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While I am saddened by the current surge of COVID infections – I am really not surprised. As I posted about back in May, when I was at last fully vaccinated, those who are refusing to get vaccinated are sending us back toward the tipping point where travel again shuts down.
Next, just look at the pathetic state of the vaccine rates in the USA vs. other parts of the world. I mean it is “safer” to be in Portugal, Denmark or Spain than over here.
But on to the topic of the day that is my question about seats. I have very limited travel booked the rest of 2021. Even being a Diamond Medallion elite Delta flyer, with good chances to score free first class upgrades for myself or myself and my wife (my wife gets Diamond status when with me regarding upgrades) I have chosen to either use upgrade certs to move up to first or simply purchased first on all but one of my flights remaining this year.
I just want the extra space to have a small extra measure of safety.
Since Delta is no longer blocking middle seats, the other option I will consider moving forward is buying an extra seat in coach or comfort plus. I have a very detailed post about doing this and all the crazy things that can and do happen if you go this route (and worth reviewing if you missed it). I mean if the price is right (think Delta flash sales or similar) it can be very cheap to simply buy 3 tickets for my wife and I vs. 2.
The other option I am considering is using my Delta Amex BOGO certs this way, that is, buy two seats for myself in coach for the extra space. I have resisted doing this because my certs are from my Delta Amex Reserve card so I can also use them to BOGO first class seats. Plus the fact that Delta keeps extending the expiration dates due to COVID makes me want to hold on to them a bit longer.
I have a feeling I am not the only one who is willing to take these kinds of rather drastic steps just to feel safer in the air (before someone comments, yes, I know the risk of COVID on a jet is low due to down draft air movement once we are up in the air).
This kind of thinking will / does have implications for Delta elites.
With Delta again pushing not just elite status but also (shockingly) ALL MQMs into next year we could see the greatest glut of elites EVER in the airlines history in 2022. This means even more “fighting” if you will for first class upgrades. Take this, along with fear of COVID, and “free” upgrade space could become a truly rare event next year. Then again, maybe the anti-vaxers will drive us back to total lock downs again and we will not have to worry about such things as space on jets.
What do you think? If you are flying at all right now, are you doing like me or? – René
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I have been flying quite a bit even last year and I was using your strategy exactly. I’ve purchased more first class seats than ever before and burned through a lot of upgrade certificates.. My strategy may change in the near future for flying if complementary upgrades become scarce, I may just spend the cash on FC tickets instead of doing mileage runs to meet MQD.
Exactly like you, Rene. RU or buying first nearly on every trip. Only flights I’m willing to risk upgrade to first are short ones. Also, lots of “new” passengers seem to be buying first and yes, next year could be a mess. I’m flying a lot now and with enhanced procedures should make Diamond for 2022.
I thought I was the only one doing this. It’s a sad day when others are booking first like me because IOC the added layer of caution. I’ve been on many delta flights this year already hit gold and all in first. Waste of money for health safety while others suffer in back because they can’t afford it? So many issues. I just backed out of a trip to Italy on Emirates and yes. First class. I never flew first internationally but the first class room with a door made the outrageous price reasonable when it’s health vs money. What a sad state if affairs.
Yup, same. I buy 1st class from the start or use my RU at booking. I’m not taking a chance on hoping for an upgraded anymore… In the past( pre- Covid), I’ve been on top of several HUGE upgrade lists and “somehow” manage to get passed up with multiple 1st class seats being available. ( I didn’t have any RUC left). Like I said… I’m not taking a chance on upgrades in the current environment, I like a line extra space as well. Especially if I’m not traveling with my plus one. The upside is that while I’m not fly as much as the past. And, I’ve not been and will not be going over to Europe anytime soon. Using the 1.75 x multiplier ( l NEEDED the MQD’s) I made Platinum with ease and will make Diamond once again on my next flight.
I am resuming flight for 2021 this week. Before Dl announced continuing DM into 2022, I booked many flights to maintain DM for 2022 using Am booked into FC.
For My domestic flights, I am buying main and either buying UP to FC or using RUCs and GUCs to get out of the fray. Be safe and and happy!
Always nice to see your posts Rene I easily made Platinum for 2022 thanks to rollover and Delta Reserve AMEX spend and I was planning to do a couple of flights in the the fall to make the MQDs for Diamond but with the variants I am hesitant and am wondering if it would be better to hold off flying to Q1 2022 although it looks unlikely that Delta will extend the accelerators so it would cost more,
Had planned to fly back from Japan in February 0f 2022 and at present have decided not to as their is to much turmoil as in regards to changing regulations and do not want to find myself stranded maybe later in 2022 but do not want to take the chance as I am vaccinated here, however see to many variables and have a concern. just me.
I have used COVID to justify it, even though it’s really just an excuse to spend the extra!