2014 SkyMiles Program Changes
Dec 13, 2013 | 3:53 pm
#676
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta PM, Hyatt Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 74
I don't think its the PMs and DMs that do significant t-cons I wonder about but GMS and FO too. If I were flying 10-12 t-cons a year primarily I would likely be looking around. I don't know if UA or AA treat those flyers better (doesn't sound like it) but I do know their miles are easier/better.
Dec 13, 2013 | 4:18 pm
#677
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BDL/HPN/JFK/FLL
Programs: DL Diamond Ham Sandwich
Posts: 1,051
Okay you win, Im kidding myself. Feel better? 
I never said the tcon DMs dont represent many, only that they are a small subset of the entire DM universe. But since you know more, please tell me how many DMs we are talking about here? Is it 200? 500? 5000?
Lets say it is 1000 and they pay $500 r/t for 40 flts/yr. Thats $2 million in revenue per year. DL averages about $4 million every HOUR of every day. This is not a small subset?
I agree with you that these tcon DMs are hit the hardest by these changes. Frankly not sure why DL did this but am willing to take a wild guess that they have more info than anyone here. Who knows, this may be a disaster and DL will change policy again. Its not like they have never made midyears changes before.
Just an aside, the B6 plan sound interesting, indeed very interesting if they also decide to add lounges for these tcon flts. Then we may have a different ballgame.
I never said the tcon DMs dont represent many, only that they are a small subset of the entire DM universe. But since you know more, please tell me how many DMs we are talking about here? Is it 200? 500? 5000?
Lets say it is 1000 and they pay $500 r/t for 40 flts/yr. Thats $2 million in revenue per year. DL averages about $4 million every HOUR of every day. This is not a small subset?
I agree with you that these tcon DMs are hit the hardest by these changes. Frankly not sure why DL did this but am willing to take a wild guess that they have more info than anyone here. Who knows, this may be a disaster and DL will change policy again. Its not like they have never made midyears changes before.
Just an aside, the B6 plan sound interesting, indeed very interesting if they also decide to add lounges for these tcon flts. Then we may have a different ballgame.
Dec 13, 2013 | 5:20 pm
#679
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
Programs: DM life is over 2MM PM now & NW MillionAir Wyndham Rewards Plat -Hotels.com Silver -Accor Silver
Posts: 15,407
Edited to add . . . Welcome to FlyerTalk
Dec 13, 2013 | 5:27 pm
#682
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
Programs: DM life is over 2MM PM now & NW MillionAir Wyndham Rewards Plat -Hotels.com Silver -Accor Silver
Posts: 15,407
Dec 13, 2013 | 5:29 pm
#684
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: DL FO/KM, AA PLT
Posts: 2,593
Given the changes for upgrades now with the new Regional and Global Upgrades, any word on what that means for Miles Upgrades both domestically and internationally? Even though DMs will no longer need M+ to use their GU Certs internationally, will mileage UGs still require K+ domestically and M+ internationally? I know this is a n00b question but don't miles and SWUs (and I assume starting in March RU Certs and GU Certs) pull from the same inventory?
Dec 13, 2013 | 5:32 pm
#685
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
Programs: DM life is over 2MM PM now & NW MillionAir Wyndham Rewards Plat -Hotels.com Silver -Accor Silver
Posts: 15,407
Actually, you can select 4 Global Upgrade Certs as a DM Choice Benefit (starting Mar 1) to UG 4 one-ways, based on availbility, of course.
Dec 13, 2013 | 5:33 pm
#686
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: DL DM/2MM
Posts: 50
From what I could understand, it looks as though the original fare rules will apply to mileage upgrades: at least K fare for domestic and M for int'l. Something tells me that if we don't book a high class fare while using regional and global upgrades, our chances of upgrading will not be too good.
Dec 13, 2013 | 6:13 pm
#688
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MCO
Programs: DL DM/MM, Marriott Plat Premier, HH Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 4,081
Dec 13, 2013 | 6:32 pm
#689
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold, NEXUS, GE, ABTC/APEC, South Korea SES, eIACS, PP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 16,046
Dec 13, 2013 | 6:48 pm
#690
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL Plat
Posts: 83
This totally affects my loyalty to DL as a PM. Without the opportunity for T-con upgrades - my route is primarily JFK/Cali - there is simply no value for me to direct all my business to DL. At least with SWUs and the smart booking I could get BE occasionally. Now, I'll just shop around for the best price/class ratio, especially with B6 Mint coming.
I have to say though, its liberating not to feel loyal to DL anymore. Now when flying to asia in J I can look at the best option rather than focus only on a DL routing.
I have to say though, its liberating not to feel loyal to DL anymore. Now when flying to asia in J I can look at the best option rather than focus only on a DL routing.