Medallion Credentials (2016)?
Jan 25, 2016, 3:11 pm
#31
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: ATL
Programs: DL PM; Marriott Gold; ANZ Gold
Posts: 43
Jan 25, 2016, 4:57 pm
#33
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: DL PM/MM, Hilton Silver, SPG+, Hertz PC
Posts: 7,899
Delta's mistake: They wrote that the card production process has been "streamlined", but they only meant it has been "enhanced".
In 10+ years of accessing partner lounges I don't recall my card being scanned, or copied, a single time.
Delta could very easily inform partner airlines that the electronic card is valid, especially in the months of February and March, instead of wasting their energy in streamlining the production process any further.
The card is often photocopied or scanned, and then I think it's copy is sent as proof of eligibility when the lounge operating airline sends the bill to DL for it (e.g. the AF lounge at NRT always photocopies the card). It's likely not their doing but I would bet it's DL insisting that if they don't have a copy of the physical card, that DL is not going to pay them for their pax lounge visit. And then that very same DL purposefully shortens the Medallion year and year after year fails to send out the cards on time (last year my DM card, and I was qualified for 2016 already back in 2014, only was mailed out in late March; this year I wonder will DL even send it out before April - they seem to do it the slowest for the highest tiers).
Delta could very easily inform partner airlines that the electronic card is valid, especially in the months of February and March, instead of wasting their energy in streamlining the production process any further.
Last edited by thesaints; Jan 25, 2016 at 5:09 pm
Jan 25, 2016, 5:06 pm
#34
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Posts: 100,369
The card is often photocopied or scanned, and then I think it's copy is sent as proof of eligibility when the lounge operating airline sends the bill to DL for it (e.g. the AF lounge at NRT always photocopies the card). It's likely not their doing but I would bet it's DL insisting that if they don't have a copy of the physical card, that DL is not going to pay them for their pax lounge visit. And then that very same DL purposefully shortens the Medallion year and year after year fails to send out the cards on time (last year my DM card, and I was qualified for 2016 already back in 2014, only was mailed out in late March; this year I wonder will DL even send it out before April - they seem to do it the slowest for the highest tiers).
Jan 25, 2016, 5:18 pm
#36
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: DL PM/1MM, BW DE (lifetime), HH DE, Marriott PE (lifetime), National Emerald Executive
Posts: 7,204
In 10+ years of accessing partner lounges I don't recall my card being scanned, or copied, a single time.
Delta could very easily inform partner airlines that the electronic card is valid, especially in the months of February and March, instead of wasting their energy in streamlining the production process any further.
Delta could very easily inform partner airlines that the electronic card is valid, especially in the months of February and March, instead of wasting their energy in streamlining the production process any further.
But yes, absolutely, DL should require/request other airlines to simply type in and check the medallion # for qualification (provide the tools/access to do so) of l lounge access, vs. stick to the archaic requirement for a physical card that too many still cling to.
Jan 25, 2016, 6:54 pm
#37
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BNA/SAN
Programs: DL PM 1.5 MM , Hilton Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 754
Not really a concern atm since I cashed out a bunch from skybonus the end of last month so I'll give them some time to sort it out.
Jan 25, 2016, 7:03 pm
#38
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Posts: 100,369
I see my new DM card in the app, but no drink certs in my wallet.
The new electronic ones will have the disadvantage that we won't be able to give them to someone not traveling with us, right? I rarely use mine, but I do try to remember to give them away as appropriate.
The new electronic ones will have the disadvantage that we won't be able to give them to someone not traveling with us, right? I rarely use mine, but I do try to remember to give them away as appropriate.
Jan 25, 2016, 7:11 pm
#39
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BNA/SAN
Programs: DL PM 1.5 MM , Hilton Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 754
This is the first thing that crossed my mind as well. Since I won't be able to give them to co-workers (unless we are traveling together) will have to find other ways to use them.
Jan 25, 2016, 7:12 pm
#40
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 52
I haven't really had issues with no physical card in AMS or CDG, usually the STE+ on the boarding pass is sufficient. Also I have been pleasantly surprised that Priority Pass is encouraging all their lounges to use the digital cards, one less card to keep in my physical wallet. I would guess it's only at some further out partner stations the dragons may want to see the actual card.
It just depends on who you get at the desk always best to have the physical card and not need it.
Jan 25, 2016, 7:25 pm
#41
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL DM, SPG Gold
Posts: 832
I see my new DM card in the app, but no drink certs in my wallet.
The new electronic ones will have the disadvantage that we won't be able to give them to someone not traveling with us, right? I rarely use mine, but I do try to remember to give them away as appropriate.
The new electronic ones will have the disadvantage that we won't be able to give them to someone not traveling with us, right? I rarely use mine, but I do try to remember to give them away as appropriate.
Jan 25, 2016, 8:18 pm
#43
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,397
I see my new DM card in the app, but no drink certs in my wallet.
The new electronic ones will have the disadvantage that we won't be able to give them to someone not traveling with us, right? I rarely use mine, but I do try to remember to give them away as appropriate.
The new electronic ones will have the disadvantage that we won't be able to give them to someone not traveling with us, right? I rarely use mine, but I do try to remember to give them away as appropriate.
Too bad Delta didn't do what their two competitors did and not have the HOOU and just provide free drinks to their top tiers in Coach.
Jan 25, 2016, 8:19 pm
#44
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,369
Yeah, that would be nice and would also have the advantage of avoiding some of the complaints about not being "upgraded" into C+ or the dilemma of whether to take the middle seat in C+ for the free drinks and enhanced snack basket.
Jan 25, 2016, 8:39 pm
#45
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Join Date: Jun 2008
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