Skymiles Change Rumor?
Mar 24, 2012, 10:43 am
#961
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
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This sounds like an excellent idea! Please let us know what response you get.
I have told a few 100% travel folks in ATL about these rumors and several are going to burn down their miles, just in case. My motto always is, if you've got em, burn em! Why bank when you can use and enjoy the benefits... ESPECIALLY since they could be devalued at any time.
I have told a few 100% travel folks in ATL about these rumors and several are going to burn down their miles, just in case. My motto always is, if you've got em, burn em! Why bank when you can use and enjoy the benefits... ESPECIALLY since they could be devalued at any time.
You realize, I hope, that we probably should not even be discussing this here? If DL management senses a move in this direction, there will be wholesale increases in mileage requirements, across the board.
Mar 24, 2012, 10:44 am
#962
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Mar 24, 2012, 10:46 am
#963
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
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Mar 24, 2012, 10:47 am
#964
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ireland, UnderH20, AUA, Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Charter KM, DM180, RW, DM, SC, SkyBonus; HH Diamond, IHG Plt Amb, Global Ent, TWIC
Posts: 2,191
Exactly (in response to deadtail's post of "link?")
We have rumors, hearsay, alleged related job postings, but no facts whatsoever on what changes may or may not occur.
Until we see what ever may come about, anything else is pure speculation, even considering past actions by DL in similar areas.
I would consider myself on the low end of being a HVC at 15-20k spending but quite substantial AMEX spend. I enjoy the service DL provides to me. I have been satisfied by answers to inquiries even if I do not agree for I have always been treated like an individual with valid concerns. Suggestions I have made solo or in groups have been implemented and my dealings with people on Virginia Ave has led me to believe that many are truly invested in the future of DL and that SkyMiles is a valuable component.
I use my miles for international flights and have been able to obtain low tier awards on all but on occasion.
I am not overly concerned on the direction until I see details.
Of course, as always, YMMV
We have rumors, hearsay, alleged related job postings, but no facts whatsoever on what changes may or may not occur.
Until we see what ever may come about, anything else is pure speculation, even considering past actions by DL in similar areas.
I would consider myself on the low end of being a HVC at 15-20k spending but quite substantial AMEX spend. I enjoy the service DL provides to me. I have been satisfied by answers to inquiries even if I do not agree for I have always been treated like an individual with valid concerns. Suggestions I have made solo or in groups have been implemented and my dealings with people on Virginia Ave has led me to believe that many are truly invested in the future of DL and that SkyMiles is a valuable component.
I use my miles for international flights and have been able to obtain low tier awards on all but on occasion.
I am not overly concerned on the direction until I see details.
Of course, as always, YMMV
Mar 24, 2012, 10:50 am
#965
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: BGM/ PHL
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Give it ten or fifteen years -- most (if not all) meetings will be conducted by Webex/Skype/ video conference. Apart for site visits, location scouting, conventions and a handful of other things that necessitate face to face time, business travel will by-far become the exception rather than the rule.
Mar 24, 2012, 10:54 am
#966
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: Delta SkyMiles PM, Starwood SPG Platinum, Hilton HH Honors, UA MP Silver, EK Skywards Silver
Posts: 652
The 'rumors' are a bit more than unsubstatiated. But, I would agree that the casual flier doesn't feel as invested in this FF mile program. I am flying out of MCO later today. I think I'll get to the airport a but early and take an informal poll of anyone who will talk to me in the SC. All things considered these are frequently folks more vested in DL, either by DM status or paid membersip and I would wager that many there, who don't follow this board, will have no idea this thread or this site exists and it will be interesting to get some feedback from those folks.
Just keep in mind though, DL is not just building a bigger airline...they're building a better one.
Mar 24, 2012, 10:57 am
#967
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: Delta SkyMiles PM, Starwood SPG Platinum, Hilton HH Honors, UA MP Silver, EK Skywards Silver
Posts: 652
Give it ten or fifteen years -- most (if not all) meetings will be conducted by Webex/Skype/ video conference. Apart for site visits, location scouting, conventions and a handful of other things that necessitate face to face time, business travel will by-far become the exception rather than the rule.
Webex/Sky/Vid conference has been around for quite a few years now. The only thing I ever use those for is a presentation that is being given by another vendor or another office located in another city.
As far as business meetings go, it's all in person. As far as conferences go, it's all in person.
Mar 24, 2012, 10:59 am
#968
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Join Date: Oct 2011
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Give it ten or fifteen years -- most (if not all) meetings will be conducted by Webex/Skype/ video conference. Apart for site visits, location scouting, conventions and a handful of other things that necessitate face to face time, business travel will by-far become the exception rather than the rule.
That way, most of my travel expenses are for my +1 and for MR.
And, I can have elite status for almost nothing and redeem great awards.
Besides, if I need to sign a document, then...
Mar 24, 2012, 11:09 am
#969
Used to be 'flymanbeast'
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Delta silver/marriot platinum
Posts: 2,795
I guess I should be making my fall travels plans. If there is a "run on the bank" panic as people try to burn their miles, availability might become problematic.
You realize, I hope, that we probably should not even be discussing this here? If DL management senses a move in this direction, there will be wholesale increases in mileage requirements, across the board.
You realize, I hope, that we probably should not even be discussing this here? If DL management senses a move in this direction, there will be wholesale increases in mileage requirements, across the board.
Don't try AF or klm.It easy really easy to get it to work with the less used partners.
Mar 24, 2012, 11:14 am
#970
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Mar 24, 2012, 11:18 am
#971
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Mar 24, 2012, 11:32 am
#972
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: AUS
Programs: Delta FO, United Silver, National Executive, HHonors Silver, Marriott Silver
Posts: 347
Watching a little too much "Up In The Air" are we?
Webex/Sky/Vid conference has been around for quite a few years now. The only thing I ever use those for is a presentation that is being given by another vendor or another office located in another city.
As far as business meetings go, it's all in person. As far as conferences go, it's all in person.
Webex/Sky/Vid conference has been around for quite a few years now. The only thing I ever use those for is a presentation that is being given by another vendor or another office located in another city.
As far as business meetings go, it's all in person. As far as conferences go, it's all in person.
+1
Mar 24, 2012, 11:37 am
#973
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Join Date: Apr 2009
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+1...finally after 929 posts, a post with logic and common sense which I am sure will be ignored by the whiners. And as far as upgrades go, people complain about lack of upgrades, but offer no solution. What do you expect DL to do, increase capacity again so as to provide folks here with more upgrades? That is not going to happen. Gone are the (ridiculous) days of flying half-full planes on too many routes. I am surprised that lasted as long as it did. It is unlikely capacity will grow, and the constantly packed planes, along with the numbers of Medallions out there, will continue to shrink the number of available upgrades. That is a fact of life, and is not confined to DL by the way. Folks it is 2012 not 1992.
Frequent Suggestion #1: Additional white envelope 5th tier. Recognize high spend without cannabilizing the rest of the program.
Frequent Suggestion #2: No double/triple MQM promos or status giveaways for 6 segments. Put the frequent back in frequent flyer.
Then there's the debate on what to do with FCM...
Mar 24, 2012, 11:37 am
#974
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA, AsiaMiles, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 7,982
Delta engages with many FTers and actively looks to get feedback from its top customers. It's more likely that they will be contacting the DMs that have been getting Porsche rides in ATL than the LUT, MRing or CC earned DM. I can honestly say that I feel that delta does an excellent job reaching out to its highest revenue customers and corporate accounts. I know several colleagues that have been invited to focus groups and have a rep on speed dial. Right now the way the program is set up they (250k miles/yr + $100k+++ spend) are not rewarded anymore than the 125k $5k spend DM. The rumored changes would address this issue. I'm sure the Skymiles program and medallion program will change and reward the highest value customers and from what I've heard I think there will be a new tier added to compete with UA GS but be even better.
People can whine all they want but why wouldn't a business want to reward its most loyal and highest revenue customers? It's no different than a manufacturer giving better pricing to someone who buys 3 million of its product than someone who buys 1,000 of its product. And it's no different than the VIP services given to high spenders at casinos vs the services given to a $5 a hand blackjack players.
I think FTers sometimes forget that DL is a business and fail to see the big picture. I can't really complain if I don't get upgraded when I paid $500 for my ticket on a 737-800 but 10 people bought P fares for $1000 and 2 people used miles and 4 DMs paid more than me. Who should I think doesn't belong in F in that scenario? I can be disappointed I didn't get the UG but how can I really complain? I had the opportunity to buy the FC ticket, I didn't...I had the opportunity to buy a mileage ticket, I didn't....I had the opportunity to buy a higher fare class, I didn't....doesn't really seem like I can have much beef with delta unless they upgraded someone they shouldn't have in front of me.
People can whine all they want but why wouldn't a business want to reward its most loyal and highest revenue customers? It's no different than a manufacturer giving better pricing to someone who buys 3 million of its product than someone who buys 1,000 of its product. And it's no different than the VIP services given to high spenders at casinos vs the services given to a $5 a hand blackjack players.
I think FTers sometimes forget that DL is a business and fail to see the big picture. I can't really complain if I don't get upgraded when I paid $500 for my ticket on a 737-800 but 10 people bought P fares for $1000 and 2 people used miles and 4 DMs paid more than me. Who should I think doesn't belong in F in that scenario? I can be disappointed I didn't get the UG but how can I really complain? I had the opportunity to buy the FC ticket, I didn't...I had the opportunity to buy a mileage ticket, I didn't....I had the opportunity to buy a higher fare class, I didn't....doesn't really seem like I can have much beef with delta unless they upgraded someone they shouldn't have in front of me.
In the scenario you describe, nobody could complain about not being upgraded. But when your Y ticket is $500 and the P fare costs $375... that makes no sense at all. And yet it is happening.
What a masturbatory post!
It's nothing like any of those things. Nobody says don't reward the real high end! The answer is a special 5th tier, Porsche rides in ATL, that sort of thing. The problem here is that they plan on punishing everyone- HVCs are only better proportional to the rest. Even your $100k/yr DM flying on expensive fares gets no more reward out of this- they simply stay where they are on the one hand (DM) and lose on the other (redemption).
Additionally the RBTA is more like telling everyone you're only shipping them 1/8 as many units as they paid for.
PS So long as they only listen to the few people that account for that top fraction of a percent of their revenue they're missing the entire point. Kettles won't care, but the other 99% of Medallions really will, and they can ill afford to lose large numbers of us.
It's nothing like any of those things. Nobody says don't reward the real high end! The answer is a special 5th tier, Porsche rides in ATL, that sort of thing. The problem here is that they plan on punishing everyone- HVCs are only better proportional to the rest. Even your $100k/yr DM flying on expensive fares gets no more reward out of this- they simply stay where they are on the one hand (DM) and lose on the other (redemption).
Additionally the RBTA is more like telling everyone you're only shipping them 1/8 as many units as they paid for.
PS So long as they only listen to the few people that account for that top fraction of a percent of their revenue they're missing the entire point. Kettles won't care, but the other 99% of Medallions really will, and they can ill afford to lose large numbers of us.
There should be an invitation-only highest tier with all kinds of special unpublished benefits and really top-notch service. Hell, just having all the agents on their line actually know what they are doing and do as well as @DeltaAssist would be a start! Maybe reserve Chisholm for them.
It's too bad if it happens the way most people think it will... I really love DL.
His post didn't make any more business sense than any of yours do. Neither of you is familiar with the more advanced concepts of inventory management when that inventory is produced at a very inelastic rate and is perishable.
Last edited by Canarsie; Mar 25, 2012 at 7:47 pm Reason: Consolidation.
Mar 24, 2012, 11:44 am
#975
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX, SFO
Programs: Delta GM, Lifetime Marriott Platinum, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,634
Have you not read this thread?
Frequent Suggestion #1: Additional white envelope 5th tier. Recognize high spend without cannabilizing the rest of the program.
Frequent Suggestion #2: No double/triple MQM promos or status giveaways for 6 segments. Put the frequent back in frequent flyer.
Then there's the debate on what to do with FCM...
Frequent Suggestion #1: Additional white envelope 5th tier. Recognize high spend without cannabilizing the rest of the program.
Frequent Suggestion #2: No double/triple MQM promos or status giveaways for 6 segments. Put the frequent back in frequent flyer.
Then there's the debate on what to do with FCM...
I stand by my comment about upgrades, or the lack of them. At least on the routes I fly, planes are packed. DL is simply not going to increase capacity to give out more free upgrades. No one here seems to recognize that. I would submit that, like it or not. FCM is here to stay as well.