Was checking on non-stop Business Class from ATL to JNB using miles and Delta just made it a whole lot more expensive to fly on miles. Last year it was 270,000 to 340,000 miles depending on time of year. This year for low season it's between 527,500 to 640,000 miles to fly up front.

Last year with miles traveled and credit card rewards I could pay for two coach tickets and ride up front on two flights.

Looks like I am searching for another carrier.

Try Emirates via Dubai. I did that last year and it was excellent.

I gave up on Delta awhile ago due to the miles needed.

Would love to but the closest departing airport is Orlando. They delayed their plans to fly out of ATL unfortunately. Maybe Saeed can do something about that...

Qatar seems to be the best alternative since I fly to Windhoek. It adds 4 hours to the total flight time, but it is a small price to pay in order to cost effectively fly business class. Qatar business from ATL to WDH is $2,000 vs $9,600 on Delta plus another $300 on SAA to WDH.

I am about ready to give up on Delta. I get upgraded more on United being Gold than Platinum on Delta. The club policy totally sucks (to say nothing of the fact they have never reopened the DEN or PHX clubs) as well.

Delta does not upgrade you on international even if you are Diamond unless you buy the $3500 coach ticket - Basic Economy (E) fares are not eligible for free upgrade on international.

Delta is becoming as unattractive as their sky waitresses. They redefine the term Air Bag.

Years ago (lots) I never had a problem using Delta miles. But in recent years I have never been able to use my Sky Pesos. Myself, wife and daughter are each sitting on 100k miles. They have been sitting in the accounts for years.

I gave up on Delta years ago when they stopped flying out of my local airport. I now use United and I flew in Business Class to and from Durban last year on my United Mileage Plus account for 180,000 miles using their super saver option.