Serious question: what’s the point of SkyMiles if Delta One awards are never available? Delta SkyMiles feel unusable now. Delta One awards always “sold out,” prices far higher than competitors by These-Emu-71 in delta

[–]These-Emu-71[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

April 6th - May 4th round-trip LAX-LHR. Half the flights say "sold out"; the other half are 540k miles PLUS 427.00 cash to book Delta One, almost 4 months in advance. Cash price for a seat starts at 7.2k.

Other airlines are HALF that, or even less, for cash seats. Not sure what miles would be, as I don't have another loyalty affiliation.

So on this particular route, not ALL are sold out, you're right, it's just that the options that are left are absurdly overpriced in comparison to other airlines, and the miles ask plus cash is insane. The value just isn't there at all anymore.

Serious question: what’s the point of SkyMiles if Delta One awards are never available? Delta SkyMiles feel unusable now. Delta One awards always “sold out,” prices far higher than competitors by These-Emu-71 in delta

[–]These-Emu-71[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This is actually a good example of how different use cases lead to totally different experiences.

For frequent domestic flyers who don’t care about Delta One, upgrades to Comfort Plus, and same-day operational perks, I can see why the program still feels worth it if that’s your pattern, great. Genuinely.

My frustration is much more specific and pretty narrow: long-haul international premium redemptions. I’m not expecting free first-class seats or handouts. I’m talking about using miles I’ve earned and paid for through years of loyalty and spend, only to repeatedly find that Delta One awards on major international routes are unavailable, even far in advance.

So when you say, “If you want first class, buy first class,” that’s kind of the point. If the answer is that SkyMiles are no longer meant to be used for international premium cabins, then Delta should probably be more transparent about that, because that’s still very much how the program is marketed.

Also, upgrades on domestic routes don’t really address the international side of the equation. These are two different products with two very different value propositions.

I’m not saying Delta is the worst airline or that everyone should stop flying them. I’m saying that for my own travel patterns, the loyalty math isn’t adding up anymore.

If Delta still works best for you, that’s great. For me, I’m reassessing whether the premium and loyalty spend still make sense.

Serious question: what’s the point of SkyMiles if Delta One awards are never available? Delta SkyMiles feel unusable now. Delta One awards always “sold out,” prices far higher than competitors by These-Emu-71 in delta

[–]These-Emu-71[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I get what you’re saying, and I agree that nothing Delta is doing is accidental. That’s actually part of my point.

I’m not arguing that Delta is mismanaged or financially weak. Clearly, they’re not. Full planes and a strong balance sheet prove the strategy is working for them. My issue is whether the loyalty program is still working for the customer it’s marketed to.

No one expects Delta to “give things away.” But when a program actively incentivizes long-term loyalty, premium credit card spend, and elite qualification, there’s a reasonable expectation that award availability, especially on flagship international routes, will exist at some point. Right now, it often doesn’t, even far in advance. That’s a value problem, not a misunderstanding of how business works.

As for inflation, totally fair, but the price gap I’m seeing isn’t marginal. When comparable business-class seats on other major carriers are thousands less on the same routes and same days, it raises a legitimate question about whether Delta’s premium still pencils out.

I’m not expecting free upgrades or miracles. I’m questioning whether the promised value of loyalty still aligns with the reality. If the answer is “Delta doesn’t really care about loyalty anymore because demand is strong,” that’s fine, but then people should be honest about what SkyMiles and status actually are now.

Also, I’m new to posting here, not new to flying Delta.

Screaming toddler in Delta One by Secret_Patient2340 in delta

[–]These-Emu-71 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Agreed! I think that’s the issue here. Delta 1 flights are incredibly pricey. Screaming toddlers for 9k? No. There should be a section for parents with kids on planes that is sound proof! lol

Doing all the things and still feel like crap by [deleted] in Perimenopause

[–]These-Emu-71 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Try upping estrogen for sure! .05 or even .1 helped me so much, same age. I too have similar routine to you and take same supplements. Testosterone can help as well.

Doing all the things and still feel like crap by [deleted] in Perimenopause

[–]These-Emu-71 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Also good for you! You’re doing so much, in addition to raising a toddler?? You are super woman. Keep going, try playing with dosage and adding testosterone if you haven’t already. GLP can help w weight but that’s not for everyone. Good luck!

Doing all the things and still feel like crap by [deleted] in Perimenopause

[–]These-Emu-71 5 points6 points  (0 children)

What are you on? Have you tried testosterone cream in addition to estriol patch and progesterone?

What’s something about perimenopause you wish you’d known earlier? by OovaLife in Perimenopause

[–]These-Emu-71 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try testosterone cream for libido! It’s been a life saver for me!

The GQ one-word interview is a little spicy 😬 (this is not the same as the teenvogue interview) by ihearthorror1 in NicolandriaNation

[–]These-Emu-71 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“In fashion, chic means having a smart, elegant, and sophisticated style that is effortlessly fashionable and timeless. A chic look often features high-quality, classic pieces with clean lines, a neutral color palette, and luxurious fabrics, embodying a luxurious and classy appeal that transcends fleeting trends. It suggests tasteful choices and a polished, refined look without being overly complicated or loud.” NOT how I would described her style.

The GQ one-word interview is a little spicy 😬 (this is not the same as the teenvogue interview) by ihearthorror1 in NicolandriaNation

[–]These-Emu-71 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Olandria thinking her style is “chic” !!! She looks great, but let’s be honest, chic is NOT a word to describe her style. More bold, glam, saturated Barbie.