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Originally Posted by bonzaiflyer
(Post 12134277)
A while back, way pre-merger, when WorldClubs offered the lifetime membership, I ponied up and got one. Since I'm grandfathered (or so I've been told) and now have a lifetime SkyClub membership, the Diamond tier doesn't really get me much more than the Plat already does....
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In general. I am fairly positive on the changes. I agree with the earlier poster who said comparing things to 5--or 10--or 20 years ago is rather pointless. Life moves on--those who do best (and keep their blood pressure lowest) are the ones that adapt to things--like the airline industry in 2009.
1) Being able to roll over MQMs is a big plus for me. I often end up around 90 to 110k, so getting a big head start each year is great!^ 2) I like the waived fees for ticketing by phone, redeposits, etc. 3) I use PMUs for international upgrades and won't really use the same day feature as I won't take the chance on "hoping" I'll get to the front of the bus on TATL. I'd prefer to keep getting six rather than four, but can't get too bent out of shape over that. As for having to use YBM fares to get the upgrades, the positive of that is that they tend to be readily available on your desired flights--at least they have been when I'm booking them (which never tends to be last minute). 4) My wife will like the new Diamond level--including the Sky Club membership for free (she's been getting that for 150k the past couple of years--so this is actually better). Since 99% of my travel is with her, I can just piggy back in with her or use my Biz Reserve card. Also, the special SMS number for Diamonds, that will be an added bonus. 5) I like that they are keeping the 150% MQM bonus on YBM fares. I always try to find the positive in things rather than the negative. I can't say I'm always successful in that, but in this case I am. |
Originally Posted by pbarnette
(Post 12134664)
Do you also get upset when you go to the store and the price of milk has changed? I don't. What I paid yesterday doesn't matter. What I pay today is what matters. If I paid $2 yesterday and it is $4 today, my options are: 1) not buy milk, 2) go to a different store, or 3) complain about how it used to cost $2. Option 1 is an option only if you don't like or need milk. Option 2 only works if the other store offers something different. Option 3 doesn't really accomplish anything.
It is pretty much always about switching to another carrier, or to stop flying. Worrying about how things were in the "good ol' days" doesn't really inform your purchasing habits. To that end, I think the changes are largely positive. I think that Silver through Plat are very competitive and that this round of changes are net positives for all except for a few Plats that hit 75k exactly and use all 6 PMUs. Sure, not every wish has been granted, but this isn't about DL playing Santa, it is about them offering something that is competitive, and they have done that for Silver through Plat. As to the Diamond... I must admit to scratching my head on the SWU thing. This sticks out like a sore thumb. Yeah, the other benefits are nice, but I just think they really dropped the ball on this. Put me in the camp that considers this the make or break benefit and it's omission makes it not worth reaching for Diamond over Plat. Jeff - if you are interested in revisiting the Diamond SWU issue, I think you could make a lot of people very happy (whether it makes financial sense, I don't know). "What I paid yesterday doesn't matter." "Complain about how it used to cost $2." Then for a benefit that YOU want, the tables are turned. Yes, it DOES matter and YOU are complaining. Suck it up. To quote a poster, you have three choices: 1) not buy milk, 2) go to a different store, or 3) complain about how it used to cost $2. |
Originally Posted by Lemurs
(Post 12134728)
When I saw the email I immediately started considering if I wanted to do a MR to get Diamond this year, as I am fairly close at 95k, but don't have many big trips planned the rest of the year. However, as I started going over the "benefits", I decided that while nice, there's nothing there that I can't live without. The domestic upgrade priority, extra miles, and SkyClub membership are the only benefits I would actually see with my flying patern. I have no interest in spending on an M fare for the SWUs for most trips, and that would have been a huge motivator to go out and find 35k more MQM for me. Instead, the rollover MQM means I am more excited that I don't have to worry about getting Plat next year since I'll probably be rolling over 30-45k of MQM.
Nice attempt Delta, but all your big opportunity was following NW's lead on the SWU's, and you blew it. You're still going to see 80% non-usage and dissatisfied survey results for that feature, because you're making it too expensive to use for many people. |
Originally Posted by Spiff
(Post 12134719)
Don't full fare FO and GM currently clear ahead of discount economy PM?
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Rollover
This makes no sense to me, from DL's perspective. I will end the year, likely, with about 275,000 MQM's. Does this mean I've already qualified for Diamond until Feb 2012?
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Originally Posted by Lane412000
(Post 12134776)
The same boat here. Think we can ask DL to refund us an annual DL PLT SkyClub membership fee if we qualify for Diamond? :D
Since Diamond Medallion members receive complimentary Delta Sky Club membership, can I get a refund if I'm already a Delta Sky Club member? If you are an existing Delta Sky Club member, we will add any remaining months of your membership onto the end of your complimentary membership. We will not grant refunds. :eek: |
Originally Posted by Air Brian
(Post 12134839)
This makes no sense to me, from DL's perspective. I will end the year, likely, with about 275,000 MQM's. Does this mean I've already qualified for Diamond until Feb 2012?
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I have to agree with ULDB65, I'm just easy to please and happy having a seat on the plane. Everytime I get upgraded to first, I'm surprised considering some of the cheap fares I have gotten lately...Thanks Delta! :)
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Originally Posted by fti
(Post 12134808)
Obviously you are holding to a double standard.
"What I paid yesterday doesn't matter." "Complain about how it used to cost $2." Then for a benefit that YOU want, the tables are turned. Yes, it DOES matter and YOU are complaining. Suck it up. To quote a poster, you have three choices: 1) not buy milk, 2) go to a different store, or 3) complain about how it used to cost $2. My point was that the Diamond tier is just not as competitive with the current marketplace as the other tiers. AA and UA both offer flexible SWUs at 100k. That DL doesn't at 125k is puzzling to me. They have, to many people I think, made option 2 a more appealing choice than it otherwise might be - and I fully support option 2 if it makes sense. I recognize that a realistic assessment of the marketplace and DL's place in it, which is all that my puzzlement (not anger, puzzlement) is about, might seem like a double-standard to those unwilling to let go of the past, but it ain't. |
An opportunity to really be 'Best in Class'
Jeff,
First off, I like some of the new enhancements as someone will likely continue to get Platinum, but not achieve Diamond. I love the rollover feature, fee waivers, etc. Thanks for your efforts on this... As far as the SWU's
Originally Posted by RealDLInsider
(Post 12134183)
FlyerTalkers,
The new systemwide upgrades will still require the purchase of a YBM fare, however will become usable on the day of departure and will also become fully automated (no more paper). In essence, should a Diamond or Platinum Medallion purchase a YBM fare internationally and there are empty seats in Business Class on the day of departure, we will now upgrade them using these certificates. Further to this, since 80% of Platinum Medallions today do not use the systemwide certificates that we send out, 4 out of 5 customers will actually opt to choose other benefits – in lieu of system-wide upgrade certificates. These other benefits will include additional bonus miles, lounge passes, the ability to gift elite status to anyone else, gift cards and other soon to be announced travel related items. Thoughts? Regards, Mike |
Originally Posted by pbarnette
(Post 12134883)
I recognize that a realistic assessment of the marketplace and DL's place in it, which is all that my puzzlement (not anger, puzzlement) is about, might seem like a double-standard to those unwilling to let go of the past, but it ain't.
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Originally Posted by DLfan
(Post 12134288)
Thanks for expanding on the new SWUs. It was not clear in the benefits chart that a DM would actually receive 10 of these. Good news for me...I have no problem in using all these I can get.
Originally Posted by RealDLInsider
(Post 12134183)
Further to this, since 80% of Platinum Medallions today do not use the systemwide certificates that we send out
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My take is that for Silver and Gold members, the one big benefit that is received is the Rollover miles. I remember getting to 70k miles one year, and with the family, couldn't take one more trip. Plus, if I ever stay dedicated to one airline, I can fly a bunch and have a couple of years worth of elite benefits, so this is a big plus^
The main reason I have not achieved Platinum or the new Diamond level on Delta/NW is that my benefits at UA for 1k are much better than the new offerings. Yes I do not get unlimited UG's but with economy plus, I am fine |
Originally Posted by milesandpoints
(Post 12134896)
Here's and easy idea to implement that will make quite a few people happy and expand the value of the SWU's (This will likely be the area your higher tiers care about most). Allow International Upgrades on H, Q, K fares with double the amount of SWU's.
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