Let’s knock out some reader Delta Q&A today.

I have to say I am thrilled about the new Ask René tab and it is a good addition to the blog. Most of the questions below are from the SWAG Saturday drawing that you still have time to enter as I will pick the winner later today! Let’s jump right in.

David asks: Can you do a topic on best tips for using miles to upgrade from a paid flight?

I can knock that one out real quick David. The problem for most of us is we just don’t pay a fare class high enough to use this feature of Skymiles. You see, you need K class or better domestic and M class or better for international. Now if your company lets you pay for higher coach class tickets then burning point for upgrades, when space is open, can be an option for you.

Coptermedic asks: I have, and value, the business Reserve card. Given the fact that you can churn business Amex cards every 12 months, should I cancel and renew for the sign on bonus or just hold the card?

Great question, Coptermedic. We all should know that for AMEX the old rules apply to business cards, that is, you must cancel and wait 365+ days to get the SAME new card bonus again. Now, the big change late last year was that all 3 of the Delta business AMEX cards are now unique products and you can hold them all at once (if you want) and get the bonus for each even if you hold the other ones. This can present some nice earnings chances for Skymiles & MQMs. Up to you what you do with that info. Personally I HOLD my Delta business AMEX Reserve card and have for years and years, but that is me.

Candace asks: Do you have any kind of yearly travel insurance? Do you think it is worth it for the medical evacuation possibility during international travel?

Boy Candace you ask one I struggle with each year. I do buy DAN dive insurance annually as that is well worth the price if I need it – it could save my life. I know of many who do have a yearly policy and I have thought about getting them year after year. If I were on many airlines i.e. not just Skyteam I would get one. As a Diamond I can push that to get what I want, but if I were not I would pay up for a policy that was all inclusive. Good question.

GetToThePoints asks: An article on which programs you can get status on from only credit card spend.

Thanks, GetToThePoints. If you have not had any Delta AMEX Reserve cards it really is simple to get done. Well, simple if you can “make” $120,000 in spend on the two cards by year end. This way, you would get 10k bonus MQMs for getting the personal card (same for biz) and then 30k more spend bonus MQMs per card. You are thus, with just these two, without flying, earning 80,000 MQMs and Delta Platinum status for this year and next. Not bad at all.

Sterling asks: I will drop from DM to PM at end of February. Will my ticket booked and partially flown as DM in January get DM mileage for both legs when the second is flown when I am PM or will I get PM mileage for the return? Also enjoy the blog and keep up the good work and helpful tips!

Hi Sterling. You get paid, a.k.a. the 11x Skymiles for a Diamond, at the time you fly. You will drop to PM on the 1st – period. Sorry.

Bill C asks: Do you think Delta will change the Million Miler program to add a revenue component?

Oh my, Bill C. I doubt it. Now it would not shock me, but I really doubt it. They will just keep cutting what Silver, Gold and Platinum medallions get for perks. That we do know for sure 😉

So there you are. Thanks everyone for stopping by the blog each day (including weekends – hint hint)! – René
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Editorial Note: This content is not provided by American Express. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express.

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