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Delta to Offer Private Jet Upgrades for Medallions

July 28, 2015
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3 min read
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Delta to Offer Private Jet Upgrades for Medallions
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Airlines seem to be on a never-ending quest to outdo each other with perks for their most profitable customers. But since no one has invented teleportation yet, it looks like Delta — with its new upgrade to an entirely different plane that's all your own — is the newest airline to beat.

I'm gonna need a whole new wardrobe for this upgrade. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
You're gonna want a whole new wardrobe for this upgrade. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

One of the more interesting aspects of this upgrade is that it's actually working in the favor of Delta — or at least Delta Private Jets (DPJ), its wholly owned subsidiary. Bloomberg reports that DPJ has what's known as an "empty legs" problem, with up to 30 percent of its fleet of 66 jets flying without passengers just to get to where they need to be. And by offering these upgrades for anywhere from $300 to $800, it's at least getting some money in the door.

But don't start primping for those private jet selfies just yet. These upgrades are not for everyone; after some tweaking, the offer will be extended to Medallion members and even then, it's entirely subject to availability. And while they've been approved for 160 domestic destinations, right now they're going to be concentrating on Atlanta, New York and Cincinnati, which is near the Delta Jet Center in Erlanger, KY.

Oh, and a fur hat. I'm definitely going to need a fur hat.

Passengers will be contacted between 24 and 48 hours prior to their flight if they're eligible for a paid upgrade. As for switching passengers from a commercial carrier to a private jet operator, well, Delta has actually filed a patent for their process, so we'll see how it works in practice — which could happen as early as this week.

If you get this ultimate upgrade, give us the juicy details!

H/T: Bloomberg[card card-name='Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express' card-id='22034414' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.