Wow. That's a tough one. I definitely think you should go for lifetime Gold being so close and extend the status for two years. Enjoy the perks while ya can! Thanks for the info + video!

Take the Diamond and you’ll be a MM, so you’d be Gold for the remainder. It’s a no brainer.

BTW, Data Point. As an ATL “hub” captive, it’s cheaper to fly AA or United Business Class, with a connection, to LAS than it was Delta. In fact, some of Delta’s economy tickets were more expensive than AA or United Business Class tickets.

Peter, consider another possibility. Instead of worrying about having to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on Delta to obtain status, just spend $695 per year for the American Express Platinum card. That gets you into the Delta lounges, the AMEX Centurion lounges which is very nice, and the Priority Pass lounges. Although I fly Delta a lot, I have no status levels with them but I still get to use their lounges, Centurion lounges and priority pass lounges. The one drawback with the AMEX Platinum is you can't bring guests so that may be a showstopper for you. But why worry about spending thousands to get access to Delta lounges when you can just spend $695 on the AMEX Platinum and get access to the exact same lounge plus additional lounges like Centurion and Priority Pass? In my opinion, the Centurion longes are just as nice as Delta’s and in some airports, the Centurion lounge is even nicer than Delta’s. Good luck in whatever you decide!

Great video, Peter. I hope you get your situation worked out. I agree about Delta. The classiest airline by far. I'm saving up to fly Delta to LAX hopefully in October.

I just think that with all of the positive comments and free advertising you give Delta, they should extend your Diamond status on that basis alone. Customer loyalty and positivity goes a long way. I'm sure you've probably brought this to their attention already. After all you do have almost 18,000 subscribers.

That is very true. Delta tends to have cheaper entry-level ticket prices out of NYC. However Can't you purchase access to the sky club?

Take the Diamond now. It will be good until 2026. By then, you will be a million miler. Considering you are private paying, you have option to buy Executive Lounge Access to include guests and/or get Delta branded credit cards that allow for up to 10,000 head start MQDs towards Diamond in 2026. Good luck and congrats on the pending Million Miles.

I would take as much as you can get now. You never know how Delta might change their policies in the future. P.s. i love your videos, but could you add more maps if it is possible. Sometimes, it is hard to visualize/understand what you are describing from just looking out the window.

Depends what diamond was achieving for you. Did you just like the delta lounge choice benefit? Did you enjoy the upgrades? I will continue to chase my diamond because I like the extra perks and ability to upgrade when I’m given the chance. Especially with global and domestic certificates. But if that’s not your priority then it’s not worth it

One year and then the it from there in my opinion. Good luck in ur decision 👍🏼

I would NOT “chase” Diamond status moving forward. The inflated ranks of Delta’s Platinum and Diamond Medallions after conversion won’t be realized for several years. If you’re “hub” captive, you’re really “screwed”. As they say, “WFBF”. Cheers!🍻

Tough choice, but personally I would accept the offer to become diamond this year. It would be interesting to see if the SkyClubs are actually less busy after the changes, since that was one of the goals. It's completely understandable that you would be less incentivized to spend money on Delta. They took a gamble, and only time will tell whether it pays off or if they'll lose money. It's a sad situation. Too many people were attaining diamond, but I'm not sure this was the best method to address that.

Take a shot every time you hear Delta.

I flew Delta quite a bit during 2023....However, from my perspective they seem to be catering cow towing to the wealthier hoity toity customer and screw the comfort plus and main cabin customers. Disappointing to be sure for me!

I get and understand the fun of flying. How ever it seems like they are making a larger divide in their caste system of customers. Is it worth it to spend $$$$$ so as to get the benefits of a $$ dollar reward. Remember Delta’s main concern for the corporate heads is to make money for themselves and shareholders., Taking care of customers as well as their employees is a lot far down the list of priorities.

Dump Delta and send a message. They’ll definitely hear it especially through your KZfaq channel. don’t be loyal to someone who isn’t loyal to you.

I think you should just eat before you get to the airport…