This is all exactly how I feel. Frankly if you had just added one fare class to at least some of the Diamond SWU's you would have made people happy - this was a huge blunder, if you ask me. I know that for sure now UA is a better deal if you fly over 100k mikes.... My plan is to fly DL domestic only and switch all International to UA/LH.
Originally Posted by
WBurcham
As a current Diamond (at around 150K MQM's) I think I can speak for the majority of FlyerTalk members (at least based on conversations last night) and say I'm underwhelmed.
The only new benefits were ones that were removed from DL or NW Platinum members over the past 3 years or so.
- Free SkyClub access used to be a DL Plat benefit until (I believe) 3 years ago.
- 125% bonus mileage for Plat was a NW Plat benefit until 1/1/09
- 6 Systemwide Upgrade Cert's were a DL Plat benefit until this year
The ONLY real change is the removal of ticketing fees for Gold/Plat/Diamond and, IMHO, doesn't distinguish Diamond very much.
Additionally, the systemwide certs only change is day of departure upgrades. No use on less expensive fare classes so, on average, the difference between an M fare (lowest to use PMU) is ~$1,000-1,500 more than a K fare.
I can't see any reason to fly 66% more on DL to achieve Diamond over Platinum and will likely consider status matching over to UA/AA at some point this year to build up mid-tier or top tier status since I see no incentive to achieve Diamond.
Instead of going ahead and adding a tangible benefit (maybe redeem 2 awards at "low" regardless of "cost") that meant something to travelers, they've just put lipstick on the pig.