::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."

ryandc99

Confirmed, just talked to them and got the same email.

rylan

Nice, that makes it extremely tempting.

StayingHomeIsBetter

Interesting, but who wants to end up flying USAir?

ryandc99

LOL its all about the new color scheme!

GYEWorldTraveler

Desperate times call for desperate measures..... AA can have all the less than $12.5k a year DMs

hazelrah

Desperate times for whom, Delta ?

MSPeconomist

I remember when they weren't interested in DL DMs, only UA 1Ks. I wasn't impressed with what the AAdvantage people said when this was brought up during the oneworld megaDO launch party in Los Angeles.

rylan

Oh what was that? I missed hearing about that one.

Its a tempting offer, but definitely holding out to make sure US doesn't end up getting AA.

ryandc99

I was right there with you

Interesting they seem to be wanting us now!

122554

Guess I'll stay with DL. Already have AA platinum for life

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.

FlyDeltaJets87

Exactly! This is targeting the Medallions who get status almost entirely through cheap Mileage Runs, and subsequently, take away upgrades and benefits from lower-tier Medallions, even if those lower-tier Medallions spend a heck of a lot more. I don't think Delta cares when people do an MR or two to bump up to the next level, but there are people who make doing MRs for pennies a lifestyle, and ultimately, these people are costing Delta more than they're bringing in. The people in that boat don't like hearing that necessarily, but that's the way it is. The only case those people have is they can argue that by buying cheap fares, they're still forcing others to buy higher fares or "buying a seat that would go unused" but that argument only goes so far. The point of the revenue requirement is to ensure that you're bringing in enough revenue to DL to justify the benefits you're receiving.

Now I'm glad AA is offering status challenges still. I'm planning to do one over the summer when I fly AA in F for my honeymoon so I can have status on two airlines, especially since with government travel, I don't always get a choice in the airline I fly and will be nice to have the status on AA if/when I'm required to fly AA.

DiverDave

And Delta will eventually learn the lesson that every other major business in this country learns.

You can't shrink your way to long term prosperity, though you can shrink your way to short term prosperity which equates to juicy management bonuses.

David

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.