I know I am new to post here even though I read the forum religiously. Never had much of a reason other then lurking till now. I am a Delta Diamond member (and my wife is platinum). All are travel is out of our own pocket so I felt compelled to share my thoughts on there 2015 program. I got a letter back that I felt was kind of condescending after the 100k I have spent with them over the last 5 or so years. I want to share it and get other peoples thoughts. Maybe I am over reacting? Maybe I am right? has anyone else got this letter?
thanks
josh


ORIGINAL MESSAGE
______________________________
Message:

Good Evening: I am writing this letter on behalf of myself and
my wife (platinum member). As you can see I am a very loyal (or was
loyal) diamond member of your airline. First I would like to say that I
truly believe that you have the best product on the market, all the way
from planes to the talented and wonderful team members. All that said I
wanted to let you know why I am dis-pleased with the new program and why
I will no longer be a diamond member going forward (AA thanks you). I
spend about 13-14k per year and get about 300k miles based on my
history, enough for 2 round trip Business class tickets based on the old
system, on the new system I will get just enough for 1 R/T ticket in
business and my wife will not even get that much. I love your airline
and product but a 50% reduction in my benefits hurts. Even the worst
airline mileage programs get 10% back, with Delta I will be getting less
then 8% on my money spent. I will reluctantly join United or AA or
possibly a Asian carrier due to the fact 95% of my flights are
international. I have enjoyed my time with your airline but from a
numbers point it no longer makes fiscal sense. I understand there needs
to be a balance, but this is not it. If you wish to keep my family's
business going forward I will await your response. Thank you

_______________________________________________
DELTA -


Thank you for your additional comments about the 2015 SkyMiles program.

We certainly recognize, as a Diamond Medallion member, you have invested
significant time with Delta, and we appreciate your business and
loyalty. We also understand the 2015 program updates will affect members
in different ways, but they best balance the needs of our customers and
our business. We’re confident the updates are the right moves for our
customers and airline.

Members who spend more with Delta will receive more miles, and customers
who purchase lower fares will still receive a great value for their
ticket. This model, based on dollars spent, is common for many
businesses, including those in the travel industry. Hotels and rental
car companies have used it for some time, and other airlines have also
moved in this direction.

Please be assured that mileage earning under the 2015 SkyMiles program
is the same formula for travelers worldwide. Additionally, please keep
in mind that as a Diamond Medallion, you earn 11 miles for every ticket
dollar (excluding government-imposed taxes and fees), increasing your
accruals per flight.

Understandably, being currently based in Asia has an impact on your
travel and membership in a US-based airline frequent flyer program in
regards to benefits such as domestic complimentary upgrades. I am glad
to see that your flight history with us shows that you were able to
travel in the First and Business class cabins on 75% of your flights
even though only 13% of your tickets were booked in those cabins.

We take customer feedback seriously, and your additional comments will
be forwarded to our SkyMiles Leadership Team for consideration. We
appreciate your Diamond Medallion status and hope we remain your airline
of choice.

Sincerely,

Marlee Gommo
Diamond Desk

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MY REPLY

Although you are correct I have traveled 75% of the time in business it is due to booking M class fares. You make a very sweeping and condescending statement like I have had the privilege of upgrades, I do not think paying a 3600 coach fare and using my miles or upgrade certificates is exactly a huge benefit. Outside of Southwest airlines who uses a pay based system? I am aware hotels use this system and its fine because you redeem them based on dollars (like southwest). If you would like to go to a system where you redeem miles based on ticket value I would have no issue, you are not doing this. Its great that you are "keeping the same formula for travelers world wide" except you do not give the same benefits to travelers world wide do you? Please tell me how this balances the "needs" of your customers? do they need less miles? If you are going to reward top spenders why cap this at 75,000 per trip?

I have no intention to get into a debate or argument with you, even though it appears that is the tone of your email. My original email was to only inform you that I feel you have a great product and to why I will no longer be able to continue to use it. If you wish to debate this issue with your valued customers here or via social media we can. As someone that spends over 20,000 per year with your airline (myself and my wife) I expected a little better.

__________________________________________________ __

was I out of line? Delta out of line? or just the standard junk letter everyone gets? Thank you for your feedback