Originally Posted by gogreyhound (Post 20068701)

That's VERY easy to say if you're not doing it on your own dime.

Originally Posted by UAAAPeter (Post 20068932)

Thank goodness I have lifetime status on other airlines. I kind of get why DL are doing this but it is the old old thing that getting new customers is a lot more difficult than retaining old loyal ones. And this sends some of that loyal group away. DL no doubt claim that they know what they are doing, but the truth is that no one in the airline business knows what they are doing. DL will no doubt go bankrupt again in the next decade or two as this is the nature of the beast.

As the programs get more complicated one has a tendency to abandon them. My wife just flew Southwest and loved them. I have not flown Southwest in two decades but of course I love them as they drive everyone else's fares. Also she had planned a trip last year and could not go, and she was able to use those funds 100% on her recent trip. None of this $150 change fee stuff. And two free bags. I can't imagine why anyone would fly the legacy airlines inside the US if they don't have status and don't have some corporation paying F fares..

And now my wife has a whole bunch of miles or whatever they are on Southwest so who is she going to fly next time? (Actually she just booked another trip). And the kids - they are not going to fly alone? And me if they are all going Southwest? That is the whole point of loyalty programs and what this DL move is doing is driving away not just mileage run geeks like everyone on this board, but whole families too. And all the people that the geeks speak to at dinner parties.

But for sure no one at DL will listen. And that is Corporate America for you as they draw salaries and bonuses of tens of millions and drive their companies into the grave multiple times.

Just saying! :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by jamesteroh (Post 20067682)

Why is Delta exempting non-us residents from the spend? Is it because the am ex isn't available outside the US? There are still plenty of people in the US who don't want the Am Ex or won't qualify.

Originally Posted by sethb (Post 20068862)

Because they aren't. Those with enough spend (or Amex) still care about rollovers.

Originally Posted by exwannabe (Post 20068925)

Ok, one thing puzzles me.

I completely understand the rational for MQDs. The fact is, the low MQD (non AX) flyer is not valued enough to get the status. One can debate the issue, but the motive seams obvious.

On partner devaluation, it is hard to understand how all the inter-ST (and other partner) ecconomics play out. So let's just assume that makes sense.

Pushing AX, that is a real cash stream so no need to discuss.

But the M fare reduction? I fail to understand. This has got to be a DL cash cow. There almost certainly has to be more news here (dream of lower M fares, fear a sLUT reduction).

Originally Posted by JGfromOC (Post 20068221)

They're just weeding out the cheaters who get medallion status without any flying - which I am perfectly OK with.

Originally Posted by TheMadBrewer (Post 20068969)

But if you are a MM (or above) you should keep them as "Annual Complimentary Status" is exempt from the MQD limits.

Hmmm, so is gifted status -- I see a market for PM's and DM's to gift to people who want to keep their rollover... :)

Originally Posted by DelrayChris (Post 20069041)

Cheaters? DL created the ability to obtain medallion status in this manner for the sake of profits.

Originally Posted by CAVU (Post 20069014)

There is a qualfication for Million Milers on the FAQ page. Any idea what they mean?

"Million Miler™ annual complimentary status is not impacted by the Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) or Delta SkyMiles Credit Card MQDs waiver.

However, to maintain Rollover Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), Million Milers will have to meet the spend requirements to achieve at least Silver Medallion status."

Originally Posted by TheMadBrewer (Post 20068969)

But if you are a MM (or above) you should keep them as "Annual Complimentary Status" is exempt from the MQD limits.

Hmmm, so is gifted status -- I see a market for PM's and DM's to gift to people who want to keep their rollover... :)

Originally Posted by StayingHomeIsBetter (Post 20069043)

Good try, but don't imagine so. :D

Originally Posted by EchoVictor (Post 20068804)

In the past month, I spent $1,800 on a one-way Y fare KE ticket from HKG - LAX, then used 12,500 skymiles to upgrade it. Delta insisted that for the Skyteam upgrade to work, it HAD to be purchased with a KE code and that despite having a ticketing agreement Delta could not sell me that ticket.

So now, not only would I get 50% MQM for that ticket instead of 100%, it wouldn't count against MQD either... kind of hard to justify buying that ticket now. Seems to me Skyteam is now completely pointless as an alliance. Star Alliance partners are much more cooperative than this.

Originally Posted by bubbashow (Post 20069051)

...and now they have changed it....for the sake of profits.

Originally Posted by emrdoc (Post 20068641)

I like the changes...will hopefully thin the ranks of Diamonds.

Originally Posted by rylan (Post 20069118)

Yes, thats something nobody here seems to be noticing as well... unless its just because almost nobody uses ST upgrades. However, now you'll be enjoying 50% mqm for your full Y ticket. Yes they do have to be purchased under the operating carrier's flight number.
ST upgrades are dead as far as I'm concerned.