Originally Posted by
minhaoxue
I was a status match from UA1k to AS 75K ~4 years ago and have been 100K since. I really don't think this is really a big deal. For those DL flyers who have never flown with AS, especially up front, they are going to be sorely disappointed. I can see the point of those of you who now have a new group of elites who will challenge you for your upgrades. DL is a totally different airline than AS and don't think there will be long term takers. I think AA and UA will be the biggest benefiters.
I was in your status match boat four or so years ahead of you, because I moved from SFO to the PNW. It’s common with all/most airlines to offer these one-off matches. I think for this campaign there are a couple of important differences, though: now they are matching Delta Gold to MVPK75K. We were UA 1Ks. And it wasn’t a mass poaching event with the potential of adding large numbers of disillusioned DL elites at the same time.
You may have a point about disappointment when snooty DL elites experience AS onboard hospitality. If I was a Delta elite facing an unobtainable MQD requirement, and AS’ route network worked for me, I would happily pick up the match to a higher AS status and put up with the lack of TV screens and PDBs. Distance-based program, PC access, Oneworld Emerald status, and occasional upgrades seem nice enough for me. They aren’t exactly matching to Spirit. I think Alaska probably has the greatest opportunity to poach in SEA … many of the Delta elites there are probably familiar with AS anyway and maybe left AS
for Delta as they built up their Seattle hub.
My one positive thought about this campaign is that if this proves successful and Delta loses more elites than they anticipated (not only to AS, but also AA/UA), maybe it will slow down the overall destruction of loyalty programs a bit.