Jul 14, 2015, 4:38 pm
Last edit by: Zorak
Summary of SkyMiles Upgrade Changes
Effective Aug 1, 2015, DM's on paid fares and no companions will no longer receive complimentary upgrades JFK-LAX/SFO. Delta's reps failed to disclose this in their June 14 announcement.
For travel on or after June 1, 2016, additional fare classes are eligible for SkyMiles upgrades:
Within North American and northern South America, L/U/T fares are now eligible. (Previously only Y/B/M/H/Q/K)
For all other markets, H/Q/K fares are now eligible. (Previously only Y/B/M)
SkyMiles Upgrade Awards will also require more miles. Prices for the following markets as quoted by multiple reservations agents: (Pricing is one-way)
(current chart based on observations has been moved to this thread: Upgrading with miles)
Effective Aug 1, 2015, DM's on paid fares and no companions will no longer receive complimentary upgrades JFK-LAX/SFO. Delta's reps failed to disclose this in their June 14 announcement.
For travel on or after June 1, 2016, additional fare classes are eligible for SkyMiles upgrades:
Within North American and northern South America, L/U/T fares are now eligible. (Previously only Y/B/M/H/Q/K)
For all other markets, H/Q/K fares are now eligible. (Previously only Y/B/M)
SkyMiles Upgrade Awards will also require more miles. Prices for the following markets as quoted by multiple reservations agents: (Pricing is one-way)
(current chart based on observations has been moved to this thread: Upgrading with miles)
SkyMiles July Announcements
Jul 15, 2015, 3:33 pm
#168
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: 16,278
Several people have called reservations and have been informed that no, DMs will no longer get the secret complimentary upgrades.
Jul 15, 2015, 4:33 pm
#170
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: DL DM360, Aeroplan SE
Posts: 40
for Diamonds. Typically flying J domestic on last minute tix for work (accrued 180k MQM / $60k+ MQD YTD) the new mileage program has been better for me and even with these new devaluations still likely net up over last year... but if if the net of this RUC change is limiting Diamonds to only upgrading 4 TCONs/year assuming we now take the RUCs as a platinum benefit with no ability to get more of those certs from thresholds like on UA or AA (free for EPs anyway) then this will be the end of DL for me as the only use for my status is the handful of upgrades I can catch on short personal weekend trips to the west coast. Really don't get why they would go after DMs in this way, mid-way thru the year with no ability to get more RUCs.Anyway time will tell after next Monday... please share your success or lack thereof as fellow DMs' ability to still get instrument-less upgrades / added to the upgrade list on JFK-LAX/SFO once the change is in place!!
Jul 15, 2015, 5:24 pm
#172
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: Delta DM, AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond, HHoners Gold, SPG Gold, National ExecElite, Hertz PC, Avis First
Posts: 204
I actually find this pricing to be offensive!
They are now pricing just an upgrade WELL above what a RT in J used to be under saver pricing - back when you could find "saver" to Europe. So now I'd have to pay ~$1,500 + 160,000 miles to upgrade?! Basically, that means you can pay cash or you can use miles but one way or the other it's going to cost over $3k worth of an instrument (cash or miles) to fly J to Europe. It truly is revenue based award pricing in every sense now... The game of FF miles, at least on Delta, seems to be largely over. The only exception would seem to be straight partner award availability.
US-Europe:
Y/B/M: 60,000 miles
S/H/Q/K: 80,000 miles
They are now pricing just an upgrade WELL above what a RT in J used to be under saver pricing - back when you could find "saver" to Europe. So now I'd have to pay ~$1,500 + 160,000 miles to upgrade?! Basically, that means you can pay cash or you can use miles but one way or the other it's going to cost over $3k worth of an instrument (cash or miles) to fly J to Europe. It truly is revenue based award pricing in every sense now... The game of FF miles, at least on Delta, seems to be largely over. The only exception would seem to be straight partner award availability.
US-Europe:
Y/B/M: 60,000 miles
S/H/Q/K: 80,000 miles
The airline industry is cyclical and these changes reek of arrogance and hubris. Delta One is not worth any more than other airlines' J class with direct isle access, which is quickly becoming the norm... Hey, even AA's J has in most cases surpassed DL in the hard product, and yet they give 8 SWUs to their top tier elites which can be used from any fare, and they set mileage upgrade from full fare coach at 15,000 miles with no co-pay on international trips!
DL is delusional.
Last edited by theYipster; Jul 15, 2015 at 5:57 pm
Jul 15, 2015, 6:12 pm
#173
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Indianapolis
Programs: DL Gold, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 625
Anyone think the partner concerns are related to a virtual disappearance of Virgin Australia J inventory via dl.com?
FWIW a few weeks ago I was able to see loads of LAX-SYD availability for the low amount (80k I believe).
Just a cursory search on VirginAustralia.com shows award availability on Aug 1 for VA2, yet Delta.com isn't showing that!
FWIW a few weeks ago I was able to see loads of LAX-SYD availability for the low amount (80k I believe).
Just a cursory search on VirginAustralia.com shows award availability on Aug 1 for VA2, yet Delta.com isn't showing that!
Jul 15, 2015, 6:50 pm
#174
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: CHA, MAN;
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM; Hz PC
Posts: 11,169
^exactly - I got mine for my TATLs.
Jul 15, 2015, 9:00 pm
#175
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,544
It's always amusing to read these hit and run DL Company announcement threads.
First it's the "Oh, wow, benevolent master thank you for posting here and telling us of your glorious plans".
Next it's the, "Oh, look at all the new benefits they're giving us".
Then, when you do a real study of the changes, you find out that:
A. You're screwed.
B. You're super screwed.
C. You are so screwed, they won't even tell you how many miles it's going to cost you.
If there are any real benefits, like using upgrades, on probably hard to upgrade transcons, it's because they took away Diamond upgrade on this route.
First it's the "Oh, wow, benevolent master thank you for posting here and telling us of your glorious plans".
Next it's the, "Oh, look at all the new benefits they're giving us".
Then, when you do a real study of the changes, you find out that:
A. You're screwed.
B. You're super screwed.
C. You are so screwed, they won't even tell you how many miles it's going to cost you.
If there are any real benefits, like using upgrades, on probably hard to upgrade transcons, it's because they took away Diamond upgrade on this route.
Jul 15, 2015, 9:41 pm
#176
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: Fallen DL DM (PM) 2MM
Posts: 4,783
Oh well, there goes my record -- I am 100% on upgrades between LAX and JFK going back to before DM (when they were cradle seats). Of course that is only 12-15 legs or so as I really try not to connect at JFK.
I'm routed thru JFK on my August trip, burned my last GUC on the outbound: LAX-JFK cleared (surprisingly) about 3 weeks ago, JFK-FRA cleared at booking. So my return will probably be my first time in EC/C+ on the TCON -- unless I decide to burn that hanging PM CB for some RUCs. I had decided to go for the $200 Delta card as one 1 of my last batch of RUCs expired unused and two other were "wasted" on LAX-SEA and back (were going to expire) I tried to use them between LAX and ATL and many times didn't clear.
I'm routed thru JFK on my August trip, burned my last GUC on the outbound: LAX-JFK cleared (surprisingly) about 3 weeks ago, JFK-FRA cleared at booking. So my return will probably be my first time in EC/C+ on the TCON -- unless I decide to burn that hanging PM CB for some RUCs. I had decided to go for the $200 Delta card as one 1 of my last batch of RUCs expired unused and two other were "wasted" on LAX-SEA and back (were going to expire) I tried to use them between LAX and ATL and many times didn't clear.
Jul 15, 2015, 9:44 pm
#177
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: 16,278
More data:
Domestic Premium Routes (JFK-LAX/SFO)
Y/B/M: 25,000
S/H/Q/K: 35,000
L/U/T: 45,000
US-Hawaii
Y/B/M: 30,000
S/H/Q/K: 45,000
L/U/T: 55,000
US-Canada
Y/B/M: 15,000
S/H/Q/K: 20,000
L/U/T: 30,000
US-Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean
Y/B/M: 15,000
S/H/Q/K: 20,000
L/U/T: 30,000
US-Northern South America
Y/B/M: 30,000
S/H/Q/K: 45,000
L/U/T: 55,000
US-Southern South America
Y/B/M: 60,000
S/H/Q/K: 80,000
US-Africa (North, Central, and South)
Y/B/M: 80,000
S/H/Q/K: 115,000
US-Middle East
Y/B/M: 80,000
S/H/Q/K: 115,000
Again, pricing is each way. Updated wiki.
Domestic Premium Routes (JFK-LAX/SFO)
Y/B/M: 25,000
S/H/Q/K: 35,000
L/U/T: 45,000
US-Hawaii
Y/B/M: 30,000
S/H/Q/K: 45,000
L/U/T: 55,000
US-Canada
Y/B/M: 15,000
S/H/Q/K: 20,000
L/U/T: 30,000
US-Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean
Y/B/M: 15,000
S/H/Q/K: 20,000
L/U/T: 30,000
US-Northern South America
Y/B/M: 30,000
S/H/Q/K: 45,000
L/U/T: 55,000
US-Southern South America
Y/B/M: 60,000
S/H/Q/K: 80,000
US-Africa (North, Central, and South)
Y/B/M: 80,000
S/H/Q/K: 115,000
US-Middle East
Y/B/M: 80,000
S/H/Q/K: 115,000
Again, pricing is each way. Updated wiki.
Jul 15, 2015, 9:55 pm
#178
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 217
More data:
Domestic Premium Routes (JFK-LAX/SFO)
Y/B/M: 25,000
S/H/Q/K: 35,000
L/U/T: 45,000
US-Hawaii
Y/B/M: 30,000
S/H/Q/K: 45,000
L/U/T: 55,000
US-Canada
Y/B/M: 15,000
S/H/Q/K: 20,000
L/U/T: 30,000
US-Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean
Y/B/M: 15,000
S/H/Q/K: 20,000
L/U/T: 30,000
US-Northern South America
Y/B/M: 30,000
S/H/Q/K: 45,000
L/U/T: 55,000
US-Southern South America
Y/B/M: 60,000
S/H/Q/K: 80,000
US-Africa (North, Central, and South)
Y/B/M: 80,000
S/H/Q/K: 115,000
US-Middle East
Y/B/M: 80,000
S/H/Q/K: 115,000
Again, pricing is each way. Updated wiki.
Domestic Premium Routes (JFK-LAX/SFO)
Y/B/M: 25,000
S/H/Q/K: 35,000
L/U/T: 45,000
US-Hawaii
Y/B/M: 30,000
S/H/Q/K: 45,000
L/U/T: 55,000
US-Canada
Y/B/M: 15,000
S/H/Q/K: 20,000
L/U/T: 30,000
US-Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean
Y/B/M: 15,000
S/H/Q/K: 20,000
L/U/T: 30,000
US-Northern South America
Y/B/M: 30,000
S/H/Q/K: 45,000
L/U/T: 55,000
US-Southern South America
Y/B/M: 60,000
S/H/Q/K: 80,000
US-Africa (North, Central, and South)
Y/B/M: 80,000
S/H/Q/K: 115,000
US-Middle East
Y/B/M: 80,000
S/H/Q/K: 115,000
Again, pricing is each way. Updated wiki.
Jul 15, 2015, 10:18 pm
#179
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
I wonder if this will force the introduction of a true premium economy class on long haul Delta service?
The reason I think this might happen is that, if the devaluation is as bad as these early reports indicate, D1 class will become basically inaccessible to a whole class of people who had previously been flying in D1 using miles or mileage upgrades.
Many of us (myself included) simply won't sit in coach for a 10 or 12 hour flight. It would be under this circumstance that I would start to shop away from Delta. While I really can't afford to spend $4K-6K on a D1 seat, I very well might decide to bite the bullet and pay $2K for a premium economy seat on one of the many foreign carries who seem to able to offer this service (and no, the 4 extra inches in comfort plus don't cut it).
The reason I think this might happen is that, if the devaluation is as bad as these early reports indicate, D1 class will become basically inaccessible to a whole class of people who had previously been flying in D1 using miles or mileage upgrades.
Many of us (myself included) simply won't sit in coach for a 10 or 12 hour flight. It would be under this circumstance that I would start to shop away from Delta. While I really can't afford to spend $4K-6K on a D1 seat, I very well might decide to bite the bullet and pay $2K for a premium economy seat on one of the many foreign carries who seem to able to offer this service (and no, the 4 extra inches in comfort plus don't cut it).
Jul 15, 2015, 10:39 pm
#180
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: DL PM 1MM, AA PLAT, UA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 10,361
I wonder if ATL/MSP/JFK-HNL are in the same category as West Coast-HNL for this one. 55,000 miles for a mileage upgrade to a domestic FC 757 (or 767 on SLC-HNL)? No thanks. Heck, I've seen First Class fares for $600 or so for one-way on West Coast-HNL. You'd be getting a better value paying for the whole FC ticket with PWM than you would paying the $300-$400 one-way economy LUT ticket to HNL and then using an additional 55,000 miles to upgrade.
Heck, I've seen First Class fares for $600 or so for one-way on West Coast-HNL. You'd be getting a better value paying for the whole FC ticket with PWM than you would paying the $300-$400 one-way economy LUT ticket to HNL and then using an additional 55,000 miles to upgrade.
Last edited by ATOBTTR; Jul 15, 2015 at 11:48 pm Reason: Grammar/Typo