Questions and Answers

Lucky,

Currently have approx. 29K miles with Delta, no status. Have the Delta Platinum Amex. Will be eligible for free companion airfare next year. Delta is preferred airline but open to others as well. Have the Hilton Signature Visa with approx. 58k points. Have the AMEX signature everyday card with approx. 31k membership points.

Looking to fly DTW – SYD mid December 2017 for 3 weeks, with time spent in New Zealand and possibly Antarctica as well.

Advice on most cost effective way to fly, preferably up front? Not opposed to 1-2 additional cards, if need be.

Thanks in advance – love the blog.

If you get the other Delta Amex and other Amex MR points cards, you could get on one of VA’s LAX-SYD flights. You’ll have to buy a DFW-LAX positioning flight though.

Good advice. The downside though is that award inventory on VA is very very very poor, unless you’re booking within a week of departure.

So I would plan on a connection in Asia to get the best products. And United, Alaska, and Singapore miles can be a bit easier for Australia, honestly.