@K-in-Boston wrote:Sorry I'm so late to chime in. I feel loved.
Responses so far are great. Even living in a hub (and now that BOS has officially been named one, I guess I do too), having Delta cards can still benefit you even if there might be 8 Diamond Medallions on many of your flights!
Certainly, if you can use the companion certificate each year, Platinum or Reserve make perfect sense since usually that makes your net AF a negative number just after the certificate. On your international tickets, do the math and see if it makes more sense toward status and mileage earnings to book partner or codeshares instead of Delta-marketed flights, but credit your SkyMiles account with the ticket you purchased from Air France, KLM, Virgin, or whoever. Gold Medallion or higher can really pay off with the perks on international itineraries as you'll have access to SkyTeam lounges, expedited security, expedited check-in, etc. even when flying in economy.
As long as you're not opposed to new accounts, I would always highly suggest applying for new Delta cards rather than upgrading since the elevated SUBs are much better than even the best upgrade offers. As a rule, those are once in a lifetime so make sure you can get the highest SUB possible. DW can apply for as many cards as she wants; even being an AU on your account(s) will not make her ineligible for SUBs.
For most people I would agree with the sentiment that the Delta cards are generally best used for the perks and not for spend. But of course if you do, there's the MQD waiver up to PM status and Mileage Boost for Platinum and Reserve cards. I've personally decided to hit $30k and stop on Delta Reserve this year. Hitting PM for 2020 (would have been short this year on MQDs) and knowing that I'll end up using the mileage earned on a high value redemption made that an easy decision for me.
I've mostly eliminated the Reserve from consideration at this point. It may make sense down the line for me, but right now it seems tailored more for spending to enhance/maintain status level and I'm not there yet. Though the companion cert is enticing for First Class redemption, as we fly to the West Coast/PNW a couple of times a year, being in DTW means we don't get the First benefits of Delta One or a highest-tier product since it's not quite transcon.
It's unlikely I'll hit any status this year - flight schedule is a bit slower than expected - so I may go for the Gold and its elevated bonus now. Already several flights on the docket for 2020, including at least 1 international trip, so will probably go back for the Platinum (maybe Reserve if I come around by then) at the beginning of next year when MQMs boost will help me more.
Also, thanks for the help.
