Originally Posted by
jrkmsp
I was looking over the DOT filing where the agency tentatively grants approval to the ATI JV for Delta and Virgin Atlantic. In a footnote, DOT raises concerns that Delta's policy of awarding MQDs only on flights issued on its own stock, and not on the stock of partners when the partners are involved in an immunized JV, dilutes the "public benefits" that the airlines tout when trying to win approval for their immunized joint ventures. When DOT grant ATI, it has to find that there are significant "public benefits" to allowing for two otherwise competitors to collaborate. FF partnerships are often one of those benefits. In this case, DOT is saying it's concerned the partnerships may become somewhat of a mirage under DL's policy. No action now, but it will be interesting to watch. Here's the whole note:
Delta recently announced a new policy regarding minimum spending requirements for frequent fliers to attain elite status that will take effect in 2014. It is our understanding that the minimum spending requirements can only be satisfied with tickets either issued by Delta directly or booked with the Delta (DL) code, and not through tickets issued by Delta’s joint venture partner airlines on those airlines’ codes, even if the flights at issue are part of a joint venture and subject to revenue sharing. The Department will monitor the implementation of this new policy to determine whether it may erode metal neutrality, which is a prerequisite for many of the consumer benefits resulting from immunized alliances.
Would allowing partners to ticket on 006 stock on partner fares solve the problem, without violation of IATA resolution 852?