest of 2009. Click here for all the details.

Delta Airlines Offers 500 Bonus Miles for Online Reservations

Delta Airlines is offering its frequent flyer members 500 bonus miles when booking a round-trip airline reservation at delta.com between April 28 and May 31, 2009. Delta began offering online booking bonuses in the 1990's as a way to encourage Internet bookings, but ended the incentive in 2007.

Delta Promo: Earn Up To 25,000 Miles for Utilizing SkyMiles Partners

In Delta SkyMiles members' email boxes this week comes an offer to earn up to 25,000 bonus SkyMiles for utilizing some of the many partnerships the airline has. You can earn these miles without ever taking a flight!

Here's how it works: Register first. Then, do business with four SkyMiles partners (such as car rentals, hotel stays, ordering flowers) and earn 4,000 bonus miles. Use six partners, earn 6,000 miles, and so on - up to 25 partners to earn 25,000 miles. Qualifying partner activities must occur between April 22 and June 22, 2009. Be sure to read the full (and lengthy) terms and conditions.

Delta Adds New Bag Fee For International Travel

Hit with huge Q1 losses, Delta Airlines announced they will immediately begin charging a $50 fee for most passengers when checking a second bag for international flights commencing on or after July 1, 2009. The fee is expected to generate $100 million in new revenue to the airline annually. This compares to the $794 million loss the airline took in the 1st quarter of this year. Both elite flyers and active military are exempt from the new baggage fee. In addition, all passengers can continue to check the first piece of luggage fee-free on international flights.