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If you’re redeeming Delta miles to fly on a Delta-operated flight, having the card also gives you a 15% discount on the award price of the ticket, which can be quite substantial. This discount does not apply to partner operated flights or taxes and fees.

I’m chasing Delta Medallion® status this year, so given my limited days for this trip, I actually earned a lot of miles by purchasing a Delta One ticket this time. Thanks to Delta’s simple structure for earning status, my Delta One ticket banked enough medallion qualification dollars to ensure I’d earn status this year.

Plus, with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card’s MQD Boost, Cardmembers earn 1 MQD for every $10 in purchases made on the Card in addition to receiving a one-time deposit of 2,500 MQD through the Card’s MQD Headstart — bringing you closer to that coveted status.

From the Big Apple to the Eiffel Tower

If I use public transportation, getting to JFK from my neighborhood, especially in Brooklyn, is a trip and can take over an hour. This means I often get to the airport via a rideshare service and have often spent over $80 in the process.

Once through security, it was time to hole up in the modern and stylish Delta Sky Club in JFK’s Terminal 4.

The location opened in the summer of 2023 and features a 360-degree bar, an outdoor sky deck and a buffet with all kinds of delicious options. Note that this will be limited to 15 visits per year starting February 1, 2025, although you can unlock unlimited visits per year by spending at least $75,000 on the card between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders enjoy access whenever they travel on Delta or one of Delta’s partner airlines, and they also receive four one-time guest passes per year to bring travel companions along.

My stop at the Delta Sky Club was the perfect way to relax before an overnight flight. I made a plate of barbecue and macaroni and cheese, grabbed a glass of white wine and sat down at a table on the outdoor sky deck in time to watch the sun set over the tarmac.

Before long, I left for my gate and boarded my late night flight. I settled into my seat (7J) and prepared for takeoff. With a full day of sightseeing ahead of me, I opted for the dine and relax service to get my full meal and six uninterrupted hours of shut-eye at the same time.

I awoke to the slow lifting of the cabin lights and raised my window shade to realize the Parisian suburbs below.

Residence in the middle of the action

With only a few days in Paris, I wanted a home base easily accessible from all the sights and experiences on my list. Hotel Madame Reve in the 1st arrondissement fits the brief perfectly, as it is located just steps from the Louvre, Bourse de Commerce and Jardin du Palais Royal.

Leaning towards the full Parisian experience, I opted for an Executive Terrace Room, a chic oasis of caramel wood, pink mosaic tile and French Impressionist art. The highlight, however, was enjoying breakfast on the suite’s balcony each morning with beautiful views of the city.

Then there is Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express CardWhich earns 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible Delta purchases and hotels (when booking directly at the hotel) and 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants and US supermarkets. It also includes up to the same $10 monthly rideshare statement credit for US rideshare services charged to the card upon enrollment. Like the Reserve Card, each Medallion comes with 2,500 MQD per year and you can earn an additional MQD for every $20 in purchases spent on the card.

Finally, all three of these cards – Delta Amex Reserve, Delta Amex Gold and Delta Amex Platinum – feature the previously described Takeoff 15 benefit that allows you to save 15% on Delta award flights booked with miles through delta.com. Fly Delta app when you pay taxes and fees with a card. This can really increase the value of your miles. Note that this does not apply to partner-operated flights.

Aspiration made attainable

Overall, my time in Paris was the creme de la creme. I traveled in style, slept soundly in Delta One business class, enjoyed coffee on my own balcony, wandered the halls of the Center Pompidou and marveled at the sunset while sipping champagne. But if I had chosen a daytime economy flight, since I have a Delta SkyMiles reserve card, I would still be able to enjoy a visit to the Delta Sky Club before my flight and use all the cards. Other benefits and savings.

On reflection, this is a new kind of journey for me. Throughout my 20s, I’ve been a hostel and Airbnb traveler. But thanks to the world of points and miles, I’ve been able to incorporate more and more luxury experiences into my globe-trotting over the past few years.