2014 SkyMiles Program Changes
Dec 10, 2013, 1:20 pm
#1
Company Representative - Delta Air Lines
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 83
2014 SkyMiles Program Changes
As we come to the end of the calendar year, we’ll be sending out emails this week to tell you about some upcoming changes to the SkyMiles program – many of which will begin at the start of the new Medallion program year on March 1, 2014.
Changes to Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs):
We are always looking for opportunities to fine-tune the Medallion program and we’ve received a lot of valuable feedback about the SWUs component of our Medallion benefits.
On March 1, 2014, we’re replacing SWUs with two new certificate types: Global Upgrades and Regional Upgrades. Global Upgrades will be available on all routes and Regional Upgrades will be available on the same routes as Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, but have a higher priority.
Both Global and Regional Upgrades will be valid on Delta flights for all paid Economy class fares except for E, providing you even more options and convenience.
The current SWUs will still be available as Choice Benefits selections through February 28, 2014 and all the terms and conditions of the existing certificates continue to apply.
Added Choice Benefits:
There will also be two new Choice Benefits options available for selection beginning March 1, 2014:
• Global Entry application vouchers – Diamond Medallion members can select 2 and Platinum Medallion members can select one
• Tiffany & Co. Diamond Medallion premium luggage tags (2 for Diamond Medallions only)
Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades:
Starting with the new Medallion program year on March 1, 2014, Medallion members will enjoy Complimentary Upgrades on flights between Hawaii and Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, or Seattle. However, in light of significant investments in our coast-to-coast BusinessElite experience - including premium amenities like fully flat-bed seats, Westin Heavenly In-Flight Bedding, on-demand entertainment, and premium dining - we will no longer offer Medallion Complimentary Upgrades on flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle beginning March 1, 2014.
More information about the program changes for the 2014 Medallion year are available on the SkyMiles News and Updates section of delta.com. We’ll be following your comments here and look forward to reading your feedback.
Changes to Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs):
We are always looking for opportunities to fine-tune the Medallion program and we’ve received a lot of valuable feedback about the SWUs component of our Medallion benefits.
On March 1, 2014, we’re replacing SWUs with two new certificate types: Global Upgrades and Regional Upgrades. Global Upgrades will be available on all routes and Regional Upgrades will be available on the same routes as Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, but have a higher priority.
Both Global and Regional Upgrades will be valid on Delta flights for all paid Economy class fares except for E, providing you even more options and convenience.
- Diamond Medallion members can choose either four Global Upgrades or eight Regional Upgrades as one of their Choice Benefits selections
- Platinum Medallion members can choose four Regional Upgrades
The current SWUs will still be available as Choice Benefits selections through February 28, 2014 and all the terms and conditions of the existing certificates continue to apply.
Added Choice Benefits:
There will also be two new Choice Benefits options available for selection beginning March 1, 2014:
• Global Entry application vouchers – Diamond Medallion members can select 2 and Platinum Medallion members can select one
• Tiffany & Co. Diamond Medallion premium luggage tags (2 for Diamond Medallions only)
Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades:
Starting with the new Medallion program year on March 1, 2014, Medallion members will enjoy Complimentary Upgrades on flights between Hawaii and Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, or Seattle. However, in light of significant investments in our coast-to-coast BusinessElite experience - including premium amenities like fully flat-bed seats, Westin Heavenly In-Flight Bedding, on-demand entertainment, and premium dining - we will no longer offer Medallion Complimentary Upgrades on flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle beginning March 1, 2014.
More information about the program changes for the 2014 Medallion year are available on the SkyMiles News and Updates section of delta.com. We’ll be following your comments here and look forward to reading your feedback.
Dec 10, 2013, 1:22 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,197
Just saw my question answered in the link... so you can't even use a regional upgrade for the JFK tcon, but instead need a global? Wow
Additional question... will agents be properly trained on how to code the new upgrade certs, so pax aren't left sitting in the back because they're 12 on the list instead of #1 when trying to use a regional or global?
EDIT: Disappointed to see the upgrade certs are still only usable with a companion on the same reservation... so you can't buy a BE ticket and upgrade someone else who is flying with you.
Last edited by rylan; Dec 10, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Dec 10, 2013, 1:23 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: DL DM; SPG Gold
Posts: 1,733
On March 1, 2014, we’re replacing SWUs with two new certificate types: Global Upgrades and Regional Upgrades. Global Upgrades will be available on all routes and Regional Upgrades will be available on the same routes as Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, but have a higher priority.
Both Global and Regional Upgrades will be valid on Delta flights for all paid Economy class fares except for E, providing you even more options and convenience.
.
Both Global and Regional Upgrades will be valid on Delta flights for all paid Economy class fares except for E, providing you even more options and convenience.
.
Wow!!! real upgrade certificates! That is awesome!!! Now that makes me want to re-qualify for Diamond!
Last edited by vgb2001; Dec 10, 2013 at 1:31 pm
Dec 10, 2013, 1:24 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
As we come to the end of the calendar year, we’ll be sending out emails this week to tell you about some upcoming changes to the SkyMiles program – many of which will begin at the start of the new Medallion program year on March 1, 2014.
Changes to Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs):
We are always looking for opportunities to fine-tune the Medallion program and we’ve received a lot of valuable feedback about the SWUs component of our Medallion benefits.
On March 1, 2014, we’re replacing SWUs with two new certificate types: Global Upgrades and Regional Upgrades. Global Upgrades will be available on all routes and Regional Upgrades will be available on the same routes as Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, but have a higher priority.
Both Global and Regional Upgrades will be valid on Delta flights for all paid Economy class fares except for E, providing you even more options and convenience.
The current SWUs will still be available as Choice Benefits selections through February 28, 2014 and all the terms and conditions of the existing certificates continue to apply.
Added Choice Benefits:
There will also be two new Choice Benefits options available for selection beginning March 1, 2014:
• Global Entry application vouchers – Diamond Medallion members can select 2 and Platinum Medallion members can select one
• Tiffany & Co. Diamond Medallion premium luggage tags (2 for Diamond Medallions only)
Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades:
Starting with the new Medallion program year on March 1, 2014, Medallion members will enjoy Complimentary Upgrades on flights between Hawaii and Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, or Seattle. However, in light of significant investments in our coast-to-coast BusinessElite experience - including premium amenities like fully flat-bed seats, Westin Heavenly In-Flight Bedding, on-demand entertainment, and premium dining - we will no longer offer Medallion Complimentary Upgrades on flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle beginning March 1, 2014.
More information about the program changes for the 2014 Medallion year are available on the SkyMiles News and Updates section of delta.com. We’ll be following your comments here and look forward to reading your feedback.
Changes to Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs):
We are always looking for opportunities to fine-tune the Medallion program and we’ve received a lot of valuable feedback about the SWUs component of our Medallion benefits.
On March 1, 2014, we’re replacing SWUs with two new certificate types: Global Upgrades and Regional Upgrades. Global Upgrades will be available on all routes and Regional Upgrades will be available on the same routes as Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, but have a higher priority.
Both Global and Regional Upgrades will be valid on Delta flights for all paid Economy class fares except for E, providing you even more options and convenience.
- Diamond Medallion members can choose either four Global Upgrades or eight Regional Upgrades as one of their Choice Benefits selections
- Platinum Medallion members can choose four Regional Upgrades
The current SWUs will still be available as Choice Benefits selections through February 28, 2014 and all the terms and conditions of the existing certificates continue to apply.
Added Choice Benefits:
There will also be two new Choice Benefits options available for selection beginning March 1, 2014:
• Global Entry application vouchers – Diamond Medallion members can select 2 and Platinum Medallion members can select one
• Tiffany & Co. Diamond Medallion premium luggage tags (2 for Diamond Medallions only)
Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades:
Starting with the new Medallion program year on March 1, 2014, Medallion members will enjoy Complimentary Upgrades on flights between Hawaii and Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, or Seattle. However, in light of significant investments in our coast-to-coast BusinessElite experience - including premium amenities like fully flat-bed seats, Westin Heavenly In-Flight Bedding, on-demand entertainment, and premium dining - we will no longer offer Medallion Complimentary Upgrades on flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle beginning March 1, 2014.
More information about the program changes for the 2014 Medallion year are available on the SkyMiles News and Updates section of delta.com. We’ll be following your comments here and look forward to reading your feedback.
Dec 10, 2013, 1:25 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM HH Gold, Marriot Titanium
Posts: 1,298
As we come to the end of the calendar year, we’ll be sending out emails this week to tell you about some upcoming changes to the SkyMiles program – many of which will begin at the start of the new Medallion program year on March 1, 2014.
Changes to Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs):
We are always looking for opportunities to fine-tune the Medallion program and we’ve received a lot of valuable feedback about the SWUs component of our Medallion benefits.
On March 1, 2014, we’re replacing SWUs with two new certificate types: Global Upgrades and Regional Upgrades. Global Upgrades will be available on all routes and Regional Upgrades will be available on the same routes as Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, but have a higher priority.
Both Global and Regional Upgrades will be valid on Delta flights for all paid Economy class fares except for E, providing you even more options and convenience.
Added Choice Benefits:
There will also be two new Choice Benefits options available for selection beginning March 1, 2014:
• Global Entry application vouchers – Diamond Medallion members can select 2 and Platinum Medallion members can select one
• Tiffany & Co. Diamond Medallion premium luggage tags (2 for Diamond Medallions only)
Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades:
Starting with the new Medallion program year on March 1, 2014, Medallion members will enjoy Complimentary Upgrades on flights between Hawaii and Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, or Seattle. However, in light of significant investments in our coast-to-coast BusinessElite experience - including premium amenities like fully flat-bed seats, Westin Heavenly In-Flight Bedding, on-demand entertainment, and premium dining - we will no longer offer Medallion Complimentary Upgrades on flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle beginning March 1, 2014.
Changes to Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs):
We are always looking for opportunities to fine-tune the Medallion program and we’ve received a lot of valuable feedback about the SWUs component of our Medallion benefits.
On March 1, 2014, we’re replacing SWUs with two new certificate types: Global Upgrades and Regional Upgrades. Global Upgrades will be available on all routes and Regional Upgrades will be available on the same routes as Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, but have a higher priority.
Both Global and Regional Upgrades will be valid on Delta flights for all paid Economy class fares except for E, providing you even more options and convenience.
- Diamond Medallion members can choose either four Global Upgrades or eight Regional Upgrades as one of their Choice Benefits selections
- Platinum Medallion members can choose four Regional Upgrades
Added Choice Benefits:
There will also be two new Choice Benefits options available for selection beginning March 1, 2014:
• Global Entry application vouchers – Diamond Medallion members can select 2 and Platinum Medallion members can select one
• Tiffany & Co. Diamond Medallion premium luggage tags (2 for Diamond Medallions only)
Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades:
Starting with the new Medallion program year on March 1, 2014, Medallion members will enjoy Complimentary Upgrades on flights between Hawaii and Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, or Seattle. However, in light of significant investments in our coast-to-coast BusinessElite experience - including premium amenities like fully flat-bed seats, Westin Heavenly In-Flight Bedding, on-demand entertainment, and premium dining - we will no longer offer Medallion Complimentary Upgrades on flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle beginning March 1, 2014.
Does this mean that RMU will not be usable on JFK-LAX|SFO|SEA?
Also, it mentions that PM can choose 4 RMU, but no GMU - is this true? Will PM's be limited to only choosing RMU?
Thanks to DwayneSkyMiles for posting
Last edited by timmy83; Dec 10, 2013 at 1:33 pm
Dec 10, 2013, 1:26 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
Programs: DL DM 1.929MM, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, IHG Platinum, Avis CHM, Marriott Titanium (lifetime gold)
Posts: 7,860
Dec 10, 2013, 1:26 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
Happy to see the upgrade certificate changes!!
Taking away complimentary UGs on the JFK - SEA/SFO/LAX routes though is not much appreciated.
To add: GLAD to see some DM-only options!
Taking away complimentary UGs on the JFK - SEA/SFO/LAX routes though is not much appreciated.
To add: GLAD to see some DM-only options!
Dec 10, 2013, 1:30 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,197
My prediction: Global upgrades will have zero advance inventory and only clear either at the gate or a couple days before departure.
Note that PMs now no longer can upgrade international travel except for with miles, which don't clear day of departure.
Dec 10, 2013, 1:33 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,079
Since the cost differential on TATL tickets to be able to use an SWU had pretty much made them useless for me, and with the enhanced possibilities to use them domestically, including Hawaii, for me, the SWUs just became a real enhancement. I guess if you wanted to use them, you could route through SLC or elsewhere to fly to JFK?
Dec 10, 2013, 1:34 pm
#14
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: DL DM; SPG Gold
Posts: 1,733
Dec 10, 2013, 1:34 pm
#15
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
Programs: DL DM 1.929MM, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, IHG Platinum, Avis CHM, Marriott Titanium (lifetime gold)
Posts: 7,860
Don't forget the beer. 
There's also a notice at delta.com that the 2016 program year will begin 2/1/2016, and that will affect folks who are earning their status in 2014 as it will expire a month early.
Isn't it always? 
David
There's also a notice at delta.com that the 2016 program year will begin 2/1/2016, and that will affect folks who are earning their status in 2014 as it will expire a month early.
David