Experiences with the Reserve tier Delta

**ooxs** · Aug 31, 11, 5:37 pm

Finally pushed the button and was approved for this card. I wonder if current / previous card members can share experience and useful tips for maximizing the benefits that comes with the card. Additionally what optional programs / rewards can you sign up for as a card member?

**Money card** · Sep 3, 11, 7:40 pm

2 things. 1 you get airport lounge access to places like the us air lounge at all airport lounges in the US. however come sept 30th you wont get continental or united.

you also have a concierge. so let's say you want to come to New York and catch some Rangers games, just pick up the phone and tell them you are looking for Rangers hockey tickets. you need help making dinner reservations either in Detroit or if you are on a business trip just call the concierge and they will be happy to help you. plus you get medallion qualifying miles, room upgrades. I would imagine hotels like the the Sheraton, the Marriott, Ritz Carlton any upscale type hotels I would think. 24 hour road service.

**ooxs** · Sep 5, 11, 7:45 am

I was under the impression that this card will only allow access to Delta lounge.

When you use the concierge service for sold out tickets or hotel room for example, do you pay a premium?

**Money card** · Sep 8, 11, 7:57 pm

both your card and the platinum card are the same annual fee. I would assume you can go to airport lounges in the US, not just on Delta.

**ooxs** · Sep 11, 11, 7:10 am

Thank you for your input, they started posting miles to my Delta Account (20k Plus), that by itself is almost enough for a free domestic fare.

**Money card** · Sep 11, 11, 2:24 pm

Originally Posted by ooxs

I was under the impression that this card will only allow access to Delta lounge.

When you use the concierge service for sold out tickets or hotel room for example, do you pay a premium?

You only pay if you buy something (this is how it works on my capitol1 visa card) however you have the Delta Reserve. Let's say for example you are coming to New York for a week on business. 1 night the Blackhawks are playing the Rangers so you call the concierge and ask them for help buying tickets. You should only be charged for the tickets and no premium. Now as you asked, if the game is sold out or if they are getting you a room at a Marriott and the rooms are all booked, but they are going to get you a room, is there some kind of charge? I don't know you will have to ask them on that one.

**4Runner** · Sep 11, 11, 7:38 pm

With AMEX concierge, I have never been charge for anything extra beyond what i buying. They only charge fees related with the purchase itself, like taxes, shipping, cancellation fee if you book a room and don't cancelled on time if you are not going to use it, etc.

**Pete838** · Sep 15, 11, 8:39 pm

Originally Posted by Money card

both your card and the platinum card are the same annual fee. I would assume you can go to airport lounges in the US, not just on Delta.

Nope. Just DL SkyClub, and only if flying on a DL ticket. That's one reason I got the Platinum instead. IMO, you have to be a pretty big spender before the MQM benefit kicks in on the DL Reserve AMEX, so I went Platinum and also have a DL Gold AMEX. With the Platinum I have Priority Pass lounge access plus SkyClub when flying DL, and the DL Gold gets me 1st bag free and priority boarding.

**ooxs** · Sep 16, 11, 2:57 pm

True Pete, after realizing you get access to more club i was tempted to switch to the platinum but i was advised to closed the account and apply for a new card. Couple things that discourage me from doing this was
1. Not sure if they approve me as i have just applied for the reserve and clear.
2. You get a free first-class round trip ticket (Hawaii here i come) and with the platinum you only get $200.00 voucher.

**Pete838** · Sep 17, 11, 7:15 am

Originally Posted by ooxs

2. You get a free first-class round trip ticket (Hawaii here i come) and with the platinum you only get $200.00 voucher.

Not entirely true. Platinum has a $200 airline fee credit for incidentals, extra baggage fees, in flight food, etc.. Platinum also has what they call the 'international airline program', which grants 1st class companion ticket with a full fare F class ticket. Some people love it, but I've never seen a full fare ticket in F that I couldn't get two identical reduced tickets for less money. For business travelers whose company is footing the bill it will allow you to bring the wife at no cost to you. There is no limit to the number of times you can use this benefit.

The DL Reserve has a vaguely similar program, but it works a) only on Delta; b) once per year; c) international or domestic, and d) with First Class or Economy. The biggest benefit, I think, of the DL Reserve is if you are a big spender. The 15,000 MQM's you get after $30k and 60k spending will surely boost you into Silver Medallion status for the infrequent flyer, or higher status for the frequent traveler.
The first bag free benefit has been a great benefit for me, as well as the 2x points for DL purchases, but I get those with my DL Gold for $95.yr.

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