2-Months into new Skymiles Program, Depression Sets In
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL DIAMOND, AA/US TBD
Posts: 57
2-Months into new Skymiles Program, Depression Sets In
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.
#2
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: Now just a lowly DL PM/1MM. This industry needs some competition. It's just not enjoyable anymore.
Posts: 3,543
#3
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 118
Its been a mixed bag for me. I just finished a cross country trip that netted me half the miles it used to ... on the other hand, I've had some short hops that got me almost double the miles it used to. Overall, I think I am pretty much even steven so far ... but I still like the old way better. Particularly as I'm eyeing an Asia trip later this year that will likely (hopefully, given the implications) net me half the miles it would have otherwise.
#4
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,693
It is depressing to see how many, across all airlines, attach life worth to their status in FF programs. Seriously depressing. With all the travel I do, I still find my most rewarding time with my kids, even the teens.
#5
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Seattle
Programs: Delta DM; *A FO. UG since(1/1/15): 11/14
Posts: 683
Flying sucks, period. Having some status just (slightly) softens the aggravation, or at least it used to. These days having any status with an airline seems to cause more irritation/frustration due to the inconsistency of the policies applied, and the consistent attempts to screw you over.
#6
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Delta PM, Delta Reserve, Amex Plat, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold ;)
Posts: 1,776
Flying sucks, period. Having some status just (slightly) softens the aggravation, or at least it used to. These days having any status with an airline seems to cause more irritation/frustration due to the inconsistency of the policies applied, and the consistent attempts to screw you over.
1- Free bags. PM/DM get three bags domestically up to 70lbs. This is the most generous of all of the major US airlines. I regularly check heavy pelican cases for work and I don't pay a penny. I've had employees travel SW, UA and US and pay over $100 each way for these oversized, overweight bags.
2- Priority boarding/checkin/security. Security can be hit or miss, but the SP lanes at checkin and boarding are a huge help even if half the plane is boarding with you. Look at the people who board last and how frustrated they always look. At my home airport (DCA) the SP checkin lane is a huge time saver when I have a 7am flight and need to check bags.
3- Customer Service. Try calling and getting ahold of someone fast when you have an issue. Medallion line, with few exceptions, is usually pretty good.
4- EC+ for free. There are only so many seats in F, so EC+ with the free drinks and "upgraded" snacks is a good second option.
5- International Skyteam lounge access for GM and up.
6- Preferred seats! Try booking a flight without status and see what c#$py seats you are allowed to select. At least other airlines let you pay for a better seat.
At the end of the day we'll always want more and complain when something is taken away. (I'm not saying that's good or bad) In the end, we still get many perks the average joe doesn't.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL DIAMOND, AA/US TBD
Posts: 57
I agree with this. While status isn't what it used to be we still get a lot of perks that the average flier does't.
1- Free bags. PM/DM get three bags domestically up to 70lbs. This is the most generous of all of the major US airlines. I regularly check heavy pelican cases for work and I don't pay a penny. I've had employees travel SW, UA and US and pay over $100 each way for these oversized, overweight bags.
2- Priority boarding/checkin/security. Security can be hit or miss, but the SP lanes at checkin and boarding are a huge help even if half the plane is boarding with you. Look at the people who board last and how frustrated they always look. At my home airport (DCA) the SP checkin lane is a huge time saver when I have a 7am flight and need to check bags.
3- Customer Service. Try calling and getting ahold of someone fast when you have an issue. Medallion line, with few exceptions, is usually pretty good.
4- EC+ for free. There are only so many seats in F, so EC+ with the free drinks and "upgraded" snacks is a good second option.
5- International Skyteam lounge access for GM and up.
6- Preferred seats! Try booking a flight without status and see what c#$py seats you are allowed to select. At least other airlines let you pay for a better seat.
At the end of the day we'll always want more and complain when something is taken away. (I'm not saying that's good or bad) In the end, we still get many perks the average joe doesn't.
1- Free bags. PM/DM get three bags domestically up to 70lbs. This is the most generous of all of the major US airlines. I regularly check heavy pelican cases for work and I don't pay a penny. I've had employees travel SW, UA and US and pay over $100 each way for these oversized, overweight bags.
2- Priority boarding/checkin/security. Security can be hit or miss, but the SP lanes at checkin and boarding are a huge help even if half the plane is boarding with you. Look at the people who board last and how frustrated they always look. At my home airport (DCA) the SP checkin lane is a huge time saver when I have a 7am flight and need to check bags.
3- Customer Service. Try calling and getting ahold of someone fast when you have an issue. Medallion line, with few exceptions, is usually pretty good.
4- EC+ for free. There are only so many seats in F, so EC+ with the free drinks and "upgraded" snacks is a good second option.
5- International Skyteam lounge access for GM and up.
6- Preferred seats! Try booking a flight without status and see what c#$py seats you are allowed to select. At least other airlines let you pay for a better seat.
At the end of the day we'll always want more and complain when something is taken away. (I'm not saying that's good or bad) In the end, we still get many perks the average joe doesn't.
#8
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 5,292
DEPRESSION!?!!?? Over an airline?
I am so sorry for anyone that rates their business relationship with another business so heavily that it causes depression. IT'S A FREAKING AIRLINE!
I don't think frequent flyer miles or status even rank in the top 200 on the list of things defining my self worth.
I am so sorry for anyone that rates their business relationship with another business so heavily that it causes depression. IT'S A FREAKING AIRLINE!
I don't think frequent flyer miles or status even rank in the top 200 on the list of things defining my self worth.
#9
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
#10
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: BDL and MOB
Programs: Delta PM, United Premier Silver, Marriott LT Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 33
DEPRESSION!?!!?? Over an airline?
I am so sorry for anyone that rates their business relationship with another business so heavily that it causes depression. IT'S A FREAKING AIRLINE!
I don't think frequent flyer miles or status even rank in the top 200 on the list of things defining my self worth.
I am so sorry for anyone that rates their business relationship with another business so heavily that it causes depression. IT'S A FREAKING AIRLINE!
I don't think frequent flyer miles or status even rank in the top 200 on the list of things defining my self worth.
Regardless, I think it's safe to assume OP's use of 'depression' was hyperbole. Just like I assume you were using hyperbole in your response... if you actually have 200 things you care about more than delta and its frequent flyer program does that mean there are 200 other message boards out there that you read and comment in, even more passionately than you comment about things around here, that you have to somehow work into your day?
#11
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: US
Programs: DL GE
Posts: 1,654
Loyalty is more than what you get in return, for me it is knowing the equipment, airports, policies and what to expect when flying delta.
If I chose an agnostic approach I would have to experience every terminal whatever airline-X flies to. The luggage, check in and boarding process, what if any snacks/beverages I am offered, etc..
I find comfort in 'the same' for that reason I stick to the same hotel chain and car rental chain and would so even if loyalty programs ceased to exist.
For the same reason I shop at the same stores, eat at the same restaurants and buy the same cars. Traveling is such a small fraction of my time and effort, it just doesn't scream to me 'try something new!'. I like my seats and my bed.
If I chose an agnostic approach I would have to experience every terminal whatever airline-X flies to. The luggage, check in and boarding process, what if any snacks/beverages I am offered, etc..
I find comfort in 'the same' for that reason I stick to the same hotel chain and car rental chain and would so even if loyalty programs ceased to exist.
For the same reason I shop at the same stores, eat at the same restaurants and buy the same cars. Traveling is such a small fraction of my time and effort, it just doesn't scream to me 'try something new!'. I like my seats and my bed.
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
The 2015 earnings rates (by status) were disclosed when revenue-based earnings were announced, now fully a year ago.
http://news.delta.com/2014-02-26-Del...mption-Options
DL had the new program/'14 program earnings comparison tool up for months, too. The OP has had plenty of time to figure out effects given his fares v. distances. If that changes the value proposition and his choice of carrier away from DL, so be it.
http://news.delta.com/2014-02-26-Del...mption-Options
DL had the new program/'14 program earnings comparison tool up for months, too. The OP has had plenty of time to figure out effects given his fares v. distances. If that changes the value proposition and his choice of carrier away from DL, so be it.
#13
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
The 2015 earnings rates (by status) were disclosed when revenue-based earnings were announced, now fully a year ago.
http://news.delta.com/2014-02-26-Del...mption-Options
DL had the new program/'14 program earnings comparison tool up for months, too. The OP has had plenty of time to figure out effects given his fares v. distances. If that changes the value proposition and his choice of carrier away from DL, so be it.
http://news.delta.com/2014-02-26-Del...mption-Options
DL had the new program/'14 program earnings comparison tool up for months, too. The OP has had plenty of time to figure out effects given his fares v. distances. If that changes the value proposition and his choice of carrier away from DL, so be it.
#14
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, United Silver, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, National Exec Elite
Posts: 303
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.
In 2014 I had $13,424 MQD's but just 39K MQM. I do understand the frustration of members not getting effected by the changes.