2014 SkyMiles Program Changes
Dec 10, 2013 | 6:46 pm
#226
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: The best state in the USA - Florida!
Programs: Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, AS Titanium, Disney AP
Posts: 14,532
This is a HUGE downgrade for Platinums that fly internationally and a BIG downgrade for Diamonds, as well.
There's also some details that have been skimmed over by DL. The new Global upgrades can still be used only in M Y or B classes on international routes. You can use them in a couple more classses when wasting them on domestic flights but internationally still only on very expensive fares. And this year I received 10 systemwides... next year only four.
Is AA still doing a status match?
There's also some details that have been skimmed over by DL. The new Global upgrades can still be used only in M Y or B classes on international routes. You can use them in a couple more classses when wasting them on domestic flights but internationally still only on very expensive fares. And this year I received 10 systemwides... next year only four.
Is AA still doing a status match?
Dec 10, 2013 | 6:48 pm
#228
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: AA EXP, UA Gold/MM, DL Plat/2MM, HH Dia, PC Plat, MR Gold, ALL Sil
Posts: 4,679
Dec 10, 2013 | 6:53 pm
#229
Join Date: Mar 2004
Programs: DL PM, DL MM, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, SPG
Posts: 805
Wow, this is HUGE! Two years ago I moved almost completely to UA, mostly because of their much better SWU policy. There are other reasons why I thought UA was right for me -- and it has been -- but this, for me, is a game changer. I'll have to re-analyze this in the next few weeks. Who knows, I might move back to Delta.
Dec 10, 2013 | 6:55 pm
#230
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: IND
Programs: DL PM & 2MM™, Lifetime HHonors Diamond
Posts: 21,129
I don't have any insight but I think it is more than 2 to 6. Your other question is a valid one. And, of course, the big question that remains about most of this is inventory availability.
Dec 10, 2013 | 6:58 pm
#231
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: IND
Programs: DL PM & 2MM™, Lifetime HHonors Diamond
Posts: 21,129
Seriously? Did you actually read any of this?
Dec 10, 2013 | 7:01 pm
#232
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA the REAL Washington; occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: AS MVPG 100K (Atmos Titanium) / 0.5MM; DL fallen PM (1.58MM = Complimentary Annual GM); AA Gold
Posts: 24,464
Currently, no upgrades on the BE transcons are cleared in advance of the gate, and mileage upgrade requests do not transfer over at T-24. For anyone who flies lots of these segments and wishes to "pay" to upgrade, choosing SWUs by 2/28/2014 may be a wise choice.
Dec 10, 2013 | 7:03 pm
#233
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Mostly living in the basement
Programs: Free Agent Level 2; MR LT(!)TE, HH SE, ALL SE, BAC Silver, DL MM, UA PS, 2V Fanboi, CBP GE
Posts: 5,358
Dec 10, 2013 | 7:16 pm
#235
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: EYW
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 303
As a HNL based GM who never flies Lower 48 transcons these changes seem like a plus for me. Although I wonder if GMs will ever actually get upgraded on the Hawaii-West Coast routes. I don't think there was ever any realistic chance for HNL-ATL to be included in complimentary upgrades, and even if it was no one other than some DMs would ever actually get upgraded. Too bad they continue to treat HNL-ATL as international for upgrade purposes but domestic for (lack of) meals purposes.
This does end my consideration of doing a status match to AS for 2014.
This does end my consideration of doing a status match to AS for 2014.
Dec 10, 2013 | 7:16 pm
#236
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA Exec Plat, DL Plat (but not for long)
Posts: 175
Still not sure if I'm happy about only getting four though. And if I buy at the lower fare I'll probably never get an upgrade and thanks to them removing the info from expertflyer I won't be able to research it and make an educated guess.
Dec 10, 2013 | 7:23 pm
#237
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: MA
Programs: DL DM/2MM Marriott Platinum, HH Diamond,
Posts: 8,917
CURMEDGEON ALERT!
I have to admit this is just yet another change that is souring me on the whole frequent flyer game.
Although I'm psyched about the global upgrades (provided there is actual availability) it's only two round trips. For me they'll be gone instantly leaving 11 more months of depleted upgrade potential. Beats the old SWUs for TPACs.
I'm tired of being stuck with a certain airline, to earn miles that are worth less and less, spending time pouring over websites and sitting on the phone trying to get upgradeable fares.
Bagging the whole frequent flyer circus and simply purchasing whoever has the best route and rate might actually come out ahead in the long run. It's probably a better strategy than hoping the company you've stuck with for decades will recognize your loyalty.
Get the seat you want and the route you want. I already have a bunch of i18n travel booked for 2014. Once I burn through UG certs, I might just give it all up once and for all. Could be liberating.
Let the airlines continue the devaluation of the FF programs. If it's a race to the bottom, maybe it's time to get out and let the airlines continue to dismantle, parcelize and commoditize the travel experience.
I say this as a DM MM with a bankroll of miles that I wish I could convert into cash. I'm typically on M or above and laughed when I saw the MQD qualification tier.
I have to admit this is just yet another change that is souring me on the whole frequent flyer game.
Although I'm psyched about the global upgrades (provided there is actual availability) it's only two round trips. For me they'll be gone instantly leaving 11 more months of depleted upgrade potential. Beats the old SWUs for TPACs.
I'm tired of being stuck with a certain airline, to earn miles that are worth less and less, spending time pouring over websites and sitting on the phone trying to get upgradeable fares.
Bagging the whole frequent flyer circus and simply purchasing whoever has the best route and rate might actually come out ahead in the long run. It's probably a better strategy than hoping the company you've stuck with for decades will recognize your loyalty.
Get the seat you want and the route you want. I already have a bunch of i18n travel booked for 2014. Once I burn through UG certs, I might just give it all up once and for all. Could be liberating.
Let the airlines continue the devaluation of the FF programs. If it's a race to the bottom, maybe it's time to get out and let the airlines continue to dismantle, parcelize and commoditize the travel experience.
I say this as a DM MM with a bankroll of miles that I wish I could convert into cash. I'm typically on M or above and laughed when I saw the MQD qualification tier.
Dec 10, 2013 | 7:24 pm
#238
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: DL 5MM; 360; AA EXP
Posts: 1,501
Now that there is no way to see what (if any) advance upgrade inventory DL is releasing, I am very, very thankful my employer allows me to purchase business or first. Since there is no way to monitor what's released, it will be interesting to hear reports on the success/failure rate of the Global Upgrades.
Dec 10, 2013 | 7:27 pm
#239
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: KANSAS CITY
Programs: DL DM, MARRIOTT AMBASSADOR LIFETIME TITANIUM
Posts: 453
I understand all of the complaints. Portion of the announcement is a bummer. I think it is funny they say they listened to us. I am so glad Delta listened to all of us and gave us 2- $100 each Tiffany luggage tags. I already paid for Global Entry which is $100 each(2 luggage tags offered).
Does this mean the $200 e-certificate is gone? Gold status for someone?
Just can't find if other choice benefits will be offered. I don't think anyone said to Delta only give me 4 global certificates and no complimentary upgrades trans-cont.
I hope Emirates continues to expand and offers better service.
Does this mean the $200 e-certificate is gone? Gold status for someone?
Just can't find if other choice benefits will be offered. I don't think anyone said to Delta only give me 4 global certificates and no complimentary upgrades trans-cont.
I hope Emirates continues to expand and offers better service.