No matter the season, my brain automatically defaults to “beach” or “theme park” when it comes time to plan a vacation. It’s not that I don’t think snowcapped mountains are a splendor to behold; I just don’t enjoy being cold (or the time it takes to don the necessary layers to stay warm in frigid temperatures).
I don’t want to miss out on seeing some of the world’s most majestic destinations just because I have a proclivity for tropical vacations, so I decided to give a summertime visit to a wintertime destination a try.
That’s how I found myself booking a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
While the mountain town may be best known for its world-class skiing, summer brings out another side of Jackson Hole’s beauty, and methods of exploration that don’t involve strapping on skis or lacing up snowboots.
I may not know much about skiing or the best brand of snow boots, but I knew exactly which credit card to use when it was time to start planning my trip — the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
From Delta Sky Club® access to earning miles on my hotel stay, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card made every part of the trip planning process better. And the benefits (and miles) kept piling up once I arrived in Wyoming. It’s why I gladly pay the $650 annual fee year after year (see rates and fees).
Here’s how I planned the perfect trip using my Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card.
Getting to Jackson Hole
You don’t need to arrive in Jackson Hole on a private jet or a chauffeured car to feel like a VIP. Before, during and after takeoff, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card made me feel like a star in my own right.
At the airport: Less time in line, more time for coffee and croissants
Nobody likes waiting in line at the airport, and with my Delta SkyMiles Reserve card, I walk right past the long airport security line for the much shorter TSA PreCheck® line. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve offers a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every four years (application fee charged to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card when you apply through a TSA Official enrollment provider; applicants approved for Global Entry will receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional charge; terms apply), making it valuable for domestic and international trips.
As a cardmember, I also receive access to the Delta Sky Club when I fly Delta. I automatically get 15 visits each Medallion year, and I can unlock unlimited visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year (terms apply). Getting to the airport early is a lot more fun when complimentary espresso and breakfast are involved. And, during my layover at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), I slipped right into vacation mode at the newly opened Sky Club.
On top of all that, I got two checked bags free on my domestic Delta flight, so I had space for hiking clothes ... and my denim dress and cowboy boots. Terms apply.
On the flight
When I fly Delta with my Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, I also enjoy Zone 5 priority boarding and a higher spot on the upgrade list (after Medallion Members when traveling with an eligible ticket; based on availability, terms apply). That means I can get to my seat more quickly, and often end up in a more comfortable seat than the one I booked. And with overhead bin space at a premium, boarding early ensures I get to keep my carry-on bag (and the inflight necessities it holds) right where I can see it.
Even with a lounge visit during my layover, flying from the Midwest to Wyoming is quite a distance to cover. When I got hungry midflight, I saved 20% on eligible Delta inflight purchases like this snack box (which I get back as a statement credit) by paying with my Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card. Terms apply.
And when the time comes, I can redeem the miles I earn with my Delta SkyMiles Reserve card for award flights faster, thanks to the 15% discount (not applicable to partner-operated flights or taxes and fees) I receive when booking with miles through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Terms apply.
On the ground
After I said goodbye to my friendly Delta flight crew and picked up my two free checked bags from baggage claim, I skipped the long line at the rental car counter and went to the much shorter line for elite members, thanks to complimentary Hertz President’s Circle® Status with my Delta SkyMiles Reserve card. (Must add Hertz Gold+ Account number to SkyMiles Account associated with eligible card and enroll in promotion at delta.com/hertz to receive the benefit. Terms apply.)
I’m also eligible for guaranteed car upgrades and the widest selection of cars. I went with something rugged that matched the outdoorsy vibes; a Ford Expedition.
A car is pretty much a must for exploring Jackson Hole and the nearby Grand Teton National Park, so it gives me peace of mind knowing that my Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card includes car rental loss and damage insurance.
My summertime stay in Jackson Hole
If you think paying for my flight and rental car were the only times I used my Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express card while planning this trip, think again. I’m earning miles on my hotel stay, plus all of the delicious food I ate and the outdoor activities I participated in during my time in Jackson Hole.
The hotel
One of my favorite unexpected benefits of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card is the ability to earn up to $200 in statement credits each year when I book a prepaid hotel or vacation rental through Delta Stays, Delta’s dedicated hotel booking portal that lets me earn status and receive statement credits on eligible bookings made via delta.com or delta.com/stays. Terms apply.
After scouring the available options, I settled on the luxurious Hotel Jackson. It’s located right on the town square in downtown Jackson, and I splurged on a high-floor premium room with a fireplace and balcony to best take in the mountain views.
By booking through Delta Stays using my Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex, I earned more than 18,000 miles for my stay; the base miles that all SkyMiles members get and an additional 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases because I paid using my Delta SkyMiles Reserve card. Terms apply.
I also earned up to $200 in statement credits by using my Delta SkyMiles Reserve card to book a prepaid stay at the Hotel Jackson through Delta Stays. That’s money right back in my pocket that I used toward all of the area’s outdoor activities. Terms apply.
The great outdoors
My flight arrived in Jackson Hole just before dinner time. Knowing that my Delta SkyMiles Reserve card gets me up to $20 monthly (up to $240 annually, statement credits applied after the purchase is charged to the card) for use on eligible purchases at more than 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants (enrollment required; terms apply), I checked out the list of eligible local restaurants. I don’t even need to make a reservation to use the benefit, I can just show up, eat to my heart’s content and pay with my card to earn the credit.
The Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse in Jackson's town square was at the top of my list.
Also on my itinerary were an aerial tram ride to Corbetts Cabin for mountaintop waffles and hot cocoa, a scenic rafting tour of the Snake River, a visit to Astoria Hot Springs and a little retail therapy in downtown Jackson.
I think you already know which card I used when it came time to pay for my excursions and souvenir shopping. I earn a simple 1 mile per dollar on non-Delta purchases, so the miles I earn on this trip can help fund my next vacation. Terms apply.
Bottom line
Whether you are heading to the beach, the mountains or anywhere in between, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card can make your next trip easier and more luxurious with benefits like TSA PreCheck, Delta Sky Club access, complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status, statement credits for Delta Stays and Resy bookings. Terms apply.
Apply here for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, click here.
