2012 Purchase MQMs is back
#76
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: DL FO/KM, AA PLT
Posts: 2,594
If Delta sells 5,000 MQMs for $495 and an itinerary where you will earn 5,000 MQMs for $250, DL is already coming out AT LEAST $245 ahead if you buy the MQMs instead of taking the MR for $250 r/t (esp. if that $250 includes taxes and airport fees, which DL doesn't get to keep). Your butt being in a seat still takes up more fuel than if the plane was empty. DL still provides you service on the plane (I was upgraded to F so I received a meal and booze and such), even if minimal, so was the price of my ticket. I then used four different SkyClubs during my mileage run, and the snacks and amenities I used will come out of DL's pocket for that. It doesn't take a lot before you realize what DL spent to transport my butt was more than the $250 I gave them, and that's why I think DL is very smart to offer these MQM options over MRs.
Last edited by FlyDeltaJets87; Nov 9, 2012 at 8:32 am
#77
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
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I didn't say anything about selling the MQMs being (or not) a much better deal for Delta than selling actual, used, seats; of course it is. I merely pointed out that selling the seat is more profitable than not selling the seat.
#78
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,051
Yes, and imagine how completely devalued the Medallion program and our banked RDM's (yes, it could get much worse than it is now) would be if DL allowed these virtual MR's. Further, how would DL know how many will no show and how much they can oversell?? It would completely throw their inventory management systems out of whack. Come on folks, it's just a plain bad idea.
#80
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: DL FO/KM, AA PLT
Posts: 2,594
Yes, and imagine how completely devalued the Medallion program and our banked RDM's (yes, it could get much worse than it is now) would be if DL allowed these virtual MR's. Further, how would DL know how many will no show and how much they can oversell?? It would completely throw their inventory management systems out of whack. Come on folks, it's just a plain bad idea.
#81
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
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Yes, and imagine how completely devalued the Medallion program and our banked RDM's (yes, it could get much worse than it is now) would be if DL allowed these virtual MR's. Further, how would DL know how many will no show and how much they can oversell?? It would completely throw their inventory management systems out of whack. Come on folks, it's just a plain bad idea.
#82
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,051
That addresses the inventory management somewhat, but not the Medallion inflation and mileage value devaluation. At any rate, I'm fairly confident has put more thought into such issues and would not actually create such a thing.
#83
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,051
Actually according to an earlier post from MSPEconomist in this thread, this promo only gets you MQMs, not RDMs. So the miles are actually becoming less inflated through the allowing of virtual MRs than through actual MRs where RDMs are earned in addition to MQMs. Now you can argue the ranks are becoming inflated, but I argue that's not the case. Someone earning status through doing a real MR or a virtual MR ends with the same result: one more person among the ranks. Which route - real MR or virtual MR is better for that someone depends on the person and their circumstances. The latter route is most likely better for DL.
#84
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: MN
Programs: Lots of programs, dirt on all of them!
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Someone earning status through doing a real MR or a virtual MR ends with the same result: one more person among the ranks. Which route - real MR or virtual MR is better for that someone depends on the person and their circumstances. The latter route is most likely better for DL.
#85
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Delta PM, Delta Reserve, Amex Plat, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold ;)
Posts: 1,775
http://www.usairways.com/en-US/divid...preferred.html
Could you imagine if DL let you buy Diamond? (Aside from the Jet card)
#86
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA, AsiaMiles, SPG, HHonors
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At the end of the day the last 20 posts in this thread have given quite a few very valid points. I want a profitable airline. I totally understand DL selling MQMs direct, to Amex, Hertz, Hilton etc. I understand those who proudly have earned all their miles BIS. But don't forget many don't do MRs 100% for MQMs/status, there are quite a few on this board that actually really enjoy BIS miles i.e. FLYING. I am one of them. I still get a thrill when boarding an aircarft.
But I don't begrudge others the opportunity to buy their status or DL for selling it. It makes them a lot of money. Those who want status to be based on spend should applaud DL selling MQMs.
#88
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What "current program"?
#90
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,051
While I understand the desire for DL to maximize their profit and those who value the ability to simply purchase MQM's without flying, ultimately this is going to increase the size of the Medallion pool and make upgrades more difficult.