Originally Posted by
RealDLInsider
Specifically, during 2008, I believe it is fundamentally important that airline loyalty programs and even the rewards programs of major credit cards continue to offer greater choice and utility in the “use” of frequent flyer miles. As the number of miles being given away and specifically sold continues to increase at very strong rates, loyalty programs in general must provide greater utility in the currency. This is a strong belief of mine, and one that Delta will commit to during 2008.
Jeff, I completely agree with you that greater utility is needed for FF miles. The program that really worked for me in providing utility to my SkyMiles was the two-way conversion of SkyMiles to and from Hilton Hotel's Hhonors points. If that program could be reinstated, I would be a happy camper.
Regarding merger options, I very much hope that no merger with United takes place because it seems inevitable that in such a scenario that your SLC hub would be downgraded significantly -- possibly it would no longer even be a "focus" city. If the new airline was to only fly from SLC to UnitedDelta hubs in Chicago, Denver, and Atlanta then my choice of which airline to fly on would become wide open. And I think Continental would be getting the lion's share.
Based on route structure, the only Delta merger that makes much sense to me is Delta and Northwest. Regarding WorldPerks, my advice would be to keep the two systems operating parallel while all of the bugs are worked out of whatever you decide to do -- don't merge the miles too soon. But then when you do merge, MERGE! Avoid at all costs making Old Miles/New Miles differentiations that you eventually become unable to sustain. A lot of posters on this board are still upset that you folded their Old Miles into their SkyMiles balances.