metalblaze

Looks like UA came out ahead again: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...rn-2022-a.html

DL's response..?

fly747first

UA isn't even being that generous and they are just copying AA which previously announced rolling over Q4 EQM/EQDs. My guess is that DL will wait a bit to decide what they want to do.

DLASflyer

Nuts that Delta's last changes to Medallion qualification came on April 5th. Meanwhile the entire business of air travel has changed.

Zorak

The other notable thing about that thread compared to DL is active participation by an official UA account, even if it is heavily marketing spin oriented.

unitedbusiness

Crazy to think that United is making moves towards holding the leadership position and calling the shots now, when it used to just simply copy Delta on a host of things in the industry.

MCO Flyer

DL was the first airline in the US to announce a status extension into 2021 and now they are one of the last to announce what they are going to do for 2022.

rylan

Makes sense to me that an announcement for 2022 is not yet necessary, since the earning cycle hasn't even started. I'll be watching for updated come Jan/Feb since with current conditions continuing through the winter, it means that Q1 and likely Q2 are shot in terms of business travel and the vast majority of international traffic. I'll be expecting a significant adjustment for qualification, just not this early.

Zorak

It hasn't started, but some people may want to start planning for it.

MCO Flyer

Usually when DL makes changes to status qualification (normally increases during non-COVID times) they typically announce it in Q4 before the next year. I'd assume we will hear something soon in regards to 2022 status thresholds.

fly747first

How exactly, with a super weird system that was most likely developed by Embry-Fickle liabilities and doesn't even take into account booking class?

At least AA and DL seem to be more rational.

FlyingBeanCounter

DL better hurry. I am already planning Q1 travel. If I can do it correctly I can snag 1k again in Q1. The three trips doubled is interesting. Now I just hope some more destinations open up.

While UA is generally not as pleasant there are some perks of 1k that DL simply doesn't do. I like the snack in C+. I also really dig being able to upgrade my family to C+. DL is not exactly family friendly.

Zorak

You probably saw, but just in case, it's not literally double on the first three trips, there's a cap of 1500 additional PQP per trip.

drminn

I personally am impressed with DL's handling of this. This to me is an indication of a well run business based on longer term thinking. They are not reacting on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on which way the wind blows in a particular week. It turns out their initial analysis of the situation and subsequent handling of the medallion program was spot on, even though at the time it seemed very generous. I expect they will come up with a similar well thought out plan for 2022.

mkorpal3333

DL has already been quite generous with rolling over 2020 MQM. Not sure what else they really need to do.

The Situation

The pandemic necessitated many changes in shopping habits and in most cases, I found the early bird got the worm because it provided certainty during a time of great uncertainty. I now shop at a lot of stores that I never would have considered before. Given how much uncertainty there is in the world right now, DL should realize that their customers will respond the best to certainty and assurance especially given the positive reaction they received to being the leader in extending status.

2021 is going to be a mess for anyone trying to predict demand and so it will be impossible to match the program to what demand will be. By delaying the announcement, I do not see this as long term thinking, but short term thinking trying to squeeze every penny out of 2021. Long term thinking would be to get out early and 1) match AA's announcement 2) give current medallion members a slightly lower bar to prevent them from fleeing to carriers that provide better amenities 3) give clarity as to when amenities will improve, if ever. That would provide me the certainty I need to stick with the brand. Without certainty, I will probably test out AA and AS.