Delta Air Lines launched a fare sale for fall travel late last night. Fares are starting at $74 and in a unique twist, just 5,000 miles, plus taxes and fees each way based on roundtrip purchase. You must book by August 6, and travel between August 6 and December 16, 2015.
Fall fare sales are a pretty traditional thing, but this time around Delta is touting its low mileage “fares” and even offering some as low as 5,000 miles each way. Historically, I would have a hard time using miles for a flight that only costs $200 roundtrip, but recent changes at SkyMiles change that math a bit. A few examples:
I have never been one to care strictly about cents per mile valuations, but these aren’t necessarily awesome. On the other hand, compared to some others, they aren’t the worst either. It does solidify just how “revenue based” Delta now sees their program. And more likely than not, they’ll offload some miles from the books with these “deals.”
I’ll keep the SkyMiles I have for something else….like the J-class awards I have this fall even if they are on the old Air France seats.
-MJ, July 24, 2015
