It's sad that one of the worst uses of miles is alcohol in lounges. But, *Delta SkyMiles has joined the chat*
Delta SkyMiles now have a value of 1.5 cents for alcohol
The Delta SkyClubs offer an extensive alcohol menu, including complimentary house beer, wine, or liquor. They also have a wide selection of premium drinks that can be purchased (with cash or miles). These include wine, beer, spirits and cocktails.
It is possible to buy wine by the bottle or by the glass. There are many great options available, from Dom Perignon to the most expensive. You could buy Krug champagne in SkyClubs back in the day, and I shared my experiences doing that.
Recently, the value of redeeming miles has been made less valuable.
Each Delta SkyMile used to earn you 2.0 cents toward a SkyClub purchase of alcohol.
Each Delta SkyMile now earns you 1.5 Cents towards any SkyClub alcohol purchase
This change means that Dom Perignon bottles can now be purchased at $195 per bottle or 13,000 SkyMiles. Previously, you would have had to pay less than 10,000 SkyMiles. This is still a great deal. $195 is comparable to what you would pay for a bottle of Dom Perignon in a liquor shop. It gets even better when SkyMiles can be used to redeem at a favorable rate.
Delta SkyClub's premium alcohol menu
SkyMiles can still be used to purchase alcohol
Delta has done all it can to make SkyMiles an income-based frequent flyer program and to make miles redeemable to pay for almost any purchase with Delta, including flights, upgrades, and other purchases. Delta SkyMiles doesn't offer partner redemptions in premium seats like other programs.
SkyMiles could be used to purchase alcohol for as little as 2.0 cents each. SkyMiles can still be redeemed for 1.5 cents each, which is still a great value compared to other SkyMiles uses.
There are two things to be aware of:
Many people would love to have a Dom Perignon bottle for 13,000 SkyMiles. However, it is not possible to take it with you on the go.
There is an opportunity cost in buying premium drinks. Normally, you wouldn't get basic alcohol free if you bought a bottle of champagne. SkyClubs will charge you for incremental enjoyment of premium drinks instead of basic drinks.
Delta SkyClub purchases of alcohol can still be a great deal
Bottom line
Delta SkyMiles now have a 1.5 cent value each for premium alcohol purchases in SkyClubs. They were previously worth 2.0 cents each. This is a substantial devaluation but it is still (sadly) a good deal. SkyMiles is still one of the best uses of SkyMiles.
Are you familiar with SkyMiles redemptions for SkyClub alcohol? Would you consider doing it at the new price?
Andrew gets a tip of the hat
