FlyDeltaJets87

Well, the company has spoken:
Medallion Qualification Update
(I'm assuming DwayneSkyMiles actually is a DL representative and not one of the fake ones we've had troll around here before).

GatorBlues

I think this is probably the thinking, but I'm not sure Delta analyzed it correctly. Maybe Atlanta isn't an accurate snapshot of the overall network, but lots of flyers here stay loyal to Delta because of the perceived benefits of being FO. That will change now. Delta will lose volume when the newly non-elite, former FOs buy tickets on other carriers to save $20 to $30 on the fare. Does charging for bags or seat assignments make up for the drop in ticket sales with this group? I have my doubts, but Delta apparently thinks so. The only other way for Delta to keep these ticket sales is to match competitors' pricing every time, which again negatively impacts its revenue from ticket sales. Will the add-ons make up for the lost ticket sale revenue?

The lost loyalty will affect more than just the leisure travel of these travelers. They aren't going to be loyal to Delta on their business trips anymore either. Why not pick the time or price that best suits you every time, even for business travel, if the perceived perks of choosing Delta are gone? So, again, does Delta really know how much nudging out many FOs, and bumping some GMs down to FO, will cost the company in lost ticket sales revenue?

This doesn't affect me because my credit card spend keeps me safely at GM regardless of my Delta spend. But I'm still not sure it's a good idea for Delta to lose the loyalty of passengers they need to fill the planes.

rylan

Well the killer for me will likely be the M fare MQM reduction. I was having a hard time justifying the price of M+SWU before... but with no 50% bonus you end up giving DL a ton of cash to sit up front and don't qualify. I'll probably just pick the carrier with cheapest biz fare now.

Canarsie

He is a confirmed representative of Delta Air Lines.

Please continue the discussion in that thread, which contains the confirmed official announcement.

Thank you.

Regards,

Canarsie
Co-Moderator, Delta SkyMiles forum