Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) now reported on delta.com
Sep 10, 2013, 5:45 am
#151
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MCO
Programs: DL DM/MM, Marriott Plat Premier, HH Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 4,081
I really don't understand why DL wouldn't just increase the MQD requirements by a bit (~15-20%) and count all money spent, including taxes and fees. Separating taxes and fees is difficult for consumers and makes the already unpopular system even more unpopular, plus it's *much* harder to spot discrepancies. My guess it would've been easier for IT as well. Maybe if we overwhelm them with MQD complaints/questions once the system goes live, they'll come to their senses.
Airlines (this is really not a DL issue) can control airfares but they have no control over taxes. Indeed, there is currently a proposal for the feds to raise taxes again. In theory, they could one day be 50% of total airfare and there is nothing the airlines can do about it.
When you make a retail purchase, the company records the revenue from the goods/service as a purchase but the taxes are recorded as a liability. They do not count taxes in revenue because the money does not belong to them. No different whether an airline or Starbucks.
True, more difficult for consumers but so far it seems DL IT has a handle on it.
Sep 10, 2013, 6:06 am
#152
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Meechigan
Posts: 1,006
If this is DL's intended policy they had better make it clear on the DV page or the MQD fine print.
Sep 10, 2013, 6:10 am
#153
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA, AsiaMiles, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 7,982
I'm with you two and any others who say it.
But I hope this means that we can finally take this as proof positive that Delta's IT dept can actually pull off functionality when it wants to and stop wondering "when the award calendar will be fixed."
It works exactly as they want it to.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DLdweeb
I never thought I'd say it, but kudos to DL IT for getting this done in a timely and (so far) accurate manner....
Quote:
Originally Posted by HongKonger
Let's give DL credit for getting this up on the site with 1/3 of the year still remaining so people can get used to it and adjust accordingly and so any kinks can be worked out.
And OT. but while I"m here....I've always been under the impression that craps is the best odds in the house. I've definitely done a lot better at that table than any other.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HongKonger
If the players knew what they're doing they wouldn't be playing...
But I hope this means that we can finally take this as proof positive that Delta's IT dept can actually pull off functionality when it wants to and stop wondering "when the award calendar will be fixed."
It works exactly as they want it to.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DLdweeb
I never thought I'd say it, but kudos to DL IT for getting this done in a timely and (so far) accurate manner....
Quote:
Originally Posted by HongKonger
Let's give DL credit for getting this up on the site with 1/3 of the year still remaining so people can get used to it and adjust accordingly and so any kinks can be worked out.
And OT. but while I"m here....I've always been under the impression that craps is the best odds in the house. I've definitely done a lot better at that table than any other.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HongKonger
If the players knew what they're doing they wouldn't be playing...
Sep 10, 2013, 6:29 am
#154
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NYC, CDG, NCE
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 2,621
But so what?
All this is is an imaginary line in the sand.
And why do DLs accounting problems become our accounting problems.
What if DL cuts a deal with a small local airport to subsidize service to that market. Could it be considered a rebate on facility charges? Or what other way does it get filed on DLs tax returns?
Do people who flew into that airport get bonus MQDs?
Or any number of imaginary scenarios?
They basically are saying - "Hey flyer - to qualify, you have to spend his much money...But not really this much money."
The only argument I can imagine is that DL is positioning itself to compete with UA and AA when they bring their $$ schemes on board so they their numbers look lower by comparison.
"Hey, you only need 50000 MQM and $5,000 MQD to qualify over there and those guys want you to get 50K and $6250!"
But they don't want to be on the low end... their actual goal is to be on the high end.
Kafka would be proud (or maybe nauseated).
I like DL and I've stuck with the airline for years because of the things I like, and I will continue to as long as it works for me, but I find this strategy of confusion puzzling and off-putting.
All this is is an imaginary line in the sand.
And why do DLs accounting problems become our accounting problems.
What if DL cuts a deal with a small local airport to subsidize service to that market. Could it be considered a rebate on facility charges? Or what other way does it get filed on DLs tax returns?
Do people who flew into that airport get bonus MQDs?
Or any number of imaginary scenarios?
They basically are saying - "Hey flyer - to qualify, you have to spend his much money...But not really this much money."
The only argument I can imagine is that DL is positioning itself to compete with UA and AA when they bring their $$ schemes on board so they their numbers look lower by comparison.
"Hey, you only need 50000 MQM and $5,000 MQD to qualify over there and those guys want you to get 50K and $6250!"
But they don't want to be on the low end... their actual goal is to be on the high end.
Kafka would be proud (or maybe nauseated).
I like DL and I've stuck with the airline for years because of the things I like, and I will continue to as long as it works for me, but I find this strategy of confusion puzzling and off-putting.
Same question asked many times, same answer...
Airlines (this is really not a DL issue) can control airfares but they have no control over taxes. Indeed, there is currently a proposal for the feds to raise taxes again. In theory, they could one day be 50% of total airfare and there is nothing the airlines can do about it.
When you make a retail purchase, the company records the revenue from the goods/service as a purchase but the taxes are recorded as a liability. They do not count taxes in revenue because the money does not belong to them. No different whether an airline or Starbucks.
True, more difficult for consumers but so far it seems DL IT has a handle on it.
Airlines (this is really not a DL issue) can control airfares but they have no control over taxes. Indeed, there is currently a proposal for the feds to raise taxes again. In theory, they could one day be 50% of total airfare and there is nothing the airlines can do about it.
When you make a retail purchase, the company records the revenue from the goods/service as a purchase but the taxes are recorded as a liability. They do not count taxes in revenue because the money does not belong to them. No different whether an airline or Starbucks.
True, more difficult for consumers but so far it seems DL IT has a handle on it.
Sep 10, 2013, 7:56 am
#157
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 173
Interesting data point-
I bought a ticket for me and a family member using a single $400 VDB voucher in my name. The tickets were $249 each. Family member ended up not being able to travel with me, and got an e-credit for the $99 that I paid with CC.
I received 384 MQD for my $249 ticket. Looks like the balance of the voucher in my name counts as my MQD, even when applied to another passenger.
I bought a ticket for me and a family member using a single $400 VDB voucher in my name. The tickets were $249 each. Family member ended up not being able to travel with me, and got an e-credit for the $99 that I paid with CC.
I received 384 MQD for my $249 ticket. Looks like the balance of the voucher in my name counts as my MQD, even when applied to another passenger.
Sep 10, 2013, 8:48 am
#158
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Twin Cities
Programs: Delta DM MM, IHG Plat, Hilton DM, Marriott SE, Emerald EE, Oakdale Gun Club, NRA & GOA Life Member
Posts: 3,870
One of my segments posted from yesterday and now my MQD is at $8,112 (It was $7,964 I think...I'd have to look back in this thread to know exactly). So I'm guessing my trip to SIN and DPS next month aren't included in my MQD total.
Sep 10, 2013, 8:51 am
#159
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: Fallen DL DM (PM) 2MM
Posts: 4,783
MQDs don't post until the flight is flown.
Sep 10, 2013, 8:58 am
#160
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Twin Cities
Programs: Delta DM MM, IHG Plat, Hilton DM, Marriott SE, Emerald EE, Oakdale Gun Club, NRA & GOA Life Member
Posts: 3,870
I see that now. I also have a couple of work trips that I haven't flown and I'm sure there are more to come. So that tells me I shouldn't worry at all about hitting DM on MQD spent next year and I should plan on keeping my travel the same as it has been for the past few years. Namely, do my regular work flying and throw in a couple of cheap long haul international vacation runs.
Sep 10, 2013, 9:12 am
#161
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: New York, western US
Programs: DM/3MM
Posts: 4,246
I agree. The number of hoops and rules are getting to become a huge PITA, and I just don't have the time to keep track of this constantly (even a great benefit as upgrading on AF has turned into a pain). For MQDs, I have to simplify my life, and I'm taking the simple out and getting a DL Amex and meeting the spend threshold.
Sep 10, 2013, 9:22 am
#162
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,369
I agree. The number of hoops and rules are getting to become a huge PITA, and I just don't have the time to keep track of this constantly (even a great benefit as upgrading on AF has turned into a pain). For MQDs, I have to simplify my life, and I'm taking the simple out and getting a DL Amex and meeting the spend threshold.
Sep 10, 2013, 9:23 am
#163
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Some place in this wonderful world (usually at 39,000 ft in seat 1C)
Programs: CO Gold Elite / NW Gold Elite
Posts: 13,747
and here I was worried about this requirement (never really added the $$ up before)...I have more than enough $$$ for Platinum but will just make gold as I usually do