Times they are a-changing, and so is the Amex Delta Reserve

I’ve been sitting on this one for a week or two. I’ll start by saying that the Amex Delta Reserve has been my primary card for years. It’s the card that really got me into wanting to maximize my rewards. But what long term affect will these changes have on how I use it?

First off, let’s talk about what has been added to the program.

Centurion Lounge Access – This is in addition to the SkyClub lounges that you already get with this card. There are currently nine Centurion Lounges. I visit one of those locations. So this doesn’t do much for me.

Delta Sky Club One Time Guest Passes – You’ll get two of these a year. This comes in handy when I’m travelling with the Mrs, and we want some quiet time before the flight. ($58 value annually)

Status Boost – For every spent $30k ($120k annually) you will get 15k MQMs. These go directly towards building status and are INVALUABLE! Currently you get 15k at $30k & $60k spend respectively. While the ability to earn more MQMs is a good thing, I don’t see myself reaching that even the $90k tier. So not much of a benefit for me. Then when you consider that you will not longer get the Bonus Miles at each tier, I’m actually LOSING 30k miles at a $600 value.

Access to Complimentary Upgrades – Even without Medallion status, upgrades will come your way. How often and when? I don’t know. Who has this card and doesn’t have Medallion status? I can’t tell you that either. No value to me.

3X on Delta purchases – This is a 50% increase on earning Miles towards travel. I don’t often pay for my own travel, so not too much of a benefit to me.

Global Entry of TSA Pre-Check Fee Credit – This is a benefit that I plan on using. While I have had Pre-Check for years, I don’t have Global Entry for that one time a year I travel internationally. Being reimbursed for the $100 is enough to convince me to get it.

What stays the same…

Complimentary Sky Club Access – I use this 95% of the time that I travel. It’s a quiet place to work while I wait for my flight. It’s a quick bite or drink before I take off. It’s even a place where I bring people to meet before we have to depart.

Companion Certificate – This is a good one. Buy a ticket, get a ticket, any cabin class, as long as it is the continental US.

Upgrade Priority for Medallion Members – This means if you’re Gold and you’re competing for a seat with another Gold Medallion member, whoever has the card gets the upgrade. I don’t know if this has ever helped me with a free upgrade, but with the amount of times that I have sat up front, I think it doesn’t hurt!

MQD Waiver – When you spend $25k a year on your Reserve card, you are good to go (as long as you’re not going for Diamond status, then it is $125k)

What’s going away

Sky Priority Security – In order to use Sky Priority, you’ll need to be Gold or higher status. Again, who has this card that doesn’t have status? They practically GIVE you Silver.

Miles Boost – See the Status Boost above. You’ll miss these Bonus Miles for every $30k you spend on the card.

Annual Fee – It’s not going away, but the $450 amount is. They are increasing the fee to $550 annually.

Over all, I am not to happy with the changes to the Amex Delta Reserve. I’m paying more to carry the card, and I’m losing $600 in Bonus Miles. The $58 I’ll save on SkyClub guest passes don’t seem to balance things out.

Don’t believe me? Just see for yourself.