2010 Medallion Program
Jul 30, 2009 | 7:47 pm
#391
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Under an ORD approach path
Programs: DL PM, MM. Coffee isn't a drug, it's a vitamin.
Posts: 12,935
I understand and probably agree with your reasoning, but just to throw a different perspective in the mix: DEN-NRT r/t is 28 to 30 hours of BIS. To do that much BIS on short domestic hops would take perhaps 10 to 14 segments a month, which I think you would classify as FF. So, perhaps not frequent in terms of segments or times passing through TSA checkpoints, but frequent in terms of total hours on board an airplane.
Jul 30, 2009 | 8:08 pm
#392
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Programs: DL DM 2MM, AA LTP, Hyatt Globalist, FB Plat
Posts: 843
OK, here's a piece of confusion, I hope you'll clear it up.
If I understand correctly, in future years someone who is already DM only will get two benefits when they requalify the next year. If so, there is a real problem in the system.
I'll create a hypothetical here. Two imaginary Flyertalkers, one named Zirconia and the other named PingPong. First year, both qualify for Diamond with 125k MQMs. Thereafter, Zirconia earns 125k every year, and PingPong earns 100k every year. Zironia is a steady Diamond, and thanks to rollover MQM's, PingPong alternates- Diamond on odd numbered years, PM on even numbered years. Zironia earns 2 choices every year, PingPong earns 1 on even years and 3 on odd years. So, the benefit earning each year is as follows:
Year: .. Zirconia Pingpong
2010______ 3 ________ 3
2011______ 2 ________ 1
2012______ 2 ________ 3
2013______ 2 ________ 1
2014______ 2 ________ 3
total:_____ 11 ________ 11
End result, PingPong earns as many choice benefits as Zirconia.
Is that correct? If so, it will just encourage the Zirconias of the world to stop spending at 124k each year, depriving DL of revenue from a high mileage flyer.
If this is how it works, then you really need to tweak the system to throw more bones to the DM's.... add another choice to the DM list, two superSWU's upgradable from any published fare, or let DM's exchange two SWU's for an upgrade from HKQ and you'll even out this inequity.
If I understand correctly, in future years someone who is already DM only will get two benefits when they requalify the next year. If so, there is a real problem in the system.
I'll create a hypothetical here. Two imaginary Flyertalkers, one named Zirconia and the other named PingPong. First year, both qualify for Diamond with 125k MQMs. Thereafter, Zirconia earns 125k every year, and PingPong earns 100k every year. Zironia is a steady Diamond, and thanks to rollover MQM's, PingPong alternates- Diamond on odd numbered years, PM on even numbered years. Zironia earns 2 choices every year, PingPong earns 1 on even years and 3 on odd years. So, the benefit earning each year is as follows:
Year: .. Zirconia Pingpong
2010______ 3 ________ 3
2011______ 2 ________ 1
2012______ 2 ________ 3
2013______ 2 ________ 1
2014______ 2 ________ 3
total:_____ 11 ________ 11
End result, PingPong earns as many choice benefits as Zirconia.
Is that correct? If so, it will just encourage the Zirconias of the world to stop spending at 124k each year, depriving DL of revenue from a high mileage flyer.
If this is how it works, then you really need to tweak the system to throw more bones to the DM's.... add another choice to the DM list, two superSWU's upgradable from any published fare, or let DM's exchange two SWU's for an upgrade from HKQ and you'll even out this inequity.
PM only gets gift silver when DM gets to gift GM. Also, you only get all of the other DM benefits every other year.
I do think it is clear that Delta needs to work on the SWU I will continue to make paper airplanes out of them.
Jul 30, 2009 | 8:20 pm
#393
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: RDU
Programs: AA GM, DL DM, DSC
Posts: 1,540
I understand and probably agree with your reasoning, but just to throw a different perspective in the mix: DEN-NRT r/t is 28 to 30 hours of BIS. To do that much BIS on short domestic hops would take perhaps 10 to 14 segments a month, which I think you would classify as FF. So, perhaps not frequent in terms of segments or times passing through TSA checkpoints, but frequent in terms of total hours on board an airplane.
I envy the folks that get to do long haul and accomplish in a FF program in a few weeks what takes me months to earn. All FF programs reward INT'L fliers more than domestic fliers. My deep discounted RDU - FCA business trip in April cost $1,200. Where can you fly for $1,200 INT'L deep discount and earn 4 times the RDM/MQM? Lots of places.
Last edited by bwhite; Jul 30, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Jul 30, 2009 | 8:36 pm
#394
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Under an ORD approach path
Programs: DL PM, MM. Coffee isn't a drug, it's a vitamin.
Posts: 12,935
Very strong point. I would rather spend 8 hours in a 764 than 3 hours in a CR7, and with the current pricing structure, I'd probably pay less for the 764 flight.
Jul 30, 2009 | 8:45 pm
#395
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Programs: DL DM 2MM, AA LTP, Hyatt Globalist, FB Plat
Posts: 843
I read this as any seat not just "Z" is this true?
Choice Benefits: You guys are wondering how many choice benefits youll get to select if you hit Platinum and Diamond in the same year. The answer? Three. Youll choose one benefit when you reach Platinum and two when you hit Diamond. If youre already a Diamond and you re-qualify for Diamond status, youll choose two benefits when you hit 125,000 miles.
I read this as any two including both being the same. 2 giftable GM's would be nice. I don't need 12 paper airplanes but some might now that they can use them DoD. I bet I am not the only one that would trade 12 SWU for one one way SWU that could be used on a lower class than M.
A warm welcome to FlyerTalk.
Jul 30, 2009 | 9:34 pm
#396
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: |QF LTG|DL Gold|
Posts: 1,784
On Flyertalk, yes. But Virgin America's FF program awards points based on published fare (http://www.virginamerica.com/va/elevateMemberGuide.do). The relaunched JetBlue program does too (https://www.jetblue.com/trueblue/newprogram/about.asp). There's speculation on the JetBlue forum that Southwest may be considering the same thing (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12146930-post5.html). Singapore Airlines' best perks are reserved for PPS members who spend at least S$25,000 on business or first class fares - (http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_U...ps.jsp#Header3)
I'm sure those who want to will be able to do mileage runs for some time, but I wouldn't be surprised to see more airlines incorporate similar principles into their FF programs.
I'm sure those who want to will be able to do mileage runs for some time, but I wouldn't be surprised to see more airlines incorporate similar principles into their FF programs.
Jul 30, 2009 | 9:44 pm
#397
Join Date: Feb 2001
Programs: DL 3MM/DM, AA 3MM/PLT, UA 1K
Posts: 322
1) No international travel of some PMs
2) Delta upgradeable fares are so expensive, not worth the price, as you can find cheaper elite upgrades on many other carriers, or discounted biz fares
3) Delta upgrade inventory can't be confirmed at time of booking, and PM does not want to risk cost without guarantee.
Jul 30, 2009 | 9:44 pm
#398
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: VPS
Programs: DL DM/2MM, Etihad Gold, HHonors Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 4,787
That's how I read it, too.
Jul 30, 2009 | 9:53 pm
#399
Join Date: Feb 2001
Programs: DL 3MM/DM, AA 3MM/PLT, UA 1K
Posts: 322
Jul 31, 2009 | 5:31 am
#400
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Meechigan
Posts: 1,007
Beg to differ. This is the crux of most 'discussions' 
regarding the new DM tier, and the reason why many are comparing DM to EXP.
Once you've achieved Medallion the *rewards* favor domestic travel. But the pain involved with getting there is much (much) higher for a segment flyer such as yourself.
regarding the new DM tier, and the reason why many are comparing DM to EXP. Once you've achieved Medallion the *rewards* favor domestic travel. But the pain involved with getting there is much (much) higher for a segment flyer such as yourself.
Jul 31, 2009 | 5:33 am
#401
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: RDU
Programs: AA GM, DL DM, DSC
Posts: 1,540
AA's moderate use of RJs at my home airport is the 2nd problem.
But I am one of those that rarely needs an INT'L SWU.
Last edited by bwhite; Jul 31, 2009 at 6:16 am
Jul 31, 2009 | 6:14 am
#402
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: RDU
Programs: AA GM, DL DM, DSC
Posts: 1,540
Beg to differ. This is the crux of most 'discussions' regarding the new DM tier, and the reason why many are comparing DM to EXP.
Once you've achieved Medallion the *rewards* favor domestic travel. But the pain involved with getting there is much (much) higher for a segment flyer such as yourself.
regarding the new DM tier, and the reason why many are comparing DM to EXP. Once you've achieved Medallion the *rewards* favor domestic travel. But the pain involved with getting there is much (much) higher for a segment flyer such as yourself.
My pre-promo MQMs are still my re-qualify vehicle, while my segments always lag behind. Ironic given that living in a non-hub home base means virtually every RT has 4 segments (and a pleasant visit to ATL in both directions).
INT'L SWU's are not important to me, although every couple of years when I do go INT'L for personal, I wouldn't mind the option in those years of selecting a CB benefit that would allow BE seats at reasonable price using SMs or $$$.
As it is now I am considering sentencing myself to coach on AA for a year in preperation for a INT'L family vacation in a few years. (With my luck their SWUs will become more restrictive that year).
Jul 31, 2009 | 6:37 am
#403
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Programs: DL DM 2MM, AA LTP, Hyatt Globalist, FB Plat
Posts: 843
than the SWU if you don't want them.
I hope they let you pick the same two twice and and I hope they add to the list. A couple of award seats at one lower level would be nice. High to Medium or Medium to Low.
Jul 31, 2009 | 6:57 am
#404
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Programs: DL DM 2MM, AA LTP, Hyatt Globalist, FB Plat
Posts: 843
Two more questions for SkyMilesInsider.
1. Will DM have better inventory for award seats than other medallions at the lowest lowest level? Will it be better than this years PM. I was a little disappointed with the availability as a PM. As a DM would like to see better availability in F and J as well.
2. Can you pick the same two choice benefits?
1. Will DM have better inventory for award seats than other medallions at the lowest lowest level? Will it be better than this years PM. I was a little disappointed with the availability as a PM. As a DM would like to see better availability in F and J as well.
2. Can you pick the same two choice benefits?
Jul 31, 2009 | 7:18 am
#405
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: RDU
Programs: AA GM, DL DM, DSC
Posts: 1,540
Two more questions for SkyMilesInsider.
1. Will DM have better inventory for award seats than other medallions at the lowest lowest level? Will it be better than this years PM. I was a little disappointed with the availability as a PM. As a DM would like to see better availability in F and J as well.
2. Can you pick the same two choice benefits?
1. Will DM have better inventory for award seats than other medallions at the lowest lowest level? Will it be better than this years PM. I was a little disappointed with the availability as a PM. As a DM would like to see better availability in F and J as well.
2. Can you pick the same two choice benefits?
One of the strong points of this program is that you can choose something other than the SWU if you don't want them.
I hope they let you pick the same two twice and and I hope they add to the list. A couple of award seats at one lower level would be nice. High to Medium or Medium to Low.
I hope they let you pick the same two twice and and I hope they add to the list. A couple of award seats at one lower level would be nice. High to Medium or Medium to Low.