Update: Delta has rolled back this policy, they are claiming it was an error.
Delta has updated their terms and conditions to include the following:
Award Travel Ticketing Restrictions
Award Tickets that do not originate or end in the United States or Canada have a three-day advance purchase requirement. This includes routes like Paris (CDG) connecting through New York City (JFK) to Sao Paulo (GRU), or Shanghai (PVG) to/from Tokyo (NRT). No Exceptions. The advanced purchase applies to all Award bookings in the affected markets.
Previously you weren’t able to purchase award tickets within 72 hours of travel in certain countries, but it was possible to by pass this by visiting an airport to get it ticketed. The updated rule now applies to all countries outside of US & Canada and it’s no longer possible to bypass this restriction by visiting an airport. As usual Delta has decided to make this change without giving any notice to loyalty customers. Delta is known for their complete lack of transparency and respect of their loyalty members. They no longer publish an award chart and award prices have continued to rise without any level of restraint.
Hat tip to View From The Wing
