First set of answers are below. Sorry about the delay in responding but I can't sit on the board all day. I will most likely only respond once or twice a day, so please be a little patient in waiting for responses.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Cornered in CVG:
Will the 10K bonus BASE miles for AMEX still be given? I am speaking of if you spend more than $25K in your 12 month cycle you receive this bonus. Will this still be a part of the program?</font>
Yes. The AMEX bonuses will continue to be given. You will now get 10,000 Medallion Qualification Mile - only the name has changed – they will still count on a one-to-one basis.
Members may earn 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles with their first purchase on their Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express. In addition, members may earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles at the end of every year in which they charge $25,000 or more to the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mikepa:
I just posted this question in another post, but here it is again ...
I've qualified for Medallion status in 2003 based on my travel in 2002. What can I expect?
Because you've earned status under the previous guidelines, you'll enjoy the benefits of that status in 2003. Your travel patterns in 2003 will determine your 2004 status under the new guidelines.
In order to recognize and reward a sizable group of customers, in early January 2003, we'll upgrade your 2003 Medallion status if you should earn a higher status according to the new Medallion qualification guidelines.
What exactly are you doing in early 2003? Does that mean you're looking back over 2002 to see if we would have earned a higher rating based on the new 2003 rules?</font>
Whatever level you have earned in 2002 will not be impacted by the change. The new qualification criteria will impact your status at the end of Feb 2004 at the earliest.
In Jan 2003 we will go back and recalculate what level you would have achieved under the new qualification criteria. If, under the new qualification criteria, you would have made a higher level you will be given that level in Jan 2003. This will only impact those members moving up.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mikepa:
Perhaps you can tell us how you came up with the new plan? Did you listen to people on this forum? Were their focus groups etc?
Perhaps the biggest shocker is aligning your Platinum Elite benefits with those of other major carriers. Unfortunately this is what made DL special and one reason why I chose to fly DL for the past 20 years. </font>
The changes involved input from a number of sources – including comments on this board.
There are still differences in the elite level programs for Platinum Medallions
· We continue to offer complimentary crown room access (plus our lounges continue to offer complimentary beverages). Delta is still unique among U.S. carriers in offering this benefit.
· We have two new additional benefit levels for Platinum Medallions at 125K and 150K – partner/companion Medallion status or carry-over base miles
· We have 2M and 4M miler levels to reward long-term loyalty
· We offer the option of earning 5000 bonus SkyMiles in lieu of the 500-Mile Upgrade points
· One of the fastest qualification options for members traveling on higher fares
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Tomphot:
The site says that PM's will be given 20 - 500 mile upgrades in Jan 2004.
Will PM's be given 20 at the start of every year?</font>
The one-time deposit of twenty 500-Mile Upgrade points is designed to give Platinum Medallion members an initial starting balance. It will be done only once on Jan 1, 2004 – it will not be repeated in subsequent years.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Spiff:
I guess my only question is: Is this the final decision on T/U/L fares getting only 50% medallion qualifying miles? If so, then I am flying 0 miles other than free flights in 2004.
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Yes this is the final decision.
This is not about reducing the overall number of Medallion members – based on activity in 2002 we will actually have slightly more Medallion members due to the new qualification criteria
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jeffreyt:
Q. Will I continue to earn bonus miles based on my SkyMiles Medallion level? (Example, GM's and PM's earn 100% bonus miles in addition to the current base miles program.
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Yes.
In addition, all Medallion’s will have the option to receive 5000 bonus SkyMiles in lieu of 500-Mile Upgrade points – this could effectively give you an additional 50% SkyMiles bonus (i.e. 150% for Platinum Medallions)
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by GoCanes:
Why the dilution of GM benefits?
I liked getting 8 MSU's and now only 4 MSU's. And they reduced the mielage they can be used for. Why would DL make such a bad decision?
ALSO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will the website allow users to select the fare class they desire when these changes take place? </font>
Two main reasons why the change to the upgrade earn rate:
1. Currently about half the upgrade certificates we issue go unused. We want to provide customers with a more realistic number so that we are giving you benefits you actually use (and value) + it will give you a greater chance of getting the upgrade when you really want it (i.e. traveling with your spouse or friend)
2. This is also about customer choice: if airlines are going to continue to offer customers the choice of a first class cabin then first class seats need to be priced appropriately. The alternative will be a one-class product everywhere.
Current technology allows you to choose cheapest fare, upgradeable (K or higher), First, Business/BusinessElite or Y - we are working to allow a choice better aligned with the changes (First, BusinessElite, Coach, Discounted Coach and Deeply-discounted Coach).