Extended Time Limits

Dear Joel,

Do you have any creative solutions to the 331 days in advance when booking a ticket with the return greater than this time?

We use our Delta FF miles to book a ticket that the return extends the time limit. In the past, before the change fees, I would call back as soon as it was 331 days in advance and change the return. Those were the days! Now, I am looking for a way to avoid the change fee. We leave end of September of 2006 and return May 2007.

All in all it seems, just pay the change fee and enjoy the miles while you can!

Thank you for any insights.

Renee in Honolulu

Hi Renee (in Honolulu)

First off I wish I was in Hawaii right now.

About the best thing I can think of is asking if you can be waitlisted for the other flights as coach tickets. You might also consider purchasing coach tickets and upgrading to 1st class. I believe you can do that without a time limit.

In any event, I think you're right—pay the fee. It does seem that Delta and other airlines are being stringent on paying fees. I guess they need all the added revenue they can get. So in this case lock in what you can and try to make only one change, if any.

My best,

Joel