2014 SkyMiles Program Changes
Dec 17, 2013 | 10:47 pm
#826
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL Plat
Posts: 83
I was about to shell out on either some last minute flights or purchase MQM or a combination to get to Platinum since rollover miles have become worthless to me with the new MQD requirement.
After seeing this change, its a good thing I've dragged my feet. I know I'm not a big fish, but Delta just lost ~$2k in revenue from me through the end of the year.
I primarily fly LAX-JFK, with occasional LAX-LGA.
The only reason I was interested in plat was to (hopefully) move from 20 or so up to 10 or so on upgrade list on the LAX-JFK route. And maybe catch a 20%+ upgrade rate as opposed to the 0% I "enjoy" now.
But now there is zero chance even with plat.
And I've gone through the "purchase k or higher fare and upgrade with miles" dance before. Never happens. So unless they actually make seats available, that is worthless.
Also, since essentially no medallion is getting upgraded (I can't imagine a large percentage of DM wasting an global upgrade on a transcon), I also see a massive shortage of Economy Comfort seats happening. As basically every Plat or lower (and many DM) will be fighting over those seats. Economy Comfort will become the new "I got squeezed out because there are too many medallions on the flight" complaint.
All of this, combined with the craptacular MQD and rollover mile changes, has me very seriously looking at jetblue(when they roll out Mint) and VX for their transcon service. It's sad, because I actually like the DL flights and service.
Looks like I'll be using my status next year to simply burn through my miles while switching.
After seeing this change, its a good thing I've dragged my feet. I know I'm not a big fish, but Delta just lost ~$2k in revenue from me through the end of the year.
I primarily fly LAX-JFK, with occasional LAX-LGA.
The only reason I was interested in plat was to (hopefully) move from 20 or so up to 10 or so on upgrade list on the LAX-JFK route. And maybe catch a 20%+ upgrade rate as opposed to the 0% I "enjoy" now.
But now there is zero chance even with plat.
And I've gone through the "purchase k or higher fare and upgrade with miles" dance before. Never happens. So unless they actually make seats available, that is worthless.
Also, since essentially no medallion is getting upgraded (I can't imagine a large percentage of DM wasting an global upgrade on a transcon), I also see a massive shortage of Economy Comfort seats happening. As basically every Plat or lower (and many DM) will be fighting over those seats. Economy Comfort will become the new "I got squeezed out because there are too many medallions on the flight" complaint.
All of this, combined with the craptacular MQD and rollover mile changes, has me very seriously looking at jetblue(when they roll out Mint) and VX for their transcon service. It's sad, because I actually like the DL flights and service.
Looks like I'll be using my status next year to simply burn through my miles while switching.
Dec 17, 2013 | 11:58 pm
#827
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA, AsiaMiles, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 7,982
I am a PM who is based outside the US and I fly mostly international on Delta back to the US without any domestic segments.
So now instead of SWUs which I could use internationally on YBM (motivating me to buy expensive fares), I only get US domestic upgrades which are useless to me?
They should have given PMs the choice of the 4 US domestic upgrades or 1 international upgrade so it would not be completely useless for international based PMs. Or at least kept the international YBM SWUs which had a clear upside for Delta.
So now instead of SWUs which I could use internationally on YBM (motivating me to buy expensive fares), I only get US domestic upgrades which are useless to me?
They should have given PMs the choice of the 4 US domestic upgrades or 1 international upgrade so it would not be completely useless for international based PMs. Or at least kept the international YBM SWUs which had a clear upside for Delta.
Dec 18, 2013 | 1:30 am
#828
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,437
I am a PM who is based outside the US and I fly mostly international on Delta back to the US without any domestic segments.
So now instead of SWUs which I could use internationally on YBM (motivating me to buy expensive fares), I only get US domestic upgrades which are useless to me?
They should have given PMs the choice of the 4 US domestic upgrades or 1 international upgrade so it would not be completely useless for international based PMs. Or at least kept the international YBM SWUs which had a clear upside for Delta.
So now instead of SWUs which I could use internationally on YBM (motivating me to buy expensive fares), I only get US domestic upgrades which are useless to me?
They should have given PMs the choice of the 4 US domestic upgrades or 1 international upgrade so it would not be completely useless for international based PMs. Or at least kept the international YBM SWUs which had a clear upside for Delta.
Dec 18, 2013 | 1:43 am
#829
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MEL
Programs: DL, QF, QR Silver, Bonvoy Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,315
Why not? If lewinr flies internationally on DL, it makes sense to be a SM member.
It also depends on what the alternatives are. E.g. if it's FlyingBlue, then you're likely better off sticking with DL. You can actually use FB miles, but it's hard to accumulate them.
It also depends on what the alternatives are. E.g. if it's FlyingBlue, then you're likely better off sticking with DL. You can actually use FB miles, but it's hard to accumulate them.
Dec 18, 2013 | 2:31 am
#830
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Pagus Bracbatensis, Kingdom of the Netherlands
Programs: DL SPlat, KLM Bump, Privium Plus, GOES
Posts: 2,076
Yeah PM(+) who are flying international (and/or living overseas) are appearantly not the target pax DAL wants.
Otherwise they would have given PMs the choice of the 4 US domestic upgrades or 2 international upgrades.
Otherwise they would have given PMs the choice of the 4 US domestic upgrades or 2 international upgrades.
Dec 18, 2013 | 4:49 am
#831
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 73
2014 SkyMiles Program Changes
Wow. Can't believe I'm just getting around to seeing this.. As a PM who's main route is LAX-JFK, this is a real kick in the face. I just picked up the Delta Reserve for next year too. I've been lucky and am upgraded on this route 80% of the time, after learning which days/times to play.
I'm stunned.
I just read an article this morning about how all travel loyalty programs are devaluing across the board because the industry is back up and the companies just don't need customers to stay like they used to, when they created the loyalty programs years back.
I think I may abandon all together and just start booking the cheapest Business class seats I can find, regardless of airline.
I'm stunned.
I just read an article this morning about how all travel loyalty programs are devaluing across the board because the industry is back up and the companies just don't need customers to stay like they used to, when they created the loyalty programs years back.
I think I may abandon all together and just start booking the cheapest Business class seats I can find, regardless of airline.
Dec 18, 2013 | 5:30 am
#832
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA, AsiaMiles, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 7,982
Wow. Can't believe I'm just getting around to seeing this.. As a PM who's main route is LAX-JFK, this is a real kick in the face. I just picked up the Delta Reserve for next year too. I've been lucky and am upgraded on this route 80% of the time, after learning which days/times to play.
I'm stunned.
I just read an article this morning about how all travel loyalty programs are devaluing across the board because the industry is back up and the companies just don't need customers to stay like they used to, when they created the loyalty programs years back.
I think I may abandon all together and just start booking the cheapest Business class seats I can find, regardless of airline.
I'm stunned.
I just read an article this morning about how all travel loyalty programs are devaluing across the board because the industry is back up and the companies just don't need customers to stay like they used to, when they created the loyalty programs years back.
I think I may abandon all together and just start booking the cheapest Business class seats I can find, regardless of airline.
Dec 18, 2013 | 6:07 am
#833
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 17,186
It is pretty clear that if you fly the JFK tcon routes that your best option is just to book the cheapest alternative/schedule that works. As someone mentioned, with no upgrade opportunities the EC seats are going to be packed... so for those that book later and higher fare tickets there is no reason to stay 'loyal'.
Dec 18, 2013 | 7:13 am
#834
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
Programs: DL DM 2.017 MM, Hilton Life Diamond, IHG Diamond, Avis CHM, Marriott Titanium (life gold), AA Gold
Posts: 8,052
Every upgrade gained by someone using a RU is one taken away from someone else. Chances are, the someone else is Diamond. You're right in that this probably won't affect most Diamonds much; not all PMs will take RUs, so the number of Platinum RUs might be similar to the number of Diamonds, therefore the average Diamond will lose around 1 upgrade per year. (Yes, those numbers are wild guesses.)
Does everything on FT have to turn into class warfare?
If you can't read the tea leaves, Delta is reducing FC/BE seat counts and pushing hard to sell discounted FC fares. That means the future "upgrade" for most medallions going forward will be those rows of EC seats.
But there are a lot more PMs than DMs. Moreover, since they're not being offered the chance to get GUs, they're very likely to pick the RUs for their choice benefit since the alternatives of gifted FO, 20,000 RDMs, a few SC admissions, etc. aren't very enticing except possibly for the $200 DL ecert.
In any case, it's a mere 4 RUs and I don't understand why it seems to be such a big deal.
Upgrades have become the new lottery, and Delta wants to keep everybody buying lottery tickets. Even lowly PMs.
David
Dec 18, 2013 | 7:32 am
#835
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Wherever I happen to be....
Programs: DL EOS...
Posts: 1,111
Death by 1000 cuts works much better for DL Corp's "mission" if we battle among ourselves rather than rebel in unity.
Social media is new territory and quite the opportunity to "spin" the conversations about FFP's in many directions. Most of which, will not benefit FF customers.
Social media is new territory and quite the opportunity to "spin" the conversations about FFP's in many directions. Most of which, will not benefit FF customers.
Dec 18, 2013 | 7:45 am
#836
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: 102,617
PMs can already "steal" upgrades with SWUs on a K fare or above. I guess I will have to brag next year about how I stole some DM's upgrade using one of my 4 RUs.
Does everything on FT have to turn into class warfare?
If you can't read the tea leaves, Delta is reducing FC/BE seat counts and pushing hard to sell discounted FC fares. That means the future "upgrade" for most medallions going forward will be those rows of EC seats.
The miles and the ecert are attractive. After all, the ecert may be enough to bump up one or two trips via FCM.
In any case, it's a mere 4 RUs and I don't understand why it seems to be such a big deal.
Upgrades have become the new lottery, and Delta wants to keep everybody buying lottery tickets. Even lowly PMs.
David
Does everything on FT have to turn into class warfare?
If you can't read the tea leaves, Delta is reducing FC/BE seat counts and pushing hard to sell discounted FC fares. That means the future "upgrade" for most medallions going forward will be those rows of EC seats.
The miles and the ecert are attractive. After all, the ecert may be enough to bump up one or two trips via FCM.
In any case, it's a mere 4 RUs and I don't understand why it seems to be such a big deal.
Upgrades have become the new lottery, and Delta wants to keep everybody buying lottery tickets. Even lowly PMs.
David
Dec 18, 2013 | 8:00 am
#837
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: New York, western US
Programs: DM/3MM
Posts: 4,315
I really think that we are still going to see upgrades on this route, just less of them and they will be op-ups, not medallion upgrades. Delta can oversell coach and not IDB by giving an op-up to a Y pax. I think this will happen all the time-- why would Delta leave money on the table...if someone wants to buy a last minute expensive coach fare but coach is sold out, DL can sell it and upgrade a person.
Probably the upgrade list will be the same, but just not public, and will only be used to make room for to board all coach pax rather than fill BE. So, in other words, I would expect a few diamonds to get upgraded on most flights.
Probably the upgrade list will be the same, but just not public, and will only be used to make room for to board all coach pax rather than fill BE. So, in other words, I would expect a few diamonds to get upgraded on most flights.
Dec 18, 2013 | 8:06 am
#838
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,188
Dec 18, 2013 | 8:17 am
#839
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: New York, western US
Programs: DM/3MM
Posts: 4,315
Dec 18, 2013 | 8:19 am
#840
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: 102,617
Putting NRSA on before doing these OPUPs would mean unnecessarily paying VDB/IDB.