2014 SkyMiles Program Changes
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:55 pm
#166
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Major hose job for PMs is right. And a big loss for all medallion tiers on the JFK-LAX/SFO/SEA routes... PMs can't even use regional upgrade certs on those routes...
Last edited by javabytes; Dec 10, 2013 at 5:25 pm
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:56 pm
#167
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I like the upgrades to/from Hawaii. I never understood why that was never offered. Hopefully, AS reciprocates and allows DL GM+ upgrade on their Hawaii routes.
As for SFO-JFK, since they went to the international configuration, I never had a shot at an upgrade as a GM anyway. It's just another reason to avoid connecting through JFK.
As for SFO-JFK, since they went to the international configuration, I never had a shot at an upgrade as a GM anyway. It's just another reason to avoid connecting through JFK.
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:56 pm
#168
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This has been gone for weeks. The check boxes are still there, but Delta removed the data from the GDS system so a search returns nothing. All part of their plan with changing the SWUs and keeping upgrade inventory opaque so that being able to use a global cert on any fare sounds good, but in reality isn't because there won't be inventory and you'll be at the bottom of the gate standby list for BE.
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:57 pm
#169
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Well none of these changes really impact for Gold and Silver, since I doubt GMs and FOs get UGed on the BE routes out of JFK too often.
The new "Global Upgrade" is good news for DMs but bad news for PMs, since PMs used to get four SWUs that could be used internationally but now can only be used domestically (or whatever "region" is defined as).
I wonder if fare requirements for mileage upgrades will change too. Doubtful but don't mileage UGs and SWUs pull from the same inventory?
The new "Global Upgrade" is good news for DMs but bad news for PMs, since PMs used to get four SWUs that could be used internationally but now can only be used domestically (or whatever "region" is defined as).
I wonder if fare requirements for mileage upgrades will change too. Doubtful but don't mileage UGs and SWUs pull from the same inventory?
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:57 pm
#170
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Reserve cards either personal or biz will pick up 10k quick.
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:58 pm
#171
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I think the non-real BE ones are still upgradable, such as the 738 etc. If it is a BE equipped aircraft then nope.
Dec 10, 2013 | 5:00 pm
#172
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You're assuming agents will know how to code these properly... based on the demonstrable track record, we have to assume that there will be a lot of pax who think they are using a regional upgrade but are still on the upgrade list according to their standard medallion priority.
Dec 10, 2013 | 5:01 pm
#173
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Honestly, I think DL may have gone too far in the opposite direction here in allowing all but E fares. I'm worried about a lot of cheap tickets chasing very little upgrade inventory, so that one will be able to confirm the upgrade at purchase only 330 days out. I've been using SWUs and I'm not willing to do the lottery over whether I'll be sitting in BE or coach for long international flights. As always, it all depends on the inventory that DL makes available, which we aren't able to see......
Dec 10, 2013 | 5:01 pm
#174
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Well none of these changes really impact for Gold and Silver, since I doubt GMs and FOs get UGed on the BE routes out of JFK too often.
The new "Global Upgrade" is good news for DMs but bad news for PMs, since PMs used to get four SWUs that could be used internationally but now can only be used domestically (or whatever "region" is defined as).
I wonder if fare requirements for mileage upgrades will change too. Doubtful but don't mileage UGs and SWUs pull from the same inventory?
The new "Global Upgrade" is good news for DMs but bad news for PMs, since PMs used to get four SWUs that could be used internationally but now can only be used domestically (or whatever "region" is defined as).
I wonder if fare requirements for mileage upgrades will change too. Doubtful but don't mileage UGs and SWUs pull from the same inventory?
Dec 10, 2013 | 5:02 pm
#175
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Dec 10, 2013 | 5:02 pm
#176
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I have been 100% on these since becoming DM (I try to book 76W), and am on one now. This is a big take-away.
Dec 10, 2013 | 5:03 pm
#177
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I guess I don't understand your logic... you're suggesting some PMs would shell out $1k-2k to get to DM just to grab 4 global upgrades when we don't even know if there will be advance inventory available for those or if all of the low fares will go to the gate?
Dec 10, 2013 | 5:04 pm
#179
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Dec 10, 2013 | 5:04 pm
#180
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Presumably they will require the same (lack of) OP inventory... and with DL removing this information from the GDS system there is no way to find out except for calling them and having an agent do searches.