Delta vs Etihad for SC and points earning.

[justcallmeryan]

Hi all,

Have a large work trip coming up in August where I will be visiting the UK and Canada for a week each. By then I will be close to Gold status on DJ and am keen to maximise my earn rate for the trip, so that by the time I'm back I will be on Gold.

Doing a bit of research the cost is about the same for Delta, Etihad and Singapore and as far as I can tell they are the best for earning. (Virgin Atlantic unfortunately has less of a SC earn). I also understand that Singapore's earn rate for Y is not always guaranteed either.

Hence the question. I am keen to use either Delta and fly east or Etihad and fly west but am wanting to verify that their earn rate is the same for Y class? And also I can book on either the DJ, Etihad or Delta website, right?

If any of you can confirm the above that would be great.

Cheers

 

[jneufeld]

This depends on a number of things, what class are u travelling ie. Discount Y, Full Fare Y, Business. Also do you hold any status at the moment, as EY has a points bonus for PS, SG & WPs with Velocity. In terms of pure milage, forgetting earn rates you will cover more miles if you go east as its geographically further away.

And also I can book on either the DJ, Etihad or Delta website, right?

You will be able to book limited flights through the VA website, like you will get SYD-JFK but you won't find JFK-LHR. You will also end up with VA codeshares meaning you will be subject to the VA earn rate.

I would think about using both DL and EY
eg. SYD - LHR on EY
LHR - YVR & YVR - SYD on DL

I also understand that Singapore's earn rate for Y is not always guaranteed either.

Only the Promo Y fares are excluded, check your fare class when you book and make sure its eligible. If it can earn Kris Miles then you will earn VA points