Delta has released a bunch of availability today for business class flights — some to Hawaii and a bunch to Europe.
The Deal
- Increased Delta One business class award availability on several routes
- Book via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (an Amex transfer partner, Chase transfer partner, and Citi transfer partner) at the following rates:
- 50K miles one-way to Europe on direct flights
- 37.5K miles one-way to Hawaii on direct flights
Quick Thoughts
Delta long ago abolished its award charts, so extra availability via SkyMiles is somewhat difficult to even pick up on via Delta.com.
However, saver availability can be found with partners. For example, OH Travel Dad reports decent availability between Detroit and Honolulu this summer. Here’s a look at Detroit to Honolulu for 2 passengers in July 2019. Availability is hardly every day — but these are A350 suites, so the price is right for a long flight. Correction: as pointed out by readers in the comments, this route is not served by the A350. These are Delta’s older 767 lie-flat seats.
As for Europe, here’s a look at Minneapolis to Amsterdam in business class for two passengers in July and August.
And here is Los Angeles to Amsterdam in July for 2.
One Mile at a Time reports that Los Angeles to Paris had as many as 8 seats available on some dates — and that route is expected to have Delta One suites by the end of May. I’m not seeing quite that much availability left on that route, but there is certainly still some.
These seats will no doubt get snapped up quickly for peak summer travel. It is likely that other routes are possible, so it’s worth searching from your city. If you’ve got plans to visit either location, make your move now. As a reminder, Virgin Atlantic will let you put seats on hold over the phone if necessary to give you a chance to transfer over your points — but I wouldn’t wait long.
H/T: OH Travel Dad & One Mile at a Time
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When I try to find DL availability on Virgin, it says only Virgin flights are shown for “upper class”. What am I doing wrong??
[…] Business Class Awards To Hawaii: Hawaii is a popular travel destination among our friends at Travel Miles 101. Many people ask about it on our Facebook page. This sale is a great way to get there in comfort and for a reasonable amount of miles. […]
For the Hawaii flights, they’re cheaper with Flying Blue (34.5k), and you can include positioning flights in the award with Flying Blue.
Booked! I was needing a return from Germany to the East Coast in mid-August and this works out perfectly. Amsterdam to Boston is close enough, so thanks! Any suggestions for a low-points positioning flight option for MUC-AMS? Biz class cash price is only $250 right now, so I’m not going to sweat it too much if a points flight would be tough to come by…
Intra-European business class is just a blocked off middle seat in most situations (other than oddball stuff like the LATAM flight that continues to South America, etc). Looks like cash prices on that route are about $75 (some days from like $56) in economy class. United would charge 8K + $40 for the economy class flights. I’d probably either book the cash ticket either way (or use UR points or MR points if you have the Biz Platinum rebate).
Yeah, but I hate foregoing the luggage allowance and early boarding. Call me spoiled. 🙂 You’re right, though — cash makes the most sense. Will likely go that route.
Don’t get me wrong, your money is yours to spend as you please, but I think you’d come out ahead even if you paid for luggage. I think some itra-European fares come with 1 checked bag free. Even for those that don’t I think it’s a max of like $33 per bag. Two of those + a $75 fare = $138. Early boarding and a blocked middle seat are costing you an extra $112. I’m not sure if they’ll allow you to book an extra seat like you sometimes can in the US, but if they do you could book yourself an empty seat and still come out almost $40 ahead. Maybe priority boarding is worth $40.
Like I said, to each his own — I redeemed points for an intra-European business class flight a couple of years ago, so I get it. But in hindsight, I don’t think I would again on such short flights. Just giving you food for thought.
At any rate, enjoy your trip!
The original flights were on a 763, but ours is now scheduled on the 76D. It would be lovely if it happens to be one of the new retro fitted planes with the new suites.
Last I checked DTW to HNL was scheduled in 767-300ER’s not A350…..
Yeah, I got excited that someone was flying the A350 here and I want to try it….no dice, it’s the same ol 767.
Whoops. You’re absolutely right. I don’t know why I had it stuck in my head that the new DTW-HNL route was being served by an A350, but it definitely isn’t. Updated. Thank you.
I’m guessing you have to originate in a Delta hub?
To get the 50K or 37.5K pricing, yes. Virgin charges by segment, so you’ll pay more for positioning legs if you’re not on a direct flight. Still might be a better deal than booking with Delta, but if you have Korean SkyPass miles, that may be a better deal. Flying Blue may also be worth a look, but I haven’t checked.