Does the SkyMiles name still make sense?
Mar 1, 2014, 5:33 pm
#16
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: IL USA
Programs: UA 1.55MM Lifetime Premier Gold, AA Exec. Plt., NW MM(875K on DL), MC Gold, HH Diamond, SPG, HY GP
Posts: 205
Why not call the program Biggest Spender? That would make a lot more sense in all seriousness. Do you think that people posting mileage accrual "secrets" or "loopholes" in this forum, and the use of ITA software and similar tools, contributed to DL making this change? The "secrets" aren't "secrets" any longer.
Mar 1, 2014, 6:16 pm
#17
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,990
Why not call the program Biggest Spender? That would make a lot more sense in all seriousness. Do you think that people posting mileage accrual "secrets" or "loopholes" in this forum, and the use of ITA software and similar tools, contributed to DL making this change? The "secrets" aren't "secrets" any longer.
I am a loyal FF ( not DL) and pay for FC or auto upgrade fare or full fare. Having said that I also worked my way up the food chain but key word is worked my way up. So I understand the other side of the argument.
At the end of day should not rewards be income based? I think so.
Mar 1, 2014, 7:12 pm
#18
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At the end of the day a vast majority of existing FF will stay put. We all can moan and groan but it's a sign of the times. There has been way too much hype on getting points and guess what we all pay dearly for them. so why not let the ones that pay the most get the higher return on their tickets ? There is way way too much "entitlement" out there. Way too much.
I am a loyal FF ( not DL) and pay for FC or auto upgrade fare or full fare. Having said that I also worked my way up the food chain but key word is worked my way up. So I understand the other side of the argument.
At the end of day should not rewards be income based? I think so.
I am a loyal FF ( not DL) and pay for FC or auto upgrade fare or full fare. Having said that I also worked my way up the food chain but key word is worked my way up. So I understand the other side of the argument.
At the end of day should not rewards be income based? I think so.
Mar 1, 2014, 7:21 pm
#19
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: South Florida
Programs: DL GM, SPG GOLD, UA DIRT, AA PLAT, US (RIP), Hilton HHonors
Posts: 705
I would posit that they stick with the Sky Miles name... it has brand recognition already...
...and Sky Points doesn't work for the new program... maybe "Sky Pointless?"
...and Sky Points doesn't work for the new program... maybe "Sky Pointless?"
Mar 1, 2014, 7:30 pm
#20
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,990
have no issues with that nor do I if they simply eliminated all programs as they did before. Want a particular seat then you can pay for it!
Mar 1, 2014, 7:33 pm
#21
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: DL PM/1MM, BW DE (lifetime), HH DE, Marriott PE (lifetime), National Emerald Executive
Posts: 7,205
The "being driven out of Loyalty" phrase there is priceless. Just have to put "(former) customers" in front of it, and then they'll have it just right!
So they called it "Evolution of SkyMiles"...but it's clear that the point is to "drive out" (or in other words, end) the loyalty program, so I just always made the connection that "Evolution" here in Dullta speak really means "End" (as if SkyMiles is "being driven out of Loyalty" and is no longer even thought of as a loyalty program by DL, then what does the "E" really stand for in the EOS?).
Mar 1, 2014, 7:56 pm
#22
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
Programs: AS Million Miler/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/ IGH Ambassador
Posts: 5,990
Thanks! This is exactly what I was referring to.
The "being driven out of Loyalty" phrase there is priceless. Just have to put "(former) customers" in front of it, and then they'll have it just right!
So they called it "Evolution of SkyMiles"...but it's clear that the point is to "drive out" (or in other words, end) the loyalty program, so I just always made the connection that "Evolution" here in Dullta speak really means "End" (as if SkyMiles is "being driven out of Loyalty" and is no longer even thought of as a loyalty program by DL, then what does the "E" really stand for in the EOS?).
The "being driven out of Loyalty" phrase there is priceless. Just have to put "(former) customers" in front of it, and then they'll have it just right!
So they called it "Evolution of SkyMiles"...but it's clear that the point is to "drive out" (or in other words, end) the loyalty program, so I just always made the connection that "Evolution" here in Dullta speak really means "End" (as if SkyMiles is "being driven out of Loyalty" and is no longer even thought of as a loyalty program by DL, then what does the "E" really stand for in the EOS?).
Mar 1, 2014, 9:20 pm
#23
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Mar 1, 2014, 9:22 pm
#24
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 5,015
INTRODUCING THE 2015 SKYMILES PROGRAM.
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve your travel experience on Delta, we’re making updates to the SkyMiles program. Starting January 1, 2015, miles will be earned based on ticket price to better reward customers who spend more with Delta. We’re also creating more redemption options and increasing Award Seat availability at the lowest price points.
It's still going to be called SkyMiles and what you earn will be miles although they are no longer tied to distance. More from delta.com:
TO COMPARE HOW MANY MILES YOU'LL EARN FOR A FLIGHT IN THE 2015 PROGRAM,
SELECT YOUR STATUS AND ENTER FLIGHT INFORMATION.
GENERAL MEMBER
5 MILES / $1
SILVER MEDALLION
7 MILES / $1
GOLD MEDALLION
8 MILES / $1
PLATINUM MEDALLION
9 MILES / $1
DIAMOND MEDALLION
11 MILES / $1
I ran several mileage examples through their calculator and conclude that nearly EVERY flyer, regardless of status is going to take a big hit (and I'm a DM who flies expensive long-haul flights). The one major exception would those who regularly fly very expensive and very short flights (like DCA-JFK). In 2016, the ranks of Diamond Medallions are going to be as scarce as dodo birds. I plan to fly the coop and move to United, at least until they follow Delta's lead. I hope they are smart enough to see this as a marketing advantage over Delta. We all know Jeff already likes to treat all of his frequent flyers alike (for example, allowing credit card holders to board with Premier Golds).
Mar 1, 2014, 10:28 pm
#25
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: South Florida
Programs: DL GM, SPG GOLD, UA DIRT, AA PLAT, US (RIP), Hilton HHonors
Posts: 705
What? Just where is this silly speculation coming from? Delta never mentioned they would change the name of their program. In fact they said explicitly the opposite (read delta.com - if who haven't bothered to do so):
INTRODUCING THE 2015 SKYMILES PROGRAM.
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve your travel experience on Delta, we’re making updates to the SkyMiles program. Starting January 1, 2015, miles will be earned based on ticket price to better reward customers who spend more with Delta. We’re also creating more redemption options and increasing Award Seat availability at the lowest price points.
It's still going to be called SkyMiles and what you earn will be miles although they are no longer tied to distance. More from delta.com:
TO COMPARE HOW MANY MILES YOU'LL EARN FOR A FLIGHT IN THE 2015 PROGRAM,
SELECT YOUR STATUS AND ENTER FLIGHT INFORMATION.
GENERAL MEMBER
5 MILES / $1
SILVER MEDALLION
7 MILES / $1
GOLD MEDALLION
8 MILES / $1
PLATINUM MEDALLION
9 MILES / $1
DIAMOND MEDALLION
11 MILES / $1
I ran several mileage examples through their calculator and conclude that nearly EVERY flyer, regardless of status is going to take a big hit (and I'm a DM who flies expensive long-haul flights). The one major exception would those who regularly fly very expensive and very short flights (like DCA-JFK). In 2016, the ranks of Diamond Medallions are going to be as scarce as dodo birds. I plan to fly the coop and move to United, at least until they follow Delta's lead. I hope they are smart enough to see this as a marketing advantage over Delta. We all know Jeff already likes to treat all of his frequent flyers alike (for example, allowing credit card holders to board with Premier Golds).
INTRODUCING THE 2015 SKYMILES PROGRAM.
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve your travel experience on Delta, we’re making updates to the SkyMiles program. Starting January 1, 2015, miles will be earned based on ticket price to better reward customers who spend more with Delta. We’re also creating more redemption options and increasing Award Seat availability at the lowest price points.
It's still going to be called SkyMiles and what you earn will be miles although they are no longer tied to distance. More from delta.com:
TO COMPARE HOW MANY MILES YOU'LL EARN FOR A FLIGHT IN THE 2015 PROGRAM,
SELECT YOUR STATUS AND ENTER FLIGHT INFORMATION.
GENERAL MEMBER
5 MILES / $1
SILVER MEDALLION
7 MILES / $1
GOLD MEDALLION
8 MILES / $1
PLATINUM MEDALLION
9 MILES / $1
DIAMOND MEDALLION
11 MILES / $1
I ran several mileage examples through their calculator and conclude that nearly EVERY flyer, regardless of status is going to take a big hit (and I'm a DM who flies expensive long-haul flights). The one major exception would those who regularly fly very expensive and very short flights (like DCA-JFK). In 2016, the ranks of Diamond Medallions are going to be as scarce as dodo birds. I plan to fly the coop and move to United, at least until they follow Delta's lead. I hope they are smart enough to see this as a marketing advantage over Delta. We all know Jeff already likes to treat all of his frequent flyers alike (for example, allowing credit card holders to board with Premier Golds).
Mar 1, 2014, 11:20 pm
#26
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Mar 1, 2014, 11:42 pm
#28
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: South Florida
Programs: DL GM, SPG GOLD, UA DIRT, AA PLAT, US (RIP), Hilton HHonors
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Mar 2, 2014, 2:23 am
#29
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Mar 2, 2014, 3:40 am
#30
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Mileage tickets are revenue tickets, and so the seats are paid whether booking a mileage ticket or booking a regular-paid ticket not using miles.