2-Months into new Skymiles Program, Depression Sets In
Mar 2, 2015, 7:21 am
#46
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,690
as a businessman, which I assume the vast majority on here are as well,
I've flown countless flights (domestic/intl) in economy and flying is still the best thing ever.
You're participating in the miracle of flight. And an economy seat is perfectly fine unless you're super tall or super large.
Status gives you things which you can basically pay for if you want - want check your bag, have some alcohol or food on board, entertainment options? Just pay for them a la carte instead of hoping for status.
In the end, you're still able to do a journey in a few hours on a nice cushioned seat. That is the opposite of "sucking". Its awesome!
You're participating in the miracle of flight. And an economy seat is perfectly fine unless you're super tall or super large.
Status gives you things which you can basically pay for if you want - want check your bag, have some alcohol or food on board, entertainment options? Just pay for them a la carte instead of hoping for status.
In the end, you're still able to do a journey in a few hours on a nice cushioned seat. That is the opposite of "sucking". Its awesome!
Mar 2, 2015, 8:26 am
#47
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LAX/BOS/HKG/AMS/SFO...hmm, I need a life.
Programs: United1K, AA ExPlAAt, DL MM/Gold, Hilton Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 13,316
Well I hope you are not in any type of purchasing function or have any P&L responsibility as a "businessman". There are indeed many business people here on FT and the good ones (the folks I would hire) are the individuals who try to get the most for EVERY PENNY they spend of the company/clients’ money. If you can't understand that then perhaps you should ask yourself who's interest YOU are looking out for by giving up ANY value without a fight.
Mar 2, 2015, 8:32 am
#48
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC, National Exec
Posts: 6,736
Looks like the poster paid about 18c/mile flown, which is right in line with Delta's average (17 cents per revenue passenger mile). So, not on the high range of fares at all.
Mar 2, 2015, 9:38 am
#49
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: Delta Diamond 1MM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 503
I've earned 31,757 RDMs so far this year flying. Last year I would have earned 53,892 for the same amount of flying. The biggest hit I've taken though, is the redemption amounts. I can't find an award under 40K for for the route I normally use miles on within 3 weeks of departure.
Mar 2, 2015, 9:57 am
#50
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MLB
Posts: 445
In some ways, I may be the target customer for the new rules - I'm a time-sensitive (rather than price-sensitive), high-frequency, short route frequent flyer. I travel nearly every week, and about 50% of my travel is MCO-ATL + another 25% East Coast, the rest mid/long-range domestic travel; most of my trips are daytrips or overnighters to get to a specific meeting.
With the new system, I've noticed my MCO-ATL trips yield better point totals than, for example, my recent MCO-MSP N/S or MCO-ATL-DFW trip. Where I used to make PM on segments, I'll now likely make it on points.
The nuance for me is that, as an MCO flyer, I have numerous choices for N/S flights. On my longer flights when I have a bit more flexibility on time options, I'm more likely to choose DL, in part because I can bulk up my MQMs to give me the comfort and flexibility on my short-haul trips. With the new system and the devaluation of those mid/long-range trips, it actually gives me less incentive to fly DL on those trips. In the end, the system will likely cause me to fly DL less often without that incentive.
With the new system, I've noticed my MCO-ATL trips yield better point totals than, for example, my recent MCO-MSP N/S or MCO-ATL-DFW trip. Where I used to make PM on segments, I'll now likely make it on points.
The nuance for me is that, as an MCO flyer, I have numerous choices for N/S flights. On my longer flights when I have a bit more flexibility on time options, I'm more likely to choose DL, in part because I can bulk up my MQMs to give me the comfort and flexibility on my short-haul trips. With the new system and the devaluation of those mid/long-range trips, it actually gives me less incentive to fly DL on those trips. In the end, the system will likely cause me to fly DL less often without that incentive.
Mar 2, 2015, 10:26 am
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,064
I think you are confused. MQM's are still based on miles flown, not dollars spent. Why would the new redeemable mileage earning changes impact how you earn your DL status??
Mar 2, 2015, 10:30 am
#52
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,690
the good ones (the folks I would hire) are the individuals who try to get the most for EVERY PENNY they spend of the company/clients’ money.
Looks like the poster paid about 18c/mile flown, which is right in line with Delta's average (17 cents per revenue passenger mile). So, not on the high range of fares at all.
Mar 2, 2015, 10:32 am
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LAX/BOS/HKG/AMS/SFO...hmm, I need a life.
Programs: United1K, AA ExPlAAt, DL MM/Gold, Hilton Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 13,316
Mar 2, 2015, 1:21 pm
#54
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: DL DM 360, Qatar Plat, Etihad Silver, MR Plat
Posts: 149
Well I hope you are not in any type of purchasing function or have any P&L responsibility as a "businessman". There are indeed many business people here on FT and the good ones (the folks I would hire) are the individuals who try to get the most for EVERY PENNY they spend of the company/clients’ money. If you can't understand that then perhaps you should ask yourself who's interest YOU are looking out for by giving up ANY value without a fight.
Mar 2, 2015, 3:08 pm
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LAX/BOS/HKG/AMS/SFO...hmm, I need a life.
Programs: United1K, AA ExPlAAt, DL MM/Gold, Hilton Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 13,316
I am not sure how getting less for the same or more money is good for your employees?? Also, why is this, in your own words, the right move for Delta but not your own business? Anyway, like any business owner/sr exec fiduciary responsibility is a critical part of the job at least in my opinion.
BTW, I could be a client and I am NOT ok with my vendors changing rules and giving me less for more without a whole bunch of very good reasons…but that is just me.
Mar 2, 2015, 3:43 pm
#56
Join Date: Dec 2013
Programs: DL Diamond, AA Platinum, SPG Platinum
Posts: 255
I think the right answer is in the middle. You need to develop a model that is keeping your business healthy but if doing that requires squeezing pennies to the point where a talented employee will look elsewhere, that's a problem too.
Mar 2, 2015, 4:49 pm
#57
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LAX/BOS/HKG/AMS/SFO...hmm, I need a life.
Programs: United1K, AA ExPlAAt, DL MM/Gold, Hilton Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 13,316
What happens if your employees that you're thinking years ahead for jump ship because they don't feel compensated enough? From my experience, people who are asked to travel a lot for work are quick to look elsewhere if they feel the sacrifice they are making by spending half of their lives on the road is overlooked. I've been on projects which asked people to stay in hotels that cost $60 or less and to not charge in weekend hours and I'd estimate at least 1/3 out of 70-80 people quit by the end of it.
I think the right answer is in the middle. You need to develop a model that is keeping your business healthy but if doing that requires squeezing pennies to the point where a talented employee will look elsewhere, that's a problem too.
I think the right answer is in the middle. You need to develop a model that is keeping your business healthy but if doing that requires squeezing pennies to the point where a talented employee will look elsewhere, that's a problem too.
Delta has made paying top price the GOAL of its FF program. I wish to get the most for my corporate spend and also not spend for the sake of spending. I honestly do not get any of these responses...
Mar 2, 2015, 7:14 pm
#58
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Jupiter, FL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Silver
Posts: 29,848
Huge hit for me as PM
MQM - 15,952
MQD - 2,098
New way - 18,882 Sky miles
Old way - 31,904 Sky miles
And with Delta's significantly higher fees over US/AA and corporate policy, it only makes sense for me to move. Now I can do direct flights out of MIA on AA when necessary.
Until this year, I had struggled with the decision, especially since Delta is one of my customers. This year, they made it an easy decision.
MQD - 2,098
New way - 18,882 Sky miles
Old way - 31,904 Sky miles
And with Delta's significantly higher fees over US/AA and corporate policy, it only makes sense for me to move. Now I can do direct flights out of MIA on AA when necessary.
Until this year, I had struggled with the decision, especially since Delta is one of my customers. This year, they made it an easy decision.
Mar 3, 2015, 7:12 am
#60
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 385
OK With Moi
It's Official... after reviewing my Skymiles account last year vs this year, I've basically accumulated 33% less Skymiles for the same level of travel. And that is for the Diamond Medallion 11mi/$.... hate to wonder how bad it is for the SM/DM/PM's out there.
Not getting any better looking at my JFK-SEA-HKG flight in April, and realizing it is only going to yield ~12k Skymiles, when in the past it was ~18k
FWIW, I think I'm just going into non-loyalty mode from this year onward and shopping around for the best price. No sense in providing any loyalty, when it means nothing anymore.
Not getting any better looking at my JFK-SEA-HKG flight in April, and realizing it is only going to yield ~12k Skymiles, when in the past it was ~18k
FWIW, I think I'm just going into non-loyalty mode from this year onward and shopping around for the best price. No sense in providing any loyalty, when it means nothing anymore.