Skymiles Change Rumor?

Old Mar 24, 2012, 2:58 am
  #946  
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Originally Posted by MSPeconomist
So a TPAC M RT would earn about 1000 miles for a DM?????
If it cost him $5000, yes -- but each SkyMile would be worth $1.
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 3:41 am
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Originally Posted by StayingHomeIsBetter
It is interesting to see how many folks are just focusing on Part A, the revenue-based qualification.

Are you equally sanguine about the prospects of having to shell out 2x or 3x what is currently required for award ticket redemptions?
There are two major issues here, and different people have different issues. For those of us who live outside the US, the domestic upgrade program isn't a big deal. If AA or UA better served the places in the US that I need to fly most often, I would have selected them as a primarily international flyer, since there are so many issues with international upgrades on DL. For those who fly almost 100% domestically, ST E+ lounge access (crucial for me) isn't worth much and it's all about the upgrades. Thus, there's a lot of competing interests around here.

The thing that baffles me is FTers who aren't up in arms about a massive decrease in the value of their miles. We're probably the most savvy group around when it comes to using miles, and we know that SkyMiles have great value if you are willing to put in some work. Even those who aren't using them now may want to use them in the future (after retiring, once they have kids, to help out family members), and FBATR might make it easier to spend miles, but I can't see how it will do anything but require a massive amount of miles if you want to leave North America.

Originally Posted by TheMadBrewer
They don't even need to mention the rumor, all the need to say is "status earned in 2012 under the current rules will be honored in 2013"

I won't be happy if the program changes along the lines of the "rumor" but if they announce sometime this year what the earning and redemption rules will be next year, then I can make a rational decision.

Because they seem unwilling to say even thet -- and given their past track record -- I fear they are going to make drastic changes mid-year.
+1 DL has a history of mid-year changes that are unfavorable to passengers. DL wouldn't have to come in here and say anything, but it would be nice if they updated the medallion program manual to state clearly that the criteria for earning status are only changed at the start of a program year based on notification some amount of time (three months?) in advance of the start of the program year. UA's communication about the changes to their elite program as they went through the merger seemed clear and done well in advance. Unfortunately, I don't anticipate that DL will even come close to that and we'll have mid-year announcements of changes after it's too late for people to switch programs.
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 6:54 am
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Originally Posted by dcline414
If you ARE high value, why would you care about the changes? If you AREN'T high value, why would Delta care what you think?

If you are Delta, however, why would you not schedule a press conference at some point in the near future if you ARE planning to announce an upcoming change, or deny the rumors if they are unfounded and upsetting your customers?

It's coming up on google, people are blogging and tweeting about it... Do you want to be ahead of the rumor mill or rolled over by it?
Why do HVCs care about program changes in which they will still benefit? Simple, if DL changes to a revenue-based model and mileage value decreases then we all suffer. It doesn't matter if the new system stratifies earned mileage by medallion level and top tier medallions earn the most miles if the redemption value goes to 500,000 miles for an international BE award ticket it makes it very difficult for all of us to use our miles. Plus, we have all seen the disappearance of domestic UGs at window and with continuing FCM this promises to only worsen with time.

I recognize that as a HVC, I will still benefit personally, but if it takes an entire year of flying to accumulate enough miles for that international BE ticket then I have lost and all of you flying 25,000 miles a year have definitely lost. This is a lose-lose proposition for all of us!
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 7:52 am
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Originally Posted by mtkeller

The thing that baffles me is FTers who aren't up in arms about a massive decrease in the value of their miles. We're probably the most savvy group around when it comes to using miles, and we know that SkyMiles have great value if you are willing to put in some work. Even those who aren't using them now may want to use them in the future (after retiring, once they have kids, to help out family members), and FBATR might make it easier to spend miles, but I can't see how it will do anything but require a massive amount of miles if you want to leave North America.
i am likewise surprised very few seem concerned about this. Delta could base your accrual on your alcohol consumption while onboard as long as the opps for redemptions don't mean you have to sacrafice your liver for a MSP-Minot mid-week January flight. The accrual formula is really secondary for if the redemption gets even more onerous then we've all lost, including, i would contend, Delta who doeesn't seem to grasp that the company/customer relationship is quite symbiotic...
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 8:26 am
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Originally Posted by Dovster
I would not mind at all if DL awarded SkyMiles as follows:

1 SkyMile for every $10 spent for general members.
1.1 SkyMiles for every $10 spent for Silver Medallions.
1.25 SkyMiles for every $10 spent for Gold Medallions.
1.5 SkyMiles for every $10 spent for Platinum Medallions.
2 SkyMiles for every $10 spent for Diamond Medallions.

The kicker, however, would have to be that they can be spent on any Delta flight and on any fare which is for sale for that flight. Moreover, a flight for which these SkyMiles are used would earn the same number of MQMs as they would if cash had been spent.
That could be something they associate with the Amex card. The UA card allows you to to use miles at the standard rate for any flight you can buy tickets for. I'm not sure I have the details right, but if you really want to go somewhere and have the miles to burn, you can get a seat.

As far as DL announcing their plans, who's to say they've finalized any changes?
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 8:33 am
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Originally Posted by GYEWorldTraveler
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.
Thank you, GYE! Someone else makes BUSINESS sense. I don't know how I'd shake out in the new program, but I know those DESERVING the perks would get them. If there is something left over, I will take it.
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 9:19 am
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Chopped Liver & a Ham Sammy

Originally Posted by bubbashow
Thank you, GYE! Someone else makes BUSINESS sense. I don't know how I'd shake out in the new program, but I know those DESERVING the perks would get them. If there is something left over, I will take it.
Originally Posted by GYEWorldTraveler
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.
What is the % of people who spend $100K+ a year on air travel on Delta? Its probably a very small %, but I have no data to base that on. There are plenty of folks, like me, who spend between $10,000 and $15,000 a year on airfare. What does that make us, chopped liver? If DL decides to start treating us like chopped liver and ham sandwiches, then I hope DL doesn't think they could stay in business by only catering to the rich and famous.
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 9:26 am
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Originally Posted by Air Brian
i am likewise surprised very few seem concerned about this. Delta could base your accrual on your alcohol consumption while onboard as long as the opps for redemptions don't mean you have to sacrafice your liver for a MSP-Minot mid-week January flight. The accrual formula is really secondary for if the redemption gets even more onerous then we've all lost, including, i would contend, Delta who doeesn't seem to grasp that the company/customer relationship is quite symbiotic...
I don't think people aren't concerned, just that normal people aren't so emotionally connected to their FF program and don't come off the rails at unsubstantiated rumors. It's good entertainment though.

This thread is the gift that keeps on giving. Carry on.
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 9:39 am
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Originally Posted by Deadtail
I don't think people aren't concerned, just that normal people aren't so emotionally connected to their FF program and don't come off the rails at unsubstantiated rumors. It's good entertainment though.

This thread is the gift that keeps on giving. Carry on.
^

Gotta love whats on people's minds.
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 9:47 am
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Originally Posted by Deadtail
I don't think people aren't concerned, just that normal people aren't so emotionally connected to their FF program and don't come off the rails at unsubstantiated rumors. It's good entertainment though.

This thread is the gift that keeps on giving. Carry on.
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.
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 10:05 am
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Originally Posted by jsmith50
The 'rumors' are a bit more than unsubstatiated.
Link?
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 10:32 am
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Originally Posted by nypdLieu
What is the % of people who spend $100K+ a year on air travel on Delta? Its probably a very small %, but I have no data to base that on. There are plenty of folks, like me, who spend between $10,000 and $15,000 a year on airfare. What does that make us, chopped liver? If DL decides to start treating us like chopped liver and ham sandwiches, then I hope DL doesn't think they could stay in business by only catering to the rich and famous.
Great point! ^
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 10:37 am
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Originally Posted by jsmith50
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.
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.
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 10:38 am
  #959  
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Originally Posted by GRALISTAIR
Anyone want to take bets on when this thread will hit 50K views?
The betting is now open for when the thread hits 60K views.

BTW... isn't it about time for this thread to acquire sticky-hood?
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Old Mar 24, 2012, 10:41 am
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Originally Posted by StayingHomeIsBetter
BTW... isn't it about time for this thread to acquire sticky-hood?
+1
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