I've built up some miles and decided to use them for the first time. It's like trying to understand the US tax code. After all my work I think I figured out that the coach fares you need to purchase to upgrade to business are about the same as just buying business class on a much better airline like Swiss. Do I book first then get a reward certificate later to find out I can't use it on my expensive flight (as happened once before)? Best maybe to donate the miles and stick with Swiss.

I always believe that if one's so disgusted or frustrated with a particular FF program, then just forget about the miles. Donate it, get magazines, or do nothing.

Really not worth the trouble.

I agree. I wasn't familiar enough with trying to redeem miles until now. I have another card with reward miles. I hope getting vouchers for Red Lobster will be easier.

I'll accept your donation

BTW, how many miles do you have?

And I don't see the chart THAT complicated:

http://www.delta.com/skymiles/use_mi...ards/index.jsp

You do need to call Skymiles to find out if a fare is eligible. And on any airline, I'd only buy a higher fare <b>if and only if</b> I can get a confirmed upgrade at the time of the booking. I would not play the game of buying up and hope the upgrade clears.

I agree. Call them on the phone.