DELTA's huge increase in miles for business class (may use AMEX and Air France)!
 

For the last 25 plus years we have been using AMEX points to purchase business class seats for overseas business/first class travel. Europe started out at 100k for each business class reservation and was 155K for trip to Scotland/London this past Spring. NOW, started looking at Delta miles/points needed for our next trip to Europe -- the miles have escalated to between 350k - 550k AMEX points each. Did some reading on these major increases -- seems to be worse when you use a Delta partner leg instead of all with Delta. Wondering if I can use AMEX points and book using Air France's frequent flyer program. We live in Texas and could travel Air France nonstop from IAH to CDG and then on to either Naples or Venice. We currently do not have any miles accumulated with Air France but do have about 500k with AMEX.

1. Can I look on the Air France website and see if their business class frequent flyer requirements are in the 150k to 200k (we are flexible on travel dates and times)? When you are booking directly with Delta's website you can see both dollar prices and miles required for any reservation. I cannot find same flexibility on Air France website. Certainly I could call their 800 number or call the platinum card AMEX travel service. -- but that has some inconveniences as well.

2. Are you aware of any other features I have not discovered yet using Air France frequent flyer program as opposed to using Delta's?

Thanks for helping me with my due diligence -- Philip

Read the Points Guy's comments on maximizing your benefits using Amex MR points - https://thepointsguy.com/guide/redee...maximum-value/

For years Delta's program has been regarded as sub-par (it's long been nicknamed "Skypesos.") Presumably it's Delta that's extending this cheapo behavior to Amex, so just work around them.

I signed up for Flying Blue (KLM/Air France) and have had good luck with booking Business Award tix; they also (IME) tend to to open availability for award seats earlier than others. I've transferred both Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Points to Flying Blue to get award tickets.