Delta status run pricing

[pgsdiver]

Hi all,
I've been spending a few hours researching some Delta (and Virg America) status runs for my trip to the US next Feb.
The pricing seems just too much.
Others here have managed to find prices that net about $2-3 per SC, but I can't find anything like that. More like minimum $5.80. The best I found was my LAX-LAS-LAX on VX for $5.52/SC.
I'm sure I'm doing something wrong - or perhaps it's the time of year.
I'm trying to book first class flights from LAS to pretty much anywhere (including SJU or NAS) and the pricing is simply too high.
Am I going about this the wrong way trying to use their website?
Thanks in advance for any help offered.
By the way this isn't about telling me the right routes - more about am I using the website properly, which is why this isn't in the master thread.
Regards,
Peter

 

[Boris spatsky]

I have only ever found decent DL runs out of DTW, MSP, SLC and ATL. So yes, it may be the routes that are the problem.

 

[pgsdiver]

I'll give those a go and report back - thanks.
Regards,
Peter

 

[serfty]

For many (not all) routes, First/Business prices don't seems to drop with DL until around 6 months out.

Other than that have a look at NAS ex LAX via ATL - 120 SC's for around USD432 one way in February (more via MSP, DTW if they come up), maybe USD399 if you wait another month - you always wanted to go to the Bahamas ,

 

[Gold Member]

Agree with the DL price trending that Serfty raises. It's a similar story with AA but with a shorter window for best fares of 2-3 months IME.

Just to throw another one in the mix with similar earn rates, try GCM.

 

[pgsdiver]

Thanks Guys, maybe I'm being a tad impatient. I'll keep reviewing.
I did find LAS-LAX-SEA slightly cheaper than other routes (although not really far enough for maximum earn) for equivalent SCs, but having a look around August seems like the go - thanks again.