No, I wouldn't agree. Seems they shouldn't market an international option for there FF program if they can't deliver.

These frequent flyer miles are not free flights. They are flights I earned just as if I earned wages. They made a deal with me that if I flew their airline I would get this benefit. They make this deal every time I fly. They make it voluntarily and they should live up to their end of the bargain.

They should save it takes 50000 miles to a sky saver fare AND the chances of you booking 4 skysaver fares to Europe are darn near impossible when they send me their marketing material.

Have you ever read that in any thing they sent you?

Just an FYI, Mikem-you have chosen the two most popular months for vacation travel to the most popular destination outside of the USA according to the Chicago Tribune last month.Then you are adding the variable that you want to use the Skysaver for FOUR seats which is the "lesser mile" option is it not? Nonstop flights to Rome are not that numerous from the USA (with Delta having the most of any US carrier).Delta flies to Venice and Milan nonstop out of several US cities so have you tried using your miles to those cities and then hook on to Alitalia to get where you are going? Or Alitalia flies nonstop to Milan out of Chicago, JFK and Boston I believe, so try that option with connections.

Mikem100,
It may be very simple to redeem awards on SWA, but they can't get you to Rome. If you think that high season awards to Europe are easier through other frequent flyer programs, think again.

You need to be willing to be flexible, creative and put in the effort that's required. If you're not willing to do so, then you're better off earning cash rebates rather than miles through your credit cards (you said you have 250K miles but aren't a Medallion member so I have to assume these are not butt-in-seat miles). If you were a Medallion member, then you do have some additional award availability on DL operated flights available to you based on your status level. And what's wrong with giving perks to your best customers, anyway?

BTW I just updated your other thread with an example of how to get from MSY to FCO.

Patty, you have given some great information and links here. I read the link to flyertalk.com and the poster there says:

"This can be easily done when calling SMS by pressing 9, 5, 1, #, (your Skymiles number & pin"

When I call Delta 1-800-221-1212 and enter 9, the recorded lady keeps asking me questions over and over. Is this the wrong phone # ?

Are you trying to reach international partner awards? If so, call 800-323-2323 and follow the voice prompts. You can key in your selections as follows (you don't have to speak into the VR system, it's faster if you key):

1) #3 for reservations
2) enter Skymiles #
3) #2 for international
4) #1 for awards
5) #2 for partners
6) enter PIN

This will connect you directly to a partner awards rep. Remember partner awards is open from 6:00am to 11:00pm MT or something like that, not 24/7.

The posters there are referring to the series you key in if you're calling the SMS number on the back of your Medallion card. If you're not a Medallion member, just use the number above. In either case, you'll end up with the same department.

Thanks Patty. I was calling the wrong # and eventually getting to the Sky Miles desk in a round about way.