2014 SkyMiles Program Changes
Dec 26, 2013 | 10:30 pm
#977
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 5,292
Dec 26, 2013 | 11:00 pm
#978
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,163
They seem to be doing a reasonable job of keeping some of them out of DM. Just sayin'.
Dec 27, 2013 | 12:09 am
#979
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: DL DM, HH Gold, SPG Platinum 100, National Executive Elite
Posts: 1,687
Dec 27, 2013 | 6:59 am
#981
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: Delta skymiles DM + 1MM
Posts: 8,144
DL is behind UA (which allows regional certs on TCON) and AA (which allows instruments for GLD and PLT, and no instrument needed for EXP). DL is also behind VX (which allows discounted DoD upgrades). In Y, DL EC is behind B6 EMS in terms of legroom, though otherwise EC is a competitive product.
But the real issue here isn't that some low yielding Y traffic may disappear, it's that the incentive for incremental travel to make a higher status level (to increase UG chances) is gone. There is little effective difference between GM and DM to the TCON flyer now. Sure, DL won't miss me when I book a TCON on VX, but now when I'm looking at pricier TPAC fares I'll probably book on NH or JL because I don't need the MQM on DL.
Meanwhile, delta.com lists the TCON flights as mileage upgradeable. As we know, this is currently false advertising since inventory is never opened in advance and mileage UG don't go the gate. But if DL fixed that (and/or made regionals valid on these routes), there'd be more incentive to stick with DL.
But the real issue here isn't that some low yielding Y traffic may disappear, it's that the incentive for incremental travel to make a higher status level (to increase UG chances) is gone. There is little effective difference between GM and DM to the TCON flyer now. Sure, DL won't miss me when I book a TCON on VX, but now when I'm looking at pricier TPAC fares I'll probably book on NH or JL because I don't need the MQM on DL.
Meanwhile, delta.com lists the TCON flights as mileage upgradeable. As we know, this is currently false advertising since inventory is never opened in advance and mileage UG don't go the gate. But if DL fixed that (and/or made regionals valid on these routes), there'd be more incentive to stick with DL.
Dec 27, 2013 | 7:01 am
#982
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 190
Dec 27, 2013 | 7:04 am
#983
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 27, 2013 | 7:05 am
#984
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA, AsiaMiles, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 7,982
Who said anything about manners? It has to do with excess and being tactful. People on these boards talk all the time about how they will have several drinks only if they're free or will get a meal even if they're not hungry. That's just gross. Reminds me of people who at cafs with self serve drink dispensers will fill up just before they walk out the door just to get their money's worth.
Anyway, no matter how many refills you get on a soda, it's not humanly possible to drink enough in one sitting to drink enough soda that you come out ahead on the transaction.
Dec 27, 2013 | 7:08 am
#985
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA, AsiaMiles, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 7,982
As a stockholder, I am thrilled to see DL putting an effort into identifying PROFITABLE flyers. As a passenger I'd rather be seated next to a non rev that knows how to behave than some mileage running "elite" sucking down as many Woodfords as possible with their bare feet up on the bulkhead
Dec 27, 2013 | 7:48 am
#986
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Minneapolis, originally from Cincinnati
Programs: Diamond with Delta, Hyatt and Hilton. 2 MM and Plat with America (thank you citi:))
Posts: 2,345
And seeing Bubba only needs 62,500 BIS miles a year (if you buy only F or J tickets with the 100% MQM bonus) he obviously doesn't fly that much. He only needs 37,500 BIS miles to be PM.
Dec 27, 2013 | 7:52 am
#987
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Minneapolis, originally from Cincinnati
Programs: Diamond with Delta, Hyatt and Hilton. 2 MM and Plat with America (thank you citi:))
Posts: 2,345
As you have pointed out many many times, DMs are not necessarily HVCs. The changes take away from everybody including DMs, and give a small something back to DMs. Ok, but I don't see that they've identified HVCs by doing so. They identify HVCs with the new 360 program, but the recent announcement has nothing to do with that program.
Since Bubba is a hub capative and a true HVC of Delta maybe he can tell us if he got the invitation.
Dec 27, 2013 | 7:53 am
#988
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA, AsiaMiles, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 7,982
Yes! How dare you drink the water DL provides you while you are stuck in one of their very dry metal tubes with no other way to hydrate? Just because DL offers it doesn't mean you should accept! You are exactly the sort of gamer I am glad DL is finally giving the boot.
Dec 27, 2013 | 7:56 am
#989
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA, AsiaMiles, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 7,982
Instead you are taking the time to insult and lecture people while you should be enjoying your vacation. ^
Dec 27, 2013 | 7:57 am
#990
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA, AsiaMiles, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 7,982