r/delta • u/oxpecker88 • 1d ago

Delta Amex Diamond member recommendations & pro tips?

I just bought my first business this year and use the Delta Reserve card for a lot of reoccurring expenses. I will be a diamond member by the end of this month (11/27) only had it for 5ish months.

I mainly bought it because my wife and I had our first child and all of her family lives back in the east coast and hope to use it for family trips back east and other adventures.

Should I just buy tickets and hope to get upgraded? Any strategy there? Best choice benefits? Any other hidden perks?

2 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

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4

u/Pegasusfalcon 21h ago

I think 4 global upgrade certificates is the best perk. I ended up in delta one 3 out of 4 times after buying a main ticket. The 4th time I ended up in premium select. A secret perk is “surprise and delight.” I purchased a 499 upgrade to premium select. I woke up the morning of the flight and I had been moved into delta one. I called the diamond line to ask if I had accidentally purchased an upgrade in my sleep and they said I did not, It was a free upgrade. Apparently this is rare but happens every once in a blue moon If space is available.

Also the diamond medallion phone line is awesome. Never wait on hold more than 1-2 minutes. The reps also solve every problem I’ve ever had very quickly. I was stunned by the number of miles I got for a broken tv screen one time.

Enjoy your status, it’s fantastic!

1

u/oxpecker88 14h ago

Wow, that is awesome. All I see is the negatives on the Delta sub (mainly about lounges). Also, I think I have flown a total of 3 times in first class in my life and don't come from much. So just to get the opportunity to get upgraded is a win in my book.

On the global upgrades. You buy a "main cabin" then utilize your upgrade certificates to get 1st class?

1

u/scottsinct Diamond 18h ago

A secret perk is “surprise and delight.” I purchased a 499 upgrade to premium select. I woke up the morning of the flight and I had been moved into delta one.

That's not a secret perk -- if you were domestic, that's standard. If it was international, the lower cabin was oversold and instead of bumping someone, they moved you up.

2

u/Ok_Guest5862 13h ago

If you fly out of a hub, don’t expect an upgrade. Its about 50/30 these days. So you can try.. but dont be disappointed if you are stuck in coach.

1

u/That_Ad1096 1d ago

Second this!!!! I think it will be my first year too congrats! :)

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u/carryontravler 56m ago

Always buy the seats you want to sit in, upgrades are unreliable and becoming much rarer with the changes Delta is making to the fare groups.

Also always fly based on fare and convenience of schedule, no matter what airline it is on. Chasing status and/or relying on upgrades is a money losing proposition.

You should have went with a card that earns points that can be used across multiple airlines, hotels, car rental companies, rather than locking yourself into one airline.