As we know, tix purchased but not flown do not generate MQMs. But with the spend requirement, how about tickets purchased but not flown and not redeemed in any other way -- do they count for MQD purposes?

Here are a few comments after reading pretty much this entire 50 page thread:

Likes:
MQD requirements. I'm a PM and I'll hit the $7,500 after one or definitely two business class tickets through work. As far as the ST-alliance goes, I actually think DL has the best business class around (hard and soft product) and I'm happy to fly on DL.

Dislikes:
That MQDs don't roll over.
The MAJOR reduction in MQM earning on many non-JV carriers. This entirely ruins the ST alliance. Like I said, I generally actually prefer flying DL. But occasionally due to scheduling or pricing I need to fly another ST partner. I feel like I'm now punished for doing that, especially in top-level business fares.
The confusing MQD scheme. The idea is something I like, but the implementation is going to cause a lot of headaches. Who's ticket stock, who markets it, restrictions around who you buy from, etc can make even the savvy travelers' heads spin. They really need to (and I'm convinced will) simplify this.
Why they couldn't have added a revenue-exclusive option. For example, you need $7,500 and 75K MQMs to reach PM. How about an option that if you don't reach 75K MQMs but spend at least $15K, you get PM status?

Lastly: I absolutely hate United and refuse to fly them. I did a match and planned to switch in earnest this past year, but I immediately came running back to DL. But Star Alliance is GREAT. I anticipate these changes will lead to retribution by many ST partners, which will cause customer service and flexibility to deteriorate across the alliance, and eventually lead to the end of ST. That's a major bummer.

Just my 2 cents.

Don't worry, this change will thin the ranks for sure. I'm guessing DL planned it that way.

Good point, wonder who this will affect the most, FO/GM/PM/DM?

This is a very insightful post. It isn't so much about good bye DL, but what DL did in this program to really devalue the aspect of flying within an alliance.

I voted yesterday, but this wouldn't have affected my vote.

And this is what I don't understand, why change the MQM's in 2013 when the program rules are meant for 2014?

After thinking about this for a bit, I've decided that I'm not happy with these changes. As a GM, I totally accept that PM's and DM's get better services than I do, more upgrades, etc. Fine. However...what about rewarding loyalty.... I ONLY fly Delta unless they don't fly where I am going. In exchange, I really appreciate the free checked bags, the fast check in and security, etc. I have no reason to be loyal if its not rewarded. But thats the thing...I want to be loyal. I want this to work. I don't want to go running to Southwest or some other carrier. I'm ok hardly getting any upgrades....but please...recognize the fact that my spend a year from my own money is significant.

Exactly.

Which is way ironic, because the whole point of rollover MQMs appeared to be that folks would stop flying as soon as they hit their threshold (in the days before rollover). Go figure :p

But remember, DL is working to become a "premium carrier" in Asia. LMAO

If you are MM you still get annual complementary FO. However, you don't get rollover unless you would have qualified for FO even without the MM program.

Did you all resolve whether MQDs would accrue for DL flights purchased on 057/074 stock? If not, I just spoke with someone at the Platinum desk (had called in on a completely unrelated issue), but took this opportunity to ask some questions.

Will we accrue MQDs for DL flights purchased on 057/074 stock? No. The whole point is that Delta has to be able to track the spend. Hence, you have to purchase 006 stock for the MQD to accrue.

A follow up question - will MQDs nevertheless accrue if a flyer has a 057/074 ticket re-issued in 006 stock? Good effing question - the agent did not know the answer, but noted it to push up the chain. Any change fees associated with the reissuance would not count. It is unclear, but more than likely, than any fare difference paid by the flyer would count (net of taxes and government imposed fees). However, it is not known at all whether the original net fare payable on the 057/074 stock would accrue for MQDs.

Please note that in the course of complaining bitterly to the agent about partner redemptions, the very helpful agent noted that a new booking system is being rolled out to the agents (a few are using it already) that will make booking skyteam partner flights easier. I'm not exactly holding my breath on this one, especially since it is not slated to trickle down to delta.com.

I'd they were, they soon won't be.

What are the differences between M fares and B fares? In other words, will I be getting something more for the extra money other than the MQMs?

(Being higher on the upgrade list doesn't matter to me as I always make certain that my trans-oceanic flights are upgraded as soon as I purchase and, last year, managed to have all but one of my domestic flights upgraded at the same time and for no additional SkyMiles.)

Premium as in $3K+ M fares that no longer get 50% MQM bonus and never work since Z rarely opens up?

MQD's announcement distracted from a change in Delta Amex perk?
 

I have been toying with the idea of upgrading to the platinum card, especially with the new MQD format and the extra MQMs. Also, my AMEX GOLD no longer gets a companion certificate...

But something stealth happened with this MQD announcement... At least, now I don't see ANY of the Delta Amex cards offering companion certificates. Did I just miss it? I have been digging on the AMEX site and no longer find that benifit listed and no check mark next to that perk, even for the Reserve card.

Anyone else see this??

-J
(A newbie, a GM, in NYC)

You get the same seat :)

Usually, the higher the fare class, the fewer the restrictions (advance purchase, changes, etc.)

We can leave out the subjective UA vs. DL airline discussion.

What is better about SkyMiles vs. MilagePlus, esp. with regard a high status member? (If you wanted to discuss AAdvantage, ok, I'd just agree the they both have good and bad points and YMMV.) But Skymiles? I'm not seeing it. Educate me please.

DL wouldn't be making changes if they didn't think it would improve their bottom line. Their analysis must have convinced them that either they have to give out fewer benefits or thy people would spend more to retain status.