Should Delta Introduce a Diamond Lifetime Tier?
Jul 23, 2020, 5:30 pm
#1
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Should Delta Introduce a Diamond Lifetime Tier?
Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I've always wondered why DL won't offer a LTD tier while UA offer a LT top-tier status. With the pandemic, maybe this is an opportunity to give people another reason to foster even longer term loyalty? What do you guys think? Maybe LTD status can start at 5 or 6 million miles?
Last edited by lsquare; Jul 23, 2020 at 6:25 pm
Jul 23, 2020, 6:01 pm
#2
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Well, remember that DL has no 'lifetime' status... they call it annual complimentary silver/gold/plat at 1M/2M/4M.
If they ever did something for a DM level, I think it would be at 6M or 8M based on the above progression. Not sure if there are any 8M milers... but even 6M would be a very small select group.
If they ever did something for a DM level, I think it would be at 6M or 8M based on the above progression. Not sure if there are any 8M milers... but even 6M would be a very small select group.
Jul 23, 2020, 8:26 pm
#3
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Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I've always wondered why DL won't offer a LTD tier while UA offer a LT top-tier status. With the pandemic, maybe this is an opportunity to give people another reason to foster even longer term loyalty? What do you guys think? Maybe LTD status can start at 5 or 6 million miles?
Jul 23, 2020, 9:30 pm
#4
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Well, remember that DL has no 'lifetime' status... they call it annual complimentary silver/gold/plat at 1M/2M/4M.
If they ever did something for a DM level, I think it would be at 6M or 8M based on the above progression. Not sure if there are any 8M milers... but even 6M would be a very small select group.
If they ever did something for a DM level, I think it would be at 6M or 8M based on the above progression. Not sure if there are any 8M milers... but even 6M would be a very small select group.
That's why UA LT status starts at Gold level, which is equivalent to AA PLT and DL GM.
Jul 24, 2020, 7:31 am
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Jul 24, 2020, 7:35 am
#6
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Yep. And that has been repeated here for 15+ years. Clearly it gives them a way out but they could have done that regardless. And they clearly haven't even hinted at anything to ever change it. Never, say never, of course , but crazy unlikely.
Jul 24, 2020, 8:14 am
#7
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Lifetime (or as DL calls it "complimentary") status is a tricky one. It certainly is a nice reward for great customers, but it also can backfire on the company. "Oh, I hit lifetime xxx status on yyy, now I'm going to use zzz's product". 
Not to mention it swells the ranks at the top.
I like lifetime statuses, but I think holding back the top tier status for those who actually earn it every year is a good idea. Discourages those who are marginal from spreading their business around to make status in other programs and gives them something to strive for. Now, if I were at like 8MM, I'd likely feel differently.
Not to mention it swells the ranks at the top. I like lifetime statuses, but I think holding back the top tier status for those who actually earn it every year is a good idea. Discourages those who are marginal from spreading their business around to make status in other programs and gives them something to strive for. Now, if I were at like 8MM, I'd likely feel differently.
Jul 24, 2020, 8:23 am
#8
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I would have to think that even with including bonuses etc, there are very few in the 4MM category eligible for the plat status.
At that point to get >4MM you'll likely be getting close to retirement or not flying as much, so the status becomes something to be used for leisure travel. More than likely that those pax with >4MM have been DM for years or 360 as well.
However, it may bea bit of a disappointment if somebody is up in the 6MM+ range and they retire that they get dropped to PM from their DM/360 and probably 30+ years flying on DL.
At that point to get >4MM you'll likely be getting close to retirement or not flying as much, so the status becomes something to be used for leisure travel. More than likely that those pax with >4MM have been DM for years or 360 as well.
However, it may bea bit of a disappointment if somebody is up in the 6MM+ range and they retire that they get dropped to PM from their DM/360 and probably 30+ years flying on DL.
Jul 24, 2020, 9:18 am
#10
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With Delta extending PM status for a year, I now effectively have PM status through January, 2024 and I have 2.5 years tp get 52k more MQMs to reach PM status through my 70th birthday in January, 2025. If I want to fly after that I think I'll just buy the class that I want and not worry about upgrades or certificates.
Jul 24, 2020, 9:59 am
#11
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To me, Delta has signaled in many ways that they have no intention of having DMs except for those who earn it flying. They raised the Amex waiver to $250,000 in spend, and only offer Platinum to the Centurion cardholders. Even if you are 1K / EXP with the competition and want a status challenge you can't get DM as a match.
Jul 24, 2020, 12:16 pm
#12
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To me, the MM program is a great disappointment of Delta. I got a Tumi piece of luggage at 2 MM. I get no other benefit. Why bust my ... to 4 MM? I am not going to anyway but that isn't the point. I recognize I am 99% loyal and that is what they are after but what about someone that is 70% loyal? Mainly, I would like a kick start to status (only have to make the balance). I know hotel statuses are a different beast but I don't know that my lifetime diamond status at Hilton is killing them. If the status were 3 MM to PM and 4 MM to DM I might bust my ... more.
Jul 24, 2020, 1:45 pm
#13
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Jul 24, 2020, 3:06 pm
#14
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Jul 24, 2020, 3:09 pm
#15
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I would have to think that even with including bonuses etc, there are very few in the 4MM category eligible for the plat status.
At that point to get >4MM you'll likely be getting close to retirement or not flying as much, so the status becomes something to be used for leisure travel. More than likely that those pax with >4MM have been DM for years or 360 as well.
However, it may bea bit of a disappointment if somebody is up in the 6MM+ range and they retire that they get dropped to PM from their DM/360 and probably 30+ years flying on DL.
At that point to get >4MM you'll likely be getting close to retirement or not flying as much, so the status becomes something to be used for leisure travel. More than likely that those pax with >4MM have been DM for years or 360 as well.
However, it may bea bit of a disappointment if somebody is up in the 6MM+ range and they retire that they get dropped to PM from their DM/360 and probably 30+ years flying on DL.