How the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card transformed my Paris adventure.

As a social media professional at Dinogo, my Instagram "saved" tab is overflowing with travel inspiration, featuring recommendations for places, dining, and experiences worldwide. Lately, one destination has been popping up more often: Paris.

Paris isn't exactly a secret travel spot; it welcomed over 47 million visitors in 2023. With the 2024 Olympics on the horizon, it's drawing even more attention this year, making it one of the most sought-after cities, which often leads to high costs.

This is where travel rewards truly shine. They can significantly enhance your experience and savings when visiting desirable destinations.

For this trip, my secret weapon to make my Parisian dreams come true was the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card awards 3 miles for every dollar spent on eligible Delta Air Lines purchases and 1 mile for every dollar on other purchases. Right now, it's offering 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 within the first six months of card membership (offer expires on Oct. 23, 2024). This card is perfect for frequent Delta flyers seeking numerous perks.

Here’s how this credit card simplified my cross-continental travel and helped me save significantly along the way.

Strategic planning and booking is essential.

When it comes to getting the most value while traveling from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), there are two main approaches to consider:

• Option 1: Travel during the day in economy to maximize your mileage redemption and sidestep jet lag.
• Option 2: Opt for an overnight flight in Delta One® business class to enhance your time in Paris and potentially reduce jet lag.

The great news? The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card is perfectly designed to enhance either option. Regardless of your choice, the card provides access to Delta Sky Clubs. Starting February 2025, this will shift to 15 complimentary visits annually, with unlimited access if you spend $75,000 on eligible purchases within a calendar year. Additionally, you gain entry to American Express Centurion Lounges when purchasing a Delta flight with your card. Terms apply. Cardholders also enjoy Zone 5 priority boarding and a 20% discount on select Delta inflight purchases (as a statement credit).

When redeeming Delta miles for a Delta-operated flight, having this card gives you a 15% discount on the ticket's award price, which can be significant. Note that this discount doesn't apply to partner-operated flights or associated taxes and fees.

This year, I'm pursuing Delta Medallion® status, so given my limited time for this trip, I earned a considerable number of miles by purchasing a Delta One ticket. Delta's streamlined status-earning structure allowed my ticket to accrue enough Medallion Qualification Dollars to secure my status this year.

Additionally, with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card's MQD boost, cardholders earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent, plus a one-time deposit of 2,500 MQDs through the card’s MQD Headstart — getting you closer to that sought-after status.

From the bustling Big Apple to the iconic Eiffel Tower

Traveling to JFK can be quite the trek when using public transportation, especially from my Brooklyn neighborhood. It often involves multiple transfers and can take over an hour. As a result, I usually opt for rideshare services, frequently spending over $80 for the trip.

However, this is another advantage of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card. Once enrolled, cardholders receive a statement credit of up to $10 each month for U.S. rideshare purchases made with select providers, totaling up to $120 a year. For my late-night ride to JFK, this reduced my fare from $75 to $65.

After clearing security, it was time for a quick stop at the stylish and modern Delta Sky Club located in JFK's Terminal 4.

This venue opened in the summer of 2023 and boasts a 360-degree bar, an outdoor sky deck, and a buffet filled with a variety of delectable options. Starting February 1, 2025, visits will be limited to 15 per year, but unlimited access can be earned by spending at least $75,000 on the card from January 1 to December 31, 2024. Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders can enjoy access whenever flying with Delta or its partner airlines, plus they receive four one-time guest passes each year to bring along travel companions.

My visit to the Delta Sky Club was the ideal way to relax before my overnight flight. I filled my plate with barbecue and macaroni and cheese, poured a glass of white wine, and found a spot at a table on the outdoor sky deck, perfectly timed to watch the sunset over the runway.

Before long, I headed to my gate and boarded my late-night flight. I settled into seat 7J and prepared for takeoff. With a busy day of sightseeing ahead, I chose the Dine and Rest service to enjoy my full meal at once, allowing for six hours of uninterrupted sleep.

I woke to the gradual brightening of the cabin lights and lifted my window shade to see the Paris suburbs unfolding beneath me.

Staying in the heart of the action

With just a few days to soak in Paris, I sought a central location that was convenient for all the sights on my itinerary. Hotel Madame Reve in the 1st arrondissement was ideal, located just steps from the Louvre, the Bourse de Commerce, and the Jardin du Palais Royal.

Fully embracing the Parisian vibe, I chose an Executive Terrace Room, a stylish retreat featuring caramel wood, pink mosaic tiles, and French impressionist artwork. The highlight was savoring breakfast each morning on the suite’s balcony, offering stunning views of the city.

Staying in such a high-quality accommodation in a prime location certainly doesn't come at a bargain. However, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card offers a benefit that helps reduce the expense. Cardholders can earn up to $200 in statement credits each year for prepaid vacation rentals or hotel stays booked through Delta Stays on delta.com/stays when using the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card.

And $200 is a significant saving, especially when it can mean the difference between a $1,200 hotel bill and a $1,000 bill.

Crossing items off the bucket list

With a seamless travel experience and a tranquil home base, I was ready to jump into a full itinerary of must-see attractions. One by one, the sights and experiences transformed from mere Instagram saves into cherished memories.

I wandered through the galleries of the Centre Pompidou, admiring iconic pieces by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock. I was particularly taken by the temporary exhibit "The Childhood of Design: A Century of Furniture for Children," which highlighted the playful, nostalgic, and visually captivating creations of industrial designers from the 20th century.

Eager to explore contemporary Parisian art, I visited 59 Rivoli, a captivating gallery and studio that spans five floors, showcasing work from local contemporary artists. Here, I experienced surrealist graffiti, abstract ceramics, and emotionally charged multimedia pieces. I even had the chance to converse with some of the artists about their creations.

A standout moment during my Paris visit was dining at Georges, a restaurant located atop the Centre Pompidou. I secured a coveted reservation through Amex's Global Dining Access by Resy, a valuable benefit of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card. While enjoying a delicious meal of green beans, mushrooms, and spicy rigatoni with tomato and basil, I watched the sun dip below the horizon.

For dining in the U.S., Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits for spending at eligible Resy restaurants when using their enrolled card.

A card tailored for every Delta traveler

If you're seeking a valuable credit card for booking your next Delta flight, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card isn't your only choice.

You might also consider the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, which offers 2 miles for every dollar spent on eligible Delta purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. Additionally, you'll enjoy a free checked bag on Delta flights for yourself and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation, saving you $70 on a round trip or $280 for a family of four.

Next is the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, which rewards you with 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases and hotel bookings made directly with the hotel, plus 2 miles for spending at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. It also offers the same up-to-$10 monthly rideshare statement credit for U.S. rideshare services charged to the card after enrollment. Like the Reserve Card, it includes 2,500 MQDs each Medallion year, and you can earn an additional MQD for every $20 spent on the card.

Lastly, all three cards — the Delta Amex Reserve, Delta Amex Gold, and Delta Amex Platinum — feature the TakeOff 15 benefit, allowing you to save 15% on Delta award flights booked with miles through delta.com or the Fly Delta app when you cover the taxes and fees with the card. This can significantly enhance the value of your miles, but note that it doesn't apply to partner-operated flights.

Aspirational experiences made achievable

Overall, my time in Paris was simply the best. I traveled in style, enjoyed a restful night in Delta One business class, sipped coffee on my private balcony, explored the Centre Pompidou, and watched the sunset with a glass of Champagne in hand. Even if I had chosen a daytime economy flight, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card would have ensured I started my trip in style, with a visit to the Delta Sky Club and all the card's additional perks and savings.

Looking back, this represents a new chapter in my travel experiences. Throughout my 20s, I often stayed in hostels and Airbnbs. However, thanks to the world of points and miles, I've been able to infuse more luxury into my travels over the past couple of years.

From aiding my pursuit of Delta status to simplifying my booking and planning challenges, along with securing substantial savings, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card was the ideal partner in turning my dream trip to Paris into a reality.