Using Skymiles to book flights

[Fixfire]

Can someone explain why I get pushback (perhaps my perception) from an AF supported agent when trying to use Delta miles when booking flights for safari?? I don’t quite know the process and am generally unsophisticated when it comes to using an agent and Miles. I’ve always paid full freight on my previous safaris. Thanks!! FF

 

[Fatback]

I had my travel agent, Shawn with Gracy, use miles for my trip to Alaska later this year. This was on Delta and there were no issues at all. Not sure if flying international versus domestics may create issues?? Hope you can get it sorted and use some of your earned miles.

 

[Bandera]

I have had no problems booking delta flights using sky miles.
I mostly book online and use sky miles. Going to Africa due to the amount of miles it takes for an awards flight in the Premium Select, we pay for one tickets with Sky n Miles, again no problems and then one ticket with cash. I then call Delta and get the agent to link the two flights so changes affect both tickets.
I have also had an agent book our flights this way again with no problems.
Best way to book with Sky Miles is to book as early as possible. 11 months out. The Award tickets sell out quick.
Having traveled to 31 different countries, I have never had an airline agents be anything but helpful. I am always polite to the agent. I do not want my luggage to, or me for that matter to end up in whoknowswhereastan. Nothing like being detained on a connecting flight in BFE.
If booking flights and making the trip arrangements is challenging then consider a travel agent.

 

[Fixfire]

Perhaps someone can translate this for my aging brain. Explanation from TA:

Delta has changed their program around, and using that many miles is difficult. They usually only allow a small (5-15% discount) off of the miles tickets. For example, a normal economy class ticket is 200K, or they offer it at 180K plus $900 or something along those lines. The majority of the ticket has to be bought with miles, and they set those amounts.