Delta Increasing Medallion Qualifying Dollar Thresholds in 2015
Oct 10, 2014, 9:04 am
#166
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: 100,417
If one looks at the MQD/MQM ratio it went from 1 cpm to 1.2 cpm. My average for the year is around 3 cpm. And I am typically buying the cheapest coach fares available at the time. I am over the MQD threshold but not the MQM threshold. So no impact for me.
And given on my last flight the gate lice were the elites some thinning is needed cause at this point there no is elite at the boarding gate.
And given on my last flight the gate lice were the elites some thinning is needed cause at this point there no is elite at the boarding gate.
Oct 10, 2014, 9:05 am
#168
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: CHA, MAN;
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM; Hz PC
Posts: 11,169
Just got the email
THE MORE EXCLUSIVE 2016 SKYMILES MEDALLION PROGRAM.
Let's face it. When you spend a lot of time and money with us, you should enjoy our top-of-the-line benefits, such as complimentary access to Economy Comfort™ seats, Preferred Seats, and Sky Priority® services.
That's why we're adjusting the 2016 Medallion® Qualification Dollars (MQDs) thresholds to add even more exclusivity to the SkyMiles Medallion program.*
And we won't stop there. We're working hard to bring you our very best — check out our new premium Delta Sky Club® menu and industry-leading complimentary Delta Studio™ entertainment — as you jet around the globe.
SEE THE NEW THRESHOLDS >
THE MORE EXCLUSIVE 2016 SKYMILES MEDALLION PROGRAM.
Let's face it. When you spend a lot of time and money with us, you should enjoy our top-of-the-line benefits, such as complimentary access to Economy Comfort™ seats, Preferred Seats, and Sky Priority® services.
That's why we're adjusting the 2016 Medallion® Qualification Dollars (MQDs) thresholds to add even more exclusivity to the SkyMiles Medallion program.*
And we won't stop there. We're working hard to bring you our very best — check out our new premium Delta Sky Club® menu and industry-leading complimentary Delta Studio™ entertainment — as you jet around the globe.
SEE THE NEW THRESHOLDS >
Oct 10, 2014, 9:07 am
#169
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 190
Quote:
Originally Posted by MLCJ View Post
And my counter is why shouldn't they? I'm over 240,000 MQMs and $85,000 MQDs with only about 50 segments yet I'm in the same upgrade pool when I fly domestic. The airline nets way more off me than someone flying cheap, multi segment flights simply to build up MQSs and achieve DM status. IMO they need to increase the limits further.
__________________
Please explain why this all matters to you? With over 240k MQMs and $85k MQDs you're a solid Diamond. Are you not 360?
With that kind of spend, why are you worrrying about an upgrade pool for domestic flights? Are you not at least purchasing Y Fares, if not Business/First class flights domestically? I mean $85k!!!
Something is off here. If you are traveling on business, your company (even if it's a company that you own), really needs to conduct a thorough assessment of its travel policies. If I were in your situation, I would probably conduct a thorough assessment of my life in general.
Originally Posted by MLCJ View Post
And my counter is why shouldn't they? I'm over 240,000 MQMs and $85,000 MQDs with only about 50 segments yet I'm in the same upgrade pool when I fly domestic. The airline nets way more off me than someone flying cheap, multi segment flights simply to build up MQSs and achieve DM status. IMO they need to increase the limits further.
__________________
Please explain why this all matters to you? With over 240k MQMs and $85k MQDs you're a solid Diamond. Are you not 360?
With that kind of spend, why are you worrrying about an upgrade pool for domestic flights? Are you not at least purchasing Y Fares, if not Business/First class flights domestically? I mean $85k!!!
Something is off here. If you are traveling on business, your company (even if it's a company that you own), really needs to conduct a thorough assessment of its travel policies. If I were in your situation, I would probably conduct a thorough assessment of my life in general.
Last edited by kelvinj; Oct 10, 2014 at 9:29 am
Oct 10, 2014, 9:08 am
#170
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MCO
Programs: DL DM/MM, Marriott Plat Premier, HH Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 4,081
Not that this change will seriously affect the number of elites anyway.
Oct 10, 2014, 9:09 am
#171
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta, SPG
Posts: 547
From the e-mail:
"THE MORE EXCLUSIVE 2016 SKYMILES MEDALLION PROGRAM.
Let's face it. When you spend a lot of time and money with us, you should enjoy our top-of-the-line benefits, such as complimentary access to Economy Comfort™ seats, Preferred Seats, and Sky Priority® services."
Notice no mention of UPGRADES as a "top-of-the-line benefit."
"THE MORE EXCLUSIVE 2016 SKYMILES MEDALLION PROGRAM.
Let's face it. When you spend a lot of time and money with us, you should enjoy our top-of-the-line benefits, such as complimentary access to Economy Comfort™ seats, Preferred Seats, and Sky Priority® services."
Notice no mention of UPGRADES as a "top-of-the-line benefit."
Oct 10, 2014, 9:10 am
#172
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: CT
Programs: DL DM 2MM, MR LTT, Hilton D, Hertz PC. National Emerald Exec, UA Silver(thanks to Marriott)
Posts: 2,026
Wow. If I was already dropping $180K+ on Reserve cards – and could drop another $150K+ on Plat cards – I wouldn’t even think about status. With that kind of $$$$ spend, seems far more beneficial to just fly F/J and put those points toward something else rather than chase second tier status, no?
I was that guy 15 yrs ago in the glory years of having status (went 5 yrs straight flying in F 100% while paying cheap Y fares).
Oct 10, 2014, 9:12 am
#173
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: SJU
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 152
Wow. If I was already dropping $180K+ on Reserve cards – and could drop another $150K+ on Plat cards – I wouldn’t even think about status. With that kind of $$$$ spend, seems far more beneficial to just fly F/J and put those points toward something else rather than chase second tier status, no?
Oct 10, 2014, 9:15 am
#174
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Delta Skymiles
Posts: 55
As someone that is not currently flying a lot for work AND for a company that expects early booking as much as possible--Delta in insuring that I have no incentive to fly them with any exclusivity (After about a 4 year stretch as DM or PM). I still do spend upwards of $5K on flights per year between business and personal, but apparently that doesnt count for squat.
Just waiting for the reports to come out of people getting fired for playing with their companies money to hit MQD targets.
With the type of work I do, I expect my travel will cycle up again and thanks to Delta squeezing me here, I will be a free agent in the future.
Reserve Amex is getting boot as soon as I hit $30K this year, already used my companion ticket. Onto something like the Barcalys card or similar.
Just waiting for the reports to come out of people getting fired for playing with their companies money to hit MQD targets.
With the type of work I do, I expect my travel will cycle up again and thanks to Delta squeezing me here, I will be a free agent in the future.
Reserve Amex is getting boot as soon as I hit $30K this year, already used my companion ticket. Onto something like the Barcalys card or similar.
Last edited by danspartan; Oct 10, 2014 at 9:28 am
Oct 10, 2014, 9:15 am
#175
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Blue Ridge, GA
Posts: 5,513
THE MORE EXCLUSIVE 2016 SKYMILES MEDALLION PROGRAM.
Let's face it. When you spend a lot of time and money with us, you should enjoy our top-of-the-line benefits, such as complimentary access to Economy Comfort™ seats, Preferred Seats, and Sky Priority® services.
That's why we're adjusting the 2016 Medallion® Qualification Dollars (MQDs) thresholds to add even more exclusivity to the SkyMiles Medallion program.*
And we won't stop there. We're working hard to bring you our very best — check out our new premium Delta Sky Club® menu and industry-leading complimentary Delta Studio™ entertainment — as you jet around the globe.
Let's face it. When you spend a lot of time and money with us, you should enjoy our top-of-the-line benefits, such as complimentary access to Economy Comfort™ seats, Preferred Seats, and Sky Priority® services.
That's why we're adjusting the 2016 Medallion® Qualification Dollars (MQDs) thresholds to add even more exclusivity to the SkyMiles Medallion program.*
And we won't stop there. We're working hard to bring you our very best — check out our new premium Delta Sky Club® menu and industry-leading complimentary Delta Studio™ entertainment — as you jet around the globe.
Oct 10, 2014, 9:16 am
#176
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: Fly paid F and J. AA EXP. DL PM.
Posts: 407
And my counter is why shouldn't they? I'm over 240,000 MQMs and $85,000 MQDs with only about 50 segments yet I'm in the same upgrade pool when I fly domestic. The airline nets way more off me than someone flying cheap, multi segment flights simply to build up MQSs and achieve DM status. IMO they need to increase the limits further.
Kudos to Delta for working hard to kill the elite upgrade mentality. Yes, Delta should take care of their very best customers, as all businesses should. An occasional upgrade should be considered, by everyone, a nice gesture of thanks for your business. The current system of diamonds acting like rent-a-gate-agents onboard checking everyone's boarding pass and status and worrying if anyone "got the upgrade" who shouldn't have is OUT OF CONTROL.
Oct 10, 2014, 9:19 am
#177
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: DTW
Programs: DL PM, Natl-Exec Elite, Hertz-President Circle, Marriot/Starwood-Gold, HHonors-Gold
Posts: 678
I can never understand those who are "proud" they over-spend. Especially any that it is on their own dime, When I am eating the cost the price is important to me. But I guess the OPM folks can drive their 2005 Subraru to the airport and sit in F for a couple of hours and feel important.
Oct 10, 2014, 9:22 am
#178
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 190
Among other things this move is definitely aimed at getting people to use the DL Amex.
I think they also want to trim benefits and expenses for higher tier elites. Other than being able to select preferred seats I have no idea why anyone would strive to reach SM.
What we're seeing across the board is what happens when airlines are profitable. When the times are good they give travelers the finger. When they're hurting they beg us to fly. I've had FA's tell me in the past that high tier FF's are a big part of DL's profitability. I wonder if baggage fees and other things have made us less important.
I think they also want to trim benefits and expenses for higher tier elites. Other than being able to select preferred seats I have no idea why anyone would strive to reach SM.
What we're seeing across the board is what happens when airlines are profitable. When the times are good they give travelers the finger. When they're hurting they beg us to fly. I've had FA's tell me in the past that high tier FF's are a big part of DL's profitability. I wonder if baggage fees and other things have made us less important.
I cannot wait until times get hard again. When times were hard in the past, Delta's service was phenomenal. FAs were worried about their jobs and acted like they cared about what they were doing. But, no worries. This industry has more ups and downs than any rollercoaster at your favorite amusement park, and airline executives have a habit of screwing things up. So, I hope Delta enjoys this ride while it can. Soon, they will be running back to customers on bended knee with proposals of a lifetime.
One more thing: If I were a business client and my contracted help (i.e., Attorneys, Consultants, Accountants, etc.) were wasting my money helping their employees maintain elite status, I would find a new Service Provider. Business leaders really need to rethink their company travel plans. While it's nice for business entities to have lax rules that essentially allow their employees to pay higher fares (and support Delta's bottom line), they also need to focus on their own profit margins.
Oct 10, 2014, 9:28 am
#180
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
Yes, they are going to create a higher hurdle to earning and maintaining elite membership for those working within the rules, but they are going to continue bypassing the rules with "buy an BE ticket and be elite for a year" promos.
If I thought they were seriously trying to trim PM and DM ranks (and I don't, for a moment, believe that this is their true motivation) then I could almost envision that Bubba had somehow gotten through to them.
What is surprising is the lack of "We only did this because so many of you asked for it" blame-shifting.
Second year rollover (as in carrying 2014 miles into 2016) has to end eventually. This was one of the unintended consequences that Va Ave just didn't see coming.
I looked for this. Where is it posted?
How is this going to play with the standard "credits may take 6 to 8 weeks to post to your account" disclaimer that comes with each partner MQM bonus promo?
[I was going to quote the exact language from the current Hilton promo, but when I went to my registered promo page on DL.dumb and clicked on the link, I got the message "This promotion is not active." Gotta love DL IT.]