2014 SkyMiles Program Changes
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:01 pm
#121
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Posts: 102,617
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 | 4:01 pm
#122
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Twin Cities
Programs: Delta DM MM, IHG Plat, Hilton DM, Marriott SE, Emerald EE, Oakdale Gun Club, NRA & GOA Life Member
Posts: 3,870
And what am I missing with these 4 global upgrade certs? They still require YBM fares so why are these any better than me just picking my SWUs under the old program now?
So to sum it up - I am not entirely sure why I will be spending $12,500 on DL this year if my higher fare tickets are now going to result in no upgrades on JFK-SEA JFK-LAX routes and the new global upgrade certs still require YBM.
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:02 pm
#123
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Florida (MCO)
Programs: SWA A+ Pref/CP, DL 1M, HH Diamond, National Car Exec.
Posts: 10
Haven't read these new changes in detail... However, I just got back to my hotel room after my "Global Entry Interview" only to see this is an offering of this new Delta program for free including a guest.... Like I said, I haven't read the details yet... but imagine seeing that e-mail light up! if it's an option.. The $100 fee is not much compared to the perk of regional upgrade certificates.
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:03 pm
#124
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: TN
Programs: DL LT PL/2.862MM, Global Entry, LT PL Marriott, GHertz
Posts: 6,842
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 | 4:03 pm
#125
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: DL DM, DL MM
Posts: 4,427
Is a 2013 program year earned SWU redeemed prior to MAR 1, 2014 equivalent to a GU redeemed on or after MAR 1, 2014?
Some of us still may have 2013 earned Choice Benefits in the bank along with our 2014 benefits so this makes a difference. I would like to redeem a 2013 Platinum CB for 4 SWUs that can be used on LAX-JFK transcons. I am and continue to be DM...What say you Dwyane?
Some of us still may have 2013 earned Choice Benefits in the bank along with our 2014 benefits so this makes a difference. I would like to redeem a 2013 Platinum CB for 4 SWUs that can be used on LAX-JFK transcons. I am and continue to be DM...What say you Dwyane?
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:04 pm
#126
Formerly known as fsa_ea
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Up in the Air
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, AS Titanium, AA 2MM, DL DM/2MM, IC RA, FMT LT PLT, HYT GLB, HLT DIA, MRT GLD, HRTZ PC
Posts: 2,259
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:05 pm
#127
Formerly known as fsa_ea
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Up in the Air
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Posts: 2,259
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:06 pm
#128
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL DM 1MM
Posts: 3,561
Delta has unfortunately chosen to remove all of their upgrade inventory from the GDS reservation systems and as such it is no longer available in ExpertFlyer at this time. More information about the change and how to send feedback to Delta about it can be found here. Thank you for your understanding.
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:07 pm
#129
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Somewhere...
Programs: AA PLT/3MM, UA GM/1MM, DL DM/1MM, FB Plat, AS MVP Gold, WN AList+
Posts: 1,612
A big question around here has been concerning if there was going to be a race to the bottom and how much DL and AA would follow UA's lead. While there are some negatives here, the positives are much better. SWU's were always a bit of a joke ('fish wrapper' in the old days) but now they might be worth something.
More importantly, I see these improvements as a direct shot at UA and how they have ran their program into the ground. Essentially, 1K is now a (VERY) distant third behind either EXP or DL DM. I know this is the DL board, but I am sure that UA's MP department is less than thrilled with this announcement.
With these changes DL seems to understand it is a competitive marketplace, AA still seems to as well. UA on the other hand seems to be finding new and interesting ways to drive many of their best customers away as the last couple of weeks have just reinforced.
My decision for next year was made - now it just got stronger. I was going to stick with DL anyway and keep DM. EXP here I come (back), UA "bye, bye..."
All in all, good job DL!
More importantly, I see these improvements as a direct shot at UA and how they have ran their program into the ground. Essentially, 1K is now a (VERY) distant third behind either EXP or DL DM. I know this is the DL board, but I am sure that UA's MP department is less than thrilled with this announcement.
With these changes DL seems to understand it is a competitive marketplace, AA still seems to as well. UA on the other hand seems to be finding new and interesting ways to drive many of their best customers away as the last couple of weeks have just reinforced.
My decision for next year was made - now it just got stronger. I was going to stick with DL anyway and keep DM. EXP here I come (back), UA "bye, bye..."
All in all, good job DL!
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:09 pm
#130
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: TYO
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Gold, former DL DM and AA EXP
Posts: 2,010
I am very upset about the loss of complimentary upgrades on JFK-SFO/LAX/SEA.
1) First, I fly on JFK-SFO/LAX frequently, and TCON upgrades were the biggest motivating factor for me in reaching DM this year. Just as I reach DM (effective tomorrow), to find that I am no longer eligible for upgrades is the biggest possible disappointment for me.
2) Second, this is not enough advance notice. 3/1/2014 is less than 3 months away. Many of us have already booked travel on JFK-SFO/LAX/SEA with the expectation of upgrade eligibility, not least because "Upgrade Eligible" was noted on these flights on delta.com at the time of purchase.
3) Last -- AT LEAST ALLOW REGIONAL UPGRADES ON THESE ROUTES!
1) First, I fly on JFK-SFO/LAX frequently, and TCON upgrades were the biggest motivating factor for me in reaching DM this year. Just as I reach DM (effective tomorrow), to find that I am no longer eligible for upgrades is the biggest possible disappointment for me.
2) Second, this is not enough advance notice. 3/1/2014 is less than 3 months away. Many of us have already booked travel on JFK-SFO/LAX/SEA with the expectation of upgrade eligibility, not least because "Upgrade Eligible" was noted on these flights on delta.com at the time of purchase.
3) Last -- AT LEAST ALLOW REGIONAL UPGRADES ON THESE ROUTES!
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:10 pm
#131
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
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Now we know why. I'm hoping Dwayne can comment. Will we see less OU availability? Hopefully the answer is no, and hopefully it is more truthful than JR's empty promise to keep the se number if seats at the low level when three tier was introduced.
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:12 pm
#133
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta PM, Hyatt Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 74
Definitely sad about trans-cons, overall I think this is probably a devaluation for me. Would have liked to get the choice of at least 2 Globals to make up for the loss of the trans-cons.
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:12 pm
#134
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Nomad
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 61
Is that different from now? There will be a LOT fewer people using upgrades under the new system as well, so that should help out.
Dec 10, 2013 | 4:13 pm
#135
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Look up - On a ✈ DELTA ✈ jet NOW!
Programs: Blogger & Delta Diamond Medallion Million Miler
Posts: 4,174
I am very upset about the loss of complimentary upgrades on JFK-SFO/LAX/SEA.
1) First, I fly on JFK-SFO/LAX frequently, and TCON upgrades were the biggest motivating factor for me in reaching DM this year. Just as I reach DM (effective tomorrow), to find that I am no longer eligible for upgrades is the biggest possible disappointment for me.
2) Second, this is not enough advance notice. 3/1/2014 is less than 3 months away. Many of us have already booked travel on JFK-SFO/LAX/SEA with the expectation of upgrade eligibility, not least because "Upgrade Eligible" was noted on these flights on delta.com at the time of purchase.
3) Last -- AT LEAST ALLOW REGIONAL UPGRADES ON THESE ROUTES!
1) First, I fly on JFK-SFO/LAX frequently, and TCON upgrades were the biggest motivating factor for me in reaching DM this year. Just as I reach DM (effective tomorrow), to find that I am no longer eligible for upgrades is the biggest possible disappointment for me.
2) Second, this is not enough advance notice. 3/1/2014 is less than 3 months away. Many of us have already booked travel on JFK-SFO/LAX/SEA with the expectation of upgrade eligibility, not least because "Upgrade Eligible" was noted on these flights on delta.com at the time of purchase.
3) Last -- AT LEAST ALLOW REGIONAL UPGRADES ON THESE ROUTES!
