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Math is pretty simple: Delta + Awards = Devaluation, and that is precisely what Delta has done again, by raising the cost of their Business Saver Awards to Europe.
One-way trips to Europe will now set you back 82,000 Delta SkyMiles plus taxes and fees for an award in Business. This is a 17% increase on the previous price of 70,000 SkyMiles. Bear in mind these are Business Saver Awards, which will be the lowest price you'd pay for business — the bar has been raised — just not the bar we want to see raising.
Keep in mind that these are the rates Delta will charge. But you can often avoid high Delta award rates when you book through partner programs.
The irony of this devaluation is that partner awards for the same routes are somewhat cheaper, with East Coast transatlantic flights still available for 75,000 miles one-way in Business, although this will likely be hiked up since it would be crazy for Delta to charge more for awards on its own metal than on partners’ aircraft.
Our Take
The only thing you can plan for with SkyMiles is unexpected changes. Like all points and miles, we encourage you to engage in an earn and burn strategy. Plan your trips, earn your miles and then redeem (burn) them.
Miles aren't a long-term investment, and even though SkyMiles don't expire, if the prices continuously raise, they'll be regularly worth less.
Source: View From The Wing
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