I usually plan for heat. Beaches. Theme parks. Cold is… not my vibe. I dislike the cold. I also dislike the layering ritual. But mountains are majestic, even if they make you shiver. So I packed my bags. Jackson Hole, Wyoming became the destination.
Summer in Jackson isn’t about skis. It’s about trails. Views. Fresh air.
I needed a card that worked as hard as I did. I pulled out the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card. I knew what I was getting into. The $650 annual fee? Yes. It’s steep. But the perks pile up. Faster than I expected.
Getting There
VIP treatment doesn’t require a private jet. Not really. My card handled the grunt work.
Airport Lines
Long security lines suck. Short lines win. I walked straight into TSA PreCheck ®, bypassing the mass of tired travelers. Why? Because the card pays the fee. $120 statement credit for Global Entry, or $85 for PreCheck, every four years. That’s cash back on the application cost alone.
And then there’s the Delta Sky Club ®.
Access comes with the card. 15 complimentary visits each Medallion year. Unlimited? Possible, if you spend $75,000 in purchases. High bar, I know. But my layover in Salt Lake City was pure luxury. Coffee. Quiet. Breakfast. It’s a game changer for travel stress.
I also got two free checked bags. Essential when packing for both hiking trails and denim dresses with cowboy boots.
In the Air
Priority boarding matters. Zone 5 on Delta means I got overhead bin space before it vanished. Important. Nobody likes gate-checking a bag.
Hungry mid-flight? The card gave me 20% back on Delta in-flight purchases. Snack box. Statement credit. Small wins add up.
Later, when redeeming miles for awards, I save even more. There’s a 15% discount when booking directly with Delta. It applies to most flights. Partner airlines are excluded, but that’s still a sweet deal.
On The Ground
Rental cars usually involve waiting. And negotiation. Both are exhausting.
Hertz President’s Circle ® status is complimentary with this card. Just link the accounts. The benefit? Skipped lines. Upgraded vehicles.
I rented a Ford Expedition. Rugged. Big. Perfect for Jackson Hole roads.
There’s another layer to this protection. The card includes car rental loss and damage coverage. Peace of mind, included in the fee.
Staying There
Why limit benefits to the flight? Hotels and activities count too.
Hotel Perks
I used Delta Stays. Delta’s hotel portal isn’t just a booking tool; it’s a mileage accelerator. Booking a prepaid stay can earn you a statement credit, up to $200 per year.
I chose the Hotel Jackson. High floor. Fireplace. Balcony facing the mountains. The bill? Heavy. The credits? Significant.
Booking through the portal with my Reserve card earned me base miles plus extra multipliers. Total: 18,000 miles.
Plus that $200 credit. Money back in pocket for actual activities. That logic appeals to me.
Dining & Exploring
Dinner happened before sunset.
I used the Resy credit. Up to $20 monthly on qualifying restaurants. No reservation strictly needed, but booking is smoother. The Million Dollar Cowboy Steak was worth every bite.
Other stops: Corbetts Cabin waffles (yes, on a tram), rafting on the Snake River, and hot springs.
All paid with the Reserve.
You earn 1 mile per dollar. Simple. Effective. Every purchase on a trip helps fund the next one. Is that enough to justify the fee?
The Verdict
Travel is friction. The Delta Reserve reduces that friction. TSA PreCheck. Lounge Access. Rental Car Status. Dining Credits.
It’s expensive upfront. $650. But for the traveler who flies Delta regularly and values comfort? It pays for itself. Sometimes before you even leave.
Maybe. Probably. Depends how many flights you book.
