For frequent flyers dedicated to Delta Air Lines, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card positions itself as a premium option to enhance their travel experience. With a $650 annual fee, it’s crucial to delve into whether the perks justify the cost. This review will compare the benefits and help you decide if this card is the right fit for your travel needs.
Unlocking Airport Lounge Luxury: Delta Sky Club and More
One of the most significant draws of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card is airport lounge access. For travelers seeking respite from crowded terminals, lounge access offers a valuable sanctuary. Card members receive 15 visits per Medallion Year to the exclusive Delta Sky Club when flying with Delta. For truly frequent flyers, unlimited access becomes available after spending $75,000 on the card within a calendar year. Furthermore, you can bring guests along with four complimentary one-time guest passes each Medallion Year, perfect for traveling companions.
Beyond Delta Sky Clubs, the Reserve card extends lounge access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner when you purchase your Delta flight with the card. This broader network provides more options for comfortable pre-flight relaxation, regardless of your departure airport.
Fast Track to Delta Status: MQD Headstart and Boost
Achieving elite Medallion status with Delta can significantly improve your travel experience. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card helps accelerate this process through MQD Headstart and MQD Boost. Each Medallion Qualification Year, cardholders automatically receive $2,500 MQDs (Medallion Qualification Dollars). Additionally, for every $10 spent on the card, you earn $1 MQD, further boosting your progress towards status. These features are invaluable for frequent Delta flyers aiming for higher Medallion tiers and associated benefits like upgrades and priority services.
Share the Journey: Companion Certificate
The ability to share travel experiences is a valuable perk. Each year upon card renewal, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members receive a Companion Certificate. This certificate allows you to book a round-trip flight within the domestic U.S., Caribbean, or Central America in First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin for a companion. While the companion ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees (between $22 and $250), this benefit can represent substantial savings, especially for couples or partners who travel together annually.
More Travel Perks: Resy Credit, Rideshare, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
Beyond lounges and status boosts, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card offers a suite of additional travel-related credits and benefits:
- Global Dining Access + $240 Resy Credit: Through Global Dining Access by Resy, cardholders gain exclusive access to reservations at popular restaurants. Enrollment unlocks a $240 Resy Credit, providing up to $20 per month in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $10 per month in statement credits (totaling $120 annually) on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers when using your card. Enrollment is required.
- TakeOff 15: Enjoy a 15% discount on Award Travel booked with miles for Delta flights via delta.com or the Fly Delta app. (Note: discount excludes partner-operated flights and taxes/fees.)
- Complimentary Upgrade List: Even without Medallion status, Reserve cardholders with eligible tickets are added to the Complimentary Upgrade List, prioritized after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- $120 Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive a statement credit every 4 years after applying for Global Entry ($120) or every 4.5 years after applying for a five-year TSA PreCheck membership (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and paying with your card. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits. For full terms, visit www.americanexpress.com/expeditedtravel.
Earning Miles and Overall Value Proposition
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card allows you to Earn Miles: 3X Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. While the earning rate on everyday spending is standard, the bonus on Delta purchases is valuable for loyal customers.
Delta Amex Compare: Is it Worth It? For frequent Delta flyers who value lounge access, seek Medallion status, and can utilize the companion certificate and travel credits, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card can offer significant value that outweighs the annual fee. However, it is essential to compare your personal travel habits and spending patterns against the benefits to determine if this premium card aligns with your needs and provides a worthwhile enhancement to your Delta travel experience.
