SkyBonus update - big changes
Jan 28, 2015, 1:02 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ireland, UnderH20, AUA, Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Charter KM, DM180, RW, DM, SC, SkyBonus; HH Diamond, IHG Plt Amb, Global Ent, TWIC
Posts: 2,191
SkyBonus update - big changes
Apology if posted already
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...d_Updates.html
New SkyBonus Elite
Minimum of five employees flying one segment
New reward structure
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...d_Updates.html
New SkyBonus Elite
Minimum of five employees flying one segment
New reward structure
Jan 28, 2015, 1:26 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: ATL
Programs: AA GLD Skymiles DM MM, a+ rewards lifetime elite, AS, Marriott plat, PC plat, HH gold
Posts: 1,275
Wow, the devaluations keep on coming. Most discount fares (X,V, and E) from hubs now only earn 1 point/dollar.
Elite status added for $2M annual spend at Level 3 fares. Elite gives 10% points bonus.
Still a good program for very little effort. Non-Hub INTL BE flyers still earn about 3 usable domestic roundtrips for every overseas roundtrip.
Elite status added for $2M annual spend at Level 3 fares. Elite gives 10% points bonus.
Still a good program for very little effort. Non-Hub INTL BE flyers still earn about 3 usable domestic roundtrips for every overseas roundtrip.
Jan 28, 2015, 3:39 pm
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: In order of nights spent: MSP, ORD, OGG, FCO, LHR
Programs: DL 1MM Dia, AA Plat, UA 1MM Gold, HHonors LT Dia, Marriott/SPG LT Plat Prem
Posts: 473
Yeah, this sucks big time for us.
I was able to use Delta when the cost structure was 10% or less more than the competition, now the price will have to be 2% or less when this goes into effect. Looks like Diamond will be a thing of the past for me. We have 4 employees that fly in/out of MSP, the rest are out of PHX, and ORD so they are never flying DL.
Oh well, a few flights on Sun Country and Southwest a year can't kill me, can they?
I was able to use Delta when the cost structure was 10% or less more than the competition, now the price will have to be 2% or less when this goes into effect. Looks like Diamond will be a thing of the past for me. We have 4 employees that fly in/out of MSP, the rest are out of PHX, and ORD so they are never flying DL.
Oh well, a few flights on Sun Country and Southwest a year can't kill me, can they?
Jan 28, 2015, 3:44 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Delta PM, Delta Reserve, Amex Plat, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold ;)
Posts: 1,775
I don't normally have five employees travel at our firm. Only three of us regularly travel. Sounds like Delta doesn't want small businesses using SkyBonus anymore. (Small businesses with only a few employees)
This would really suck for consultants who are the only employee in their company and who may travel extensively.
Jan 28, 2015, 3:48 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ireland, UnderH20, AUA, Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Charter KM, DM180, RW, DM, SC, SkyBonus; HH Diamond, IHG Plt Amb, Global Ent, TWIC
Posts: 2,191
I am trying to get some insight/clarification from Chisolm on the five employee deal.
I send people all over but they are not employees but contractors working for me.
I send people all over but they are not employees but contractors working for me.
Jan 28, 2015, 4:47 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 16,273
I would plan on "no", just like people who did not meet the $5k spending threshold had their accounts frozen and could not even redeem previously earned points.
Jan 28, 2015, 5:50 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
On a positive note, SkyBonus did announce on 1/28/15 a change that will take effect on 1/1/16.
Not quite a year's advance notice, but close enough to 1 year ahead to put the SkyMiles shills to shame. (I know, to be shamed, you must be able to feel shame.)
I guess it is still possible after all to treat customers with a modicum of respect... or, at least, part of the company understands this.
Jan 28, 2015, 7:17 pm
#11
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: UA Gold | Former: DL Diamond, HA Pualani Gold
Posts: 380
For instance, transatlantic rewards require RP/OP availability for coach fares booked as B or M, but only require Z/G availability for Y fares.
Perhaps the change is to only require Z/G for all certs from "SkyBonus elites"
Jan 28, 2015, 7:19 pm
#12
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: UA Gold | Former: DL Diamond, HA Pualani Gold
Posts: 380
A question I have is whether we'll have to "enroll" specific employees in the program, or will having a unique individual flying with our SkyBonus number be sufficient for them to be listed as an employee?
We also have the contractor issue as well, where we purchase tickets for them. I'm hoping we can just credit their flights like we always have.
We also have the contractor issue as well, where we purchase tickets for them. I'm hoping we can just credit their flights like we always have.
Jan 28, 2015, 7:22 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ATL
Programs: 4MM/DM, Marriott Lifetime PM, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum
Posts: 1,370
While I appreciate DL trying to cater to the business flyer, the small company owner is out in the cold with this one. I always made the 5k min (35k last year) but the 5 employees is going to trip me up in 2016.
Oh well, just a little further to 4MM then on to another airline who appreciates my business.
Oh well, just a little further to 4MM then on to another airline who appreciates my business.
Jan 28, 2015, 7:47 pm
#14
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Mostly living in the basement
Programs: Newly minted free agent; MR LT(!)TE, HH SE, BA SECM, DL MM, UA PS, 2V Fanboi, CBP GE
Posts: 5,108
Indeed. My partnership has 6 members, but atm only 2 regularly fly DL (1 just went free agent after GM lost EC at booking) and I'm pretty sure this exciting new program isn't going to convince anyone (or, rather, 3 people) to switch.
Jan 28, 2015, 9:54 pm
#15
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Look up - On a ✈ DELTA ✈ jet NOW!
Programs: Blogger & Delta Diamond Medallion Million Miler
Posts: 4,174