The Rewards Master

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I recently applied for and received the American Express Delta Reserve Credit Card. I have been a frequent flyer and status holder with another airline for many years. Still, due to several friends’ positive reviews about Delta, I decided to split my travels this year and see what Delta offers. If all goes well, I intend to apply for a status match with Delta and move forward in 2024 with whichever airline provides me with the best travel experience. 

The American Express Delta Reserve is an impressive card. Although it charges a massive $550 annual fee, the perks and benefits can potentially be more than worth the cost. See my recent article, “What’s in my Wallet? – Card Setup: 1st Quarter 2023,” for a more thorough discussion about the American Express Delta Reserve Card.

On my first trip after receiving the card, I was pleasantly surprised. One of the card’s exciting perks is adding the cardholder to the upgrade list on Delta-operated flights (when you pay with the Delta Reserve Card). Upgrades are for Delta One and Comfort+ and clear after all status holders, placing non-status Delta Reserve cardholders at the bottom of the upgrade list. Because of this, I assumed that cardholder status would only amount to a few upgrades.

Comfort+ is Delta’s fare class between first/business class and the main cabin. The seats are similar in size to the main cabin, with significantly more legroom. The Comfort+ cabin is closer to the front of the plane and includes priority boarding. The service is superior to the main cabin, with improved snacks and complimentary alcoholic beverages for those who want them.

Delta offered an upgrade to Comfort+ for $20.00 for the first segment of my trip. I purchased the upgrade and was pleased with the legroom I had. The flight attendants checked in regularly and were extremely pleasant.

My real surprise came when Delta upgraded me from the main cabin to Comfort+ on two of my remaining three segments. I knew that Delta adds Reserve cardholders to the upgrade list, but not having any status with Delta, I didn’t expect any benefits. I currently hold third-tier status on another airline and barely score an upgrade half the time. I was thrilled with the service and the benefits of Delta.

Overall, I found Delta Comfort+ to be a wonderful experience, far superior to the upgraded economy offerings of their competitor airlines.