AA Matching DM to EXP
Jan 17, 13, 1:53 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 1MM, BA Silver
Posts: 10,180
Originally Posted by GYEWorldTraveler
Well Delta appears to be lapping its legacy counterparts posting $1.3-1.6 billion profits the past few years so I think they are fine letting the MR DMs go. Thin out the ranks a bit and let Medallion status actually mean something to the people paying for it. Honestly it doesn't seem that there could be that many DMs getting status spending less than 12.5k unless they are doing MRs. Even if you were flying LHR-USA 12 times a year, fares are often around $1,000 so you would pretty much be right there with MQDs. Seems this is targeted at $400 US-Istanbul fares MRers and the rest of the population won't really have any impact at all from this.
As a Europe-originating DM, one concern AF/KL spend not going towards MQD. For me, it can be $1500-2000 for intra-Europe travel, but it adds up. If it did not count toward MQD, I'd almost exclusively fly BA within Europe.
DL was consistently cheaper than AA for many ex-LHR fares in 2012...we'll see what 2013 brings and how easily I can use my EVIP upgrade certificates.
Jan 17, 13, 2:01 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 1MM, BA Silver
Posts: 10,180
Originally Posted by roknroll
Might want to wait until the whole AA/US merger dust settles and you have a better idea of what the program will look like long term.
Jan 17, 13, 2:14 pm
#20
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
Programs: DL DM 1.764MM, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Avis CHM.
Posts: 7,742
Originally Posted by GYEWorldTraveler
Capacity discipline and shrinking are not the same thing. I think they have been doing a pretty good job of cutting excess capacity and forming lucrative partnerships to fill in the gaps. I guess time will tell but it would be pretty ridiculous to have expected DL to try and grow and add capacity in a down economy with the network they already have in place.
People on this forum get all puffed up about themselves being a HVC when they fly on a $2000 ticket and laugh at the "kettle" flying in the back on a $200 ticket. In an industry with extremely high fixed costs, that $200 ticket is often the difference between profit and loss. You may laugh and sneer at the $200 ticket, but after all it is Delta that willingly offered it up for sale. I have yet to see anybody walk up to a ticket counter with a gun and force Delta to sell them a cheap ticket.
I will admit, Delta's 3rd quarter profit margin was 7.7% which is pretty darned good for this industry in today's climate. 4th quarter numbers are not out yet.
I will guess that Delta is not as willing to write off their LVCs to the extent that you and others on this forum seem are. I suspect Delta believes that most of them will have nowhere else to go. Delta is quite likely correct.
David
Jan 17, 13, 2:36 pm
#21
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Lynbrook, NY
Programs: Delta Ham Sandwich, IHG Spire, HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 80
I would prefer to wait out the year to see what everyone else is doing and then make my decision. This year most of the old rules apply. I would hate to rush into a status match and then find out the other airline is making major changes.
Originally Posted by ::JUJUBE
For those of you intrigued by the recent turn of events and program changes to skymiles - it seems AA is matching DM to EXP. I've called and verified with the Aadvantage desk. For PM/GM/FO you'll still need to go the traditional challenge route if looking for status. You can request a challenge or match by calling (800) 882-8880
"Thanks for speaking with me about your interest in making American Airlines your first choice in air travel. As we discussed, please send us the following documentation. Simply "Reply" to this message, and for prompt service, do not change the subject line:
· Your AAdvantage Number: _________
· Your Phone Number: ______________
· Date of your next American Airlines flight: _________
· Record Locator ("PNR") if available: ______________
· An attached copy of your frequent flyer membership card reflecting your name, number and current status level (.pdf, .tif, .jpeg, .bmp formats, not to exceed 1 MB)
-or-
A complete screen shot of your most recent account summary, reflecting your first and last name, frequent flyer number, status level, Qualifying Miles and Qualifying Segments (.pdf, .tif, .jpeg, .bmp formats, not to exceed 1 MB)
Once your documentation is received and accepted, we will contact you. We are eager to earn your business and look forward to welcoming you aboard your next American Airlines flight."
"Thanks for speaking with me about your interest in making American Airlines your first choice in air travel. As we discussed, please send us the following documentation. Simply "Reply" to this message, and for prompt service, do not change the subject line:
· Your AAdvantage Number: _________
· Your Phone Number: ______________
· Date of your next American Airlines flight: _________
· Record Locator ("PNR") if available: ______________
· An attached copy of your frequent flyer membership card reflecting your name, number and current status level (.pdf, .tif, .jpeg, .bmp formats, not to exceed 1 MB)
-or-
A complete screen shot of your most recent account summary, reflecting your first and last name, frequent flyer number, status level, Qualifying Miles and Qualifying Segments (.pdf, .tif, .jpeg, .bmp formats, not to exceed 1 MB)
Once your documentation is received and accepted, we will contact you. We are eager to earn your business and look forward to welcoming you aboard your next American Airlines flight."
Jan 17, 13, 2:41 pm
#22
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Seat 1A
Programs: DL; AA; UA; CO; LHLX; NZ; QR; EK; BA
Posts: 7,227
Originally Posted by rwoman
As a Europe-originating DM, one concern AF/KL spend not going towards MQD. For me, it can be $1500-2000 for intra-Europe travel, but it adds up. If it did not count toward MQD, I'd almost exclusively fly BA within Europe.
Jan 17, 13, 2:43 pm
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 1MM, BA Silver
Posts: 10,180
Originally Posted by ClipperDelta
But if you're Europe-originating, I presume you will have a non-US address, so the MQD situation wouldn't apply, no? This is precisely the reason why Delta excluded all non-US members as they know that these folks will have a harder time booking DL-coded/marketed flights or getting tickets issued on "006" ticket stock....
Jan 17, 13, 2:50 pm
#24
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Wherever I happen to be....
Programs: DL EOS...
Posts: 1,111
So glad I'm not hub captive and strangely AA flights seem to be fitting my schedule better lately than DL? If/when the AA bankrupty dust settles this MQM/MQD thing could be the tipping point....
But, no need for knee jerk reaction - it's just a ride on a fast Bus!
But, no need for knee jerk reaction - it's just a ride on a fast Bus!
Jan 17, 13, 3:04 pm
#25
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, DL MM
Posts: 4,133
Just got an email from AA advertising the new American Airlines.
A new logo - this is just what they need to save AA.
PASS...The fact that they are matching DMs to EXP shows how tough the situation there is. While I am not an AA fan, there is no disputing that EXP is much more valuable than DM
http://www.aa.com/newamerican
A new logo - this is just what they need to save AA.
PASS...The fact that they are matching DMs to EXP shows how tough the situation there is. While I am not an AA fan, there is no disputing that EXP is much more valuable than DM
http://www.aa.com/newamerican
Jan 17, 13, 3:10 pm
#26
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SMX
Programs: DL FO
Posts: 319
Originally Posted by DiverDave
I will guess that Delta is not as willing to write off their LVCs to the extent that you and others on this forum seem are. I suspect Delta believes that most of them will have nowhere else to go. Delta is quite likely correct.
David
Jan 17, 13, 3:18 pm
#28
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: UA Silver, BA Gold, DL Gold
Posts: 9,779
Originally Posted by FlyAO2
Just got an email from AA advertising the new American Airlines.
A new logo - this is just what they need to save AA.
PASS...The fact that they are matching DMs to EXP shows how tough the situation there is. While I am not an AA fan, there is no disputing that EXP is much more valuable than DM
http://www.aa.com/newamerican
A new logo - this is just what they need to save AA.
PASS...The fact that they are matching DMs to EXP shows how tough the situation there is. While I am not an AA fan, there is no disputing that EXP is much more valuable than DM
http://www.aa.com/newamerican
Jan 17, 13, 3:24 pm
#29
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: San Jose, CA
Programs: DL DM, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 2,873
Originally Posted by rwoman
This is part of why my intent is the remain a DM. Until that potential mess is sorted out...
Jan 17, 13, 3:29 pm
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 1MM, BA Silver
Posts: 10,180
Originally Posted by vgb2001
When matched to Exp, does one get all the benefits of Exp, including upgrade certificates?
