Basic Eco is now available on awards!
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Very bad news for SkyMiles -- especially for PM/DM since it effectively kills C+ upgrades (and the rare F upgrade on an award)
#17
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Look up - On a ✈ DELTA ✈ jet NOW!
Programs: Blogger & Delta Diamond Medallion Million Miler
Posts: 4,174
So the Diamond line says you have the same redeposit rules as all other SkyMiles awards.
But Delta on twitter i.e. @Delta says no the same rules as cash E Basic fares so no redeposit after 24 hours.
I have an email in to Delta CORP COM and will update when I get word!
UPDATE: From Delta Corp: Basic Economy Awards, like all tickets, are refundable during the Risk-Free Cancellation period. Beyond that timeframe, Basic Economy fares are not eligible for changes or cancelations (including redeposit fee waivers for Platinum and Diamond Medallions).
But Delta on twitter i.e. @Delta says no the same rules as cash E Basic fares so no redeposit after 24 hours.
I have an email in to Delta CORP COM and will update when I get word!
UPDATE: From Delta Corp: Basic Economy Awards, like all tickets, are refundable during the Risk-Free Cancellation period. Beyond that timeframe, Basic Economy fares are not eligible for changes or cancelations (including redeposit fee waivers for Platinum and Diamond Medallions).
Last edited by Renes Points; Dec 6, 2018 at 2:18 pm Reason: Updated info from Delta Corp
#19
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: 10,334
I'd like to say this a good thing, but we shall see whether it remains a "good thing" or if it becomes a way to get more miles in redemptions off the books by folks who won't do Basic Economy. Basic Economy isn't for me but some folks find it right for them as they see it as a way to save money and not pay for things they don't necessarily value that I do value (like seat selection). Now this will also (maybe) allow them to save some miles (though as MSPeconomist points out, it may not even save them miles).
#20
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 339
This would be great if we knew if was going to reduce the number of miles it takes to get an award ticket... BUT we all know where this is going, same as the cash fares did: basic economy will soon cost what the lowest main cabin fares used to.
Really sucks - I’ve always said domestic awards are some of DLs greatest redemptions, I’m almost willing to guarantee those 5k-7k one way awards are soon going to be basic economy and main will be back at higher levels.
Really sucks - I’ve always said domestic awards are some of DLs greatest redemptions, I’m almost willing to guarantee those 5k-7k one way awards are soon going to be basic economy and main will be back at higher levels.
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,222
Well, not exactly, it's now a 1% cash back program! Elite benefits are still there though. Other than that, it's how I think about JetBlue or Amtrak (though I don't actually know the % back math for either of those). I fly them when I need to and/or it's the best option, and when I accumulate enough points, I'll redeem for the free ticket. It's certainly not engendering any loyalty.
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,021
So the Diamond line says you have the same redeposit rules as all other SkyMiles awards.
But Delta on twitter i.e. @Delta says no the same rules as cash E Basic fares so no redeposit after 24 hours.
I have an email in to Delta CORP COM and will update when I get word!
But Delta on twitter i.e. @Delta says no the same rules as cash E Basic fares so no redeposit after 24 hours.
I have an email in to Delta CORP COM and will update when I get word!
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
I've checked DL/AA/UA/AS annual reports for statements regarding FF plans. I haven't seen an estimate of what any carrier is paid for miles in several years. IIRC, it was about $0.005 a mile maybe five years ago. Carriers sell more miles than they issue themselves. Unless that has changed there's a lot more pain to come.
#25
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
So the Diamond line says you have the same redeposit rules as all other SkyMiles awards.
But Delta on twitter i.e. @Delta says no the same rules as cash E Basic fares so no redeposit after 24 hours.
I have an email in to Delta CORP COM and will update when I get word!
But Delta on twitter i.e. @Delta says no the same rules as cash E Basic fares so no redeposit after 24 hours.
I have an email in to Delta CORP COM and will update when I get word!
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
This is the final straw, I'm through as a DL elite if this is the case. DL can get bent. I'll just suck it up and start taking nonstops ex-DCA on AA. At least that airline is honest and open about how they screw over their customers, and with the new concourse, the biggest issue with AA at DCA (35X) will be gone.
And at least DL continues to actively invest in and promote a customer-friendly product onboard. The A220, 777 staying at 9, IFE, etc., all help outweigh the downside of SkyMiles. It seems like the other two have stronger mileage programs but enjoy getting stuck on 3-4-3 777s or on the AA 737max.
For me personally as long as they deliver a superior on-board product, I'll stick with them because I'd rather have my hours and hours spent on board being a pleasant experience and not torture just to extract a bit more value from my miles.
I've got my CC flexible currencies to take advantage arbitrage opportunities elsewhere.
Plus DL BE is at least tolerable -- I'd rather keep the 5-7k mileage redemption on RDU - NYC in BE vs it being a 12.5k redemption in Y just for 1 hour.
#29
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712