9 Flyertalk Tips for Newbies
Flyertalk.com is the online bible for points and miles. I've been a member for over 5 years and learn something new every single day. As I wrote about, their Iphone app just launched so now is a great time to join if you don't have a free membership already.
But beware- the site is very addictive! There are forums for all of the major airline/hotel/credit card/ car programs as well as niche forums like Travel Technology, Women Travel, LGBT and even Trip Reports. There is definitely etiquette, so do a little research before you start posting. Some quick tips:
1) Choose a non-location/company based user name. Don't choose NYCAALuver, because what happens when you move from NYC and become a hardcore United fan? (I learned the hard way on this one, but Randy Petersen, Flyertalk founder/legend helped change my name as a one time courtesty)
2) Use the Search feature. It's annoying when newbies don't search for information before posting. While the internal search engine may be buggy at times, you can do a standard Google search which should turn up any relevant threads. for examply Flyertalk Continental Status Match, instead of starting a new thread asking whether Continental status matches (which you can find out here if you actually want to know)
3) Use descriptive thread titles. Don't start a rant about Delta's crappy international system-wide upgrades with "UGHHHH SO MAD AT DELTA RIGHT NOW!!". Be targeted and to the point.
4) Try not to rant. While you may be upset that your flight was cancelled and the airline didn't accomodate you fairly, try not to use hyperbole and lots of !!!!! and threats. Try to be as calm as possible and ask for constructive feedback.
5) Be prepared for a wide range of opinions. If you can't handle someone publicly disagreeing with you, then posting on Flyertalk (or any internet bulletin board) probably isn't for you. While most conversations are civil, I've seen some nasty exchanges.
6) Don't engage in name calling. Even if someone is a jerk to you, brush it off. Engaging will only get you suspended/terminated. If you feel that someone is personally attacking you, just hit the Report Bad Post button and a trusty moderator will take care of the situation.
7) Make friends. There are a ton of really interesting people from around the world and most of them want to help each other. Don't be afraid to make friends- there are even Flyertalk events called "Dos" that members set up around the world. I went to one in Munich for Oktoberfest and still keep in touch with many of the people I met.
8 ) Share information. If you received an amazing offer from your airline and haven't seen anyone post it yet, go for it! Worst case scenario is that the moderator merges it with another thread, but no one will fault you for trying to add positive information. We all love a good deal!
9) Familiarize yourself with the lingo. There are tons of acronyms, so reference the glossary when in doubt.
[card card-name='Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express ' card-id='22035076' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees