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Delta, Amex Launch Another Round of Airline-Metal Credit Cards
Delta and American Express are bringing back their popular and unique cards made from actual airplane metal.
About the cards:
Today, a new limited edition credit card design was unveiled for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Cards. These special cards are made from metal used on a retired Boeing 747 aircraft that were in Delta’s fleet. Specifically, each card is made using 33% metal from the planes. This latest offering comes two years after the companies previously launched a special airplane-metal Delta Reserve.
The initial batch of cards (in 2022) came from Delta Ship #6307, which flew 68,000 miles between 1990 and 2017. Each card also featured a black metal design. Meanwhile, these latest cards come from two different planes — one flown 65,000 miles between 1990 and 2017 as well as another flown 66,000 miles between 1989 and 2017. Additionally, this new card design has a glossy white finish, which was inspired by clouds.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business Card Members can claim one of these special edition cards now through June 5th, 2024 or while supplies last.
About the Delta SkyMiles Reserve:
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve is at the top of Delta and Amex’s SkyMiles co-branded credit card line. With this card, members can enjoy complimentary Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta in any class but Basic Economy. Currently, this perk is unlimited but, starting in February 2025, cardholders will be limited to 15 Sky Club visits per year (although a “visit” is defined as a 24-hour period). Reserve customers also receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year.
With the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, flyers can also boost their way toward Delta Elite status. First, cardholders enjoy a $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollar “Head Start” each Medallion Qualification Year. This “Head Start” is halfway to earning Delta Silver Medallion Status. On top of that, for every $10 in purchases made with the card, members will earn one (1) MQD toward status.
As for other perks, the Reserve card now offers two monthly credits: one for Resy and one for rideshare purchases. For Resy, cardholders can earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants. Additionally, cardholders can earn up to $10 in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
Another benefit is the TakeOff 15 program. As a SkyMiles cardholder, flyers can save 15% on Delta flights booked using miles. Lastly, the SkyMiles Reserve card earns 3 SkyMiles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and 1x points on all other purchases.
One key cardholder perk that won’t kick in until members renew is the Companion Certificate benefit. Upon renewal of the card each year, cardmembers will receive a Companion Certificate good for a First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin booking. This certificate is valid on domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights.
Note that the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express card currently carries an annual fee of $650.
My thoughts:
The last time this 747 metal card was offered, I was highly tempted by it since the concept was just so cool (and the card looked great). Ultimately, however, I just couldn’t justify getting the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card as an American Express Platinum cardmember. Well, on that front, I’ve only moved further away from the SkyMiles Reserve as the card has since increased its annual fee to $650 from the previous $550. And while that hike is offset by some new credits, those credits don’t really appeal or apply to me. All this is to say that, sadly, I’ll once again need to pass on this gorgeous and awesome card.
Of course, if the Delta SkyMiles Reserve makes sense for you as a frequent flyer, now may be the time to add to card to your collection — and claim a piece of aviation history in the process.
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