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Normally I hate targeted promotions like this one for Platinum status (because I can never take part in them it seems). Delta has really gone all-in this year on targeted promos. I don’t think I have gotten one single one I could take part in all year in fact. Then again, with Delta all but printing money they can darn well do anything they want and that means only sending promos like this one to those who they could maybe make more money from.
It is unlikely you will be able to take part in this one either and you may not want to even if you can despite the real value being a Platinum Medallion elite flyer includes. First let’s look at part of the T&C and I will bold some of the interesting bits:
“Eligibility: Only members who receive this communication directly from Delta Air Lines are eligible to participate in this offer. This offer is non-transferable. To be eligible for the status upgrade, a Member must (i) register online by 11/17/2015, (ii) book and complete travel on required number of qualifying flight(s) after registration and before the promotion end date of 11/17/2015, and (iii) not have received a status match or complimentary Medallion® status in the past, and not currently be a Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion member.
Offer: Eligible members must first enroll in the promotion by 11/17/2015, in order to participate. Flights booked prior to enrollment will not be eligible for this promotion. Flights must be booked and completed within the promotional period, which is through 11/17/2015. Enrolled members who purchase and complete three (3) round-trip flights during the promotional period will earn Gold Medallion status for the 12 months. Enrolled members who purchase and complete four (4) round-trip flights during the promotional period will earn Platinum Medallion status for 12 months. Medallion status will start one day after completion of qualifying travel. Eligible flights must be round trip. Eligible itineraries may not include segments flown by other airlines. Eligible flights must be operated by Delta or Delta Connection® only. Other codeshare flights operated by Delta partners are not eligible. Only those round-trip flights purchased with a published fare that earns full mileage accrual are eligible. Tickets with Fare Classes, L, U, T, X, V, E are excluded from this offer. Award, Miles + Cash, free, barter, pass travel and certain tickets, including but not limited to bulk, consolidator, cruise, vacation packages (including Delta Vacations® packages), inclusive tour and other tickets where the fare is not disclosed, are not eligible for this promotion.”
The first part in bold is interesting. I always worry about promotions such as these as if you really want to status match an airline, like Delta, most only allow such a match once in a lifetime. You hate to burn such a shot unless you really want to use it. It seems you are out of this promo if you have had any kind of match before with Delta.
Next, while 4 round trips don’t sound like much, you have to book them AFTER you register and book and fly them before the 17th of next month. Now there have been a flood of different promotions such as this one so I may have just missed this specific one in the mix (I try to find any of these that are worth posting about – some are really “meh” at best).
Another big “got ya” if you will is the fare class. Delta wants big spenders and no spending on partner airlines counts (other than connection flights). The discounted coach tickets a.k.a. the ones normally you and I purchase are excluded. You must buy K class or higher for the tickets to count and that means more money. How much more? Look at Atlanta to Los Angeles for an example:
Now I sure don’t mind for a second paying a little more to avoid the cursed evil E BASIC fares but there are limits even for me since I am paying with my own money for my tickets.
Anyway, is this a good deal? Yes if you are in a position to book K+ class fares, can fly all of them in the next few weeks, and understand you get Platinum Status but not the MQMs as a gift so you will still have to fly a bunch next year if you want to keep your status beyond the promotion period. – René
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There don’t seem to be any targeted flights out of DTW (at least none that I’ve seen). Their “warm weather sale” also seems to bypass DTW. 🙁
Got any suggestions on short day trips that could accomplish the four flights in a day or two?
@NBT – Uh, more info? Where do you live? Perhaps you can look at short cheap RT flights that qualify in the right fare class?
I typically fly out of MSP or MKE and am ok driving to ORD or MDW to originate some flying. Not sure of the most efficient way to handle four round trippers. I’m a little frustrated by the fact that you had to register for the promo before taking travel as I have taken two qualifying delta flights in that time but never received any notice about the promo from delta.
@NBT – I would look at ORD-ATL qualifying fare class RT or other cheap ones that qualify. Maybe do many back to back to back (did not see that you could not do them all in a day for example).