Getting more points from DL bookings

[newmarket]

I see that most DL flights show a VA flight number. I assume that most of these are for ex Aus to your destination, but it got me wondering.

I normally buy BNE to LAX on VA, I might book to a first known destination. From there I buy lots of domestic flights on DL which yield a lot of status credits but pretty poor points earn.

Is it possible to book VA flight numbers on these DL flights? These bookings won't be part of the international itinerary, my unpredictable travel needs make this pretty hard.

I'm just looking to earn a few more points, I don't even mind if I miss out on a few status credits.

Does anyone have ideas on getting more points from DL bookings? VX isn't convenient for me (that I don't like them!).

 

[williamsf1]

I see that most DL flights show a VA flight number. I assume that most of these are for ex Aus to your destination, but it got me wondering.

I normally buy BNE to LAX on VA, I might book to a first known destination. From there I buy lots of domestic flights on DL which yield a lot of status credits but pretty poor points earn.

Is it possible to book VA flight numbers on these DL flights? These bookings won't be part of the international itinerary, my unpredictable travel needs make this pretty hard.

I'm just looking to earn a few more points, I don't even mind if I miss out on a few status credits.

Does anyone have ideas on getting more points from DL bookings? VX isn't convenient for me (that I don't like them!).

VA*DL cannot be booked unless as part of a VA flight booking into LAX. ie you cannot book a separate LAX LAS ticket on a VA*DL flight without the AU- LAX flight

 

[serfty]

If you already have tickets to/from the USA on VA, then a competent TA may be able to book you on the codeshares (perhaps as "conjunction tickets". May even save a little +++ ....

 

[juliusg]

Maybe slightly off topic, but Delta F inside the USA must be the most cost effective status run option anywhere. Very cost effective compared to domestic business class in Australia.

 

[newmarket]

You're right. Always check the difference between Y and F - it is often only a small price difference and a huge SC boost.

I'd just like to get more points to VA. My travel schedule doesn't permit booking in advance on the international ticket, so I'm stuck with lots of point to point DL tickets.

I used to keep DL Gold or Platinum but decided it doesn't make sense to split my miles between 2 programmes.

 

[Ausbt]

I've got a VA booking with Delta. I just called Delta to enquire about Economy Comfort. They didn't know that I was a Platinum/Medallion Elite and advised me to "call Virgin and get them to attach your Platinum member number to the booking". I suggested to them that that was slightly odd, given I made the booking online while logged into my Velocity account. Because ...VA website.

On another note: Economy Comfort AUD$134 LAX-JFK if purchased now (no discount) or free, if sought at T-72 hours. Think I'll wait.