Status extension due to Covid19
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: MH Gold, AC Super Elite, UA Platinum, Accor All Gold, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 497
Status extension due to Covid19
Various airlines have given their elite members extensions of their status due to the Covid19 situation.
I've yet to find any update about the same from Malaysia Airlines.
Does anybody here happen to know more?
I've yet to find any update about the same from Malaysia Airlines.
Does anybody here happen to know more?
#2
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: GUM
Programs: OWE, *Gold, STE+, Globalist, Titanium, Spire, Diamond
Posts: 551
The former head of Enrich wrote an informative article regarding status extensions that I’m sure the program will align closely with. I’m guessing they bring him in for consulting in situations like these.
I’m sure MH will extend but likely much later than most programs due to their previous experience with the MH17 and MH370 status extensions.
Here’s the article: https://www.traveldatadaily.com/airl...tus-in-crisis/
It’s a bit of a dilemma, extend to early, than you lose the revenue of those who increase flying to hit status. Extend too late, than you lose the revenue of the same people who don’t think it’s realistic to hit status in the shortened time frame and then take their business elsewhere while in limbo. Though the MH17 and MH370 situation is different than the current crisis due the scale and magnitude. There’s a lack of available flights worldwide and not just for those are who doing additional flying to hit status.
I’m sure MH will extend but likely much later than most programs due to their previous experience with the MH17 and MH370 status extensions.
Here’s the article: https://www.traveldatadaily.com/airl...tus-in-crisis/
It’s a bit of a dilemma, extend to early, than you lose the revenue of those who increase flying to hit status. Extend too late, than you lose the revenue of the same people who don’t think it’s realistic to hit status in the shortened time frame and then take their business elsewhere while in limbo. Though the MH17 and MH370 situation is different than the current crisis due the scale and magnitude. There’s a lack of available flights worldwide and not just for those are who doing additional flying to hit status.
Last edited by ALGU; Mar 23, 2020 at 7:01 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: MH Gold, AC Super Elite, UA Platinum, Accor All Gold, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 497
I doubt they go to former employees to determine company policy. But OK, nothing clear yet. Not unsurprising that MH is late with this kind of thing; they're always later than the rest.
#4
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mostly EU & (SE)Asia
Programs: Various shiny cards at hotel chains and airlines
Posts: 1,039
I have kept overview at https://bit.ly/loyalty-response-covid19 and so far it seems that number of airlines are starting to give extensions, MH will likely follow sometime as well.
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: 1A
Programs: Elite Diamond Purple Dot Gold Silver Titanium for life
Posts: 1,822
I have kept overview at https://bit.ly/loyalty-response-covid19 and so far it seems that number of airlines are starting to give extensions, MH will likely follow sometime as well.
Some airlines are more generous than others. It makes sense that most of the airlines not extending status yet have a calendary year qualification whereas rollling status renewals like Emirates and Qatar and Cathay need to take action now.
Also found this podcast where the former head of loyalty from IHG, JetBlue, Virgin Australia and the Malaysia Airlines guy talk about extending stauts.
It's interesting to hear the insider views: https://bit.ly/3bnzh9z
#6
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: YVR, KUL
Programs: AC, MH, BA, AF-KL
Posts: 2,904
Got my hopes up when I saw “Enrich Privileges Update” in the newsletter title...
Frequent flyer benefits and privileges
We acknowledge the concerns over COVID-19 and related travel restrictions which may have affected your travel plans. In view of that, Enrich wishes to extend our support to you by:
We acknowledge the concerns over COVID-19 and related travel restrictions which may have affected your travel plans. In view of that, Enrich wishes to extend our support to you by:
- Extending Enrich Miles that are set to expire in March, April and May 2020 for an additional six (6) months. For example, Miles expiring on 31 March 2020 will be extended to 30 September 2020.
- Members who have redeemed for Golden Lounge Access Vouchers expiring in March, April and May 2020 will also receive an extension of six (6) months.
#8
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 58
I don't see why Malaysia Airlines would be extending status for customers who's status are being downgraded at the end of this month as all qualification is done from 1st Jan 2019 to 31st Dec 2019.
If you are implying at automatic status renewal in 2021 they might do it but it's too early to make an announcement or any announcement if they do.
If you are implying at automatic status renewal in 2021 they might do it but it's too early to make an announcement or any announcement if they do.
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: MH Gold, AC Super Elite, UA Platinum, Accor All Gold, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 497
On another note, in the same e-mail from MH referenced here, I also noticed this more promising quote:
We will continue to assess the situation in the context of our frequent flyer programme and as soon as we get through this critical time, we will share more details at a later stage upon additional measures to ensure you continue to enjoy your status and benefits when you travel with us.
#10
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: GUM
Programs: OWE, *Gold, STE+, Globalist, Titanium, Spire, Diamond
Posts: 551
Now that DL and UA have gotten the ball rolling on status extensions for their calendar year based loyalty programs, let’s hope this motivates MH in the same direction! Most of the other airline loyalty programs extensions have largely been membership year based. Would also like to see MH provide flying incentives with either reduced requirements for 2021 or 2020 activity to be rolled over with 2021 for 2022 status.
#11
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: 1A
Programs: Elite Diamond Purple Dot Gold Silver Titanium for life
Posts: 1,822
Now that DL and UA have gotten the ball rolling on status extensions for their calendar year based loyalty programs, let’s hope this motivates MH in the same direction! Most of the other airline loyalty programs extensions have largely been membership year based. Would also like to see MH provide flying incentives with either reduced requirements for 2021 or 2020 activity to be rolled over with 2021 for 2022 status.
DL launched. UA copied.
Pressure from banks and gift card redemptions driving panic spending of miles and consumer switching airline cards to cash-back cards to alleviate financial pressure. That means it's somewhat driven by the banks -- to ensure their billion-dollar miles businesses don't collapse. Then the narrative is - "we are looking after our customers......"
I hope MH does something - but honestly, what would they have to gain by announcing anything right now? I'd wait till everyone else has announced status extensions - pick the best of the ideas and copy it. Pick the right timing and milk it.
#12
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SIN
Programs: MH Gold / OW Sapphire
Posts: 68
This just came by email:
We also have an important announcement for our Enrich members:
Enrich Members currently holding Elite Status set to expire in 2021 will receive status extension valid through March 2022.
This includes members who earned 2020 Elite Status based on 2019 flying activities or through a status challenge.
In the event that you are upgraded to a higher status before the end of this year, your new status will be valid through the end of March 2022 as well.
Scenario:
With this, you can rest assured that your Elite Status and benefits are secured for another year. The extension is automatic and there is no need to contact Enrich to apply.
Enrich Members currently holding Elite Status set to expire in 2021 will receive status extension valid through March 2022.
This includes members who earned 2020 Elite Status based on 2019 flying activities or through a status challenge.
In the event that you are upgraded to a higher status before the end of this year, your new status will be valid through the end of March 2022 as well.
Scenario:
- You are currently holding Enrich Silver status for 2020; current status valid till March 2021 will be extended through March 31, 2022.
- You earn 55,000 Elite Miles in August 2020; your status will be upgraded to Enrich Gold valid through March 31, 2022.
With this, you can rest assured that your Elite Status and benefits are secured for another year. The extension is automatic and there is no need to contact Enrich to apply.
#13
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: GUM
Programs: OWE, *Gold, STE+, Globalist, Titanium, Spire, Diamond
Posts: 551
Also double elite miles on MH for booking between July 1 to August 31 for travel between July 1 to March 31. Would be tempted if there was another 3x promo like back in 2018, but guess we can't have everything. Had they announced this earlier, might have shifted flights from other programs who offered similar multiplier schemes.
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: MH Gold, AC Super Elite, UA Platinum, Accor All Gold, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 497
Yes, I received the good news too. Unfortunately the double elite miles promotion does nothing for me since MH is still flying 10% or less of their domestic network.. pretty useless. Don't understand why they give carte blanche to Air Asia, but hey...
#15
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: 1A
Programs: Elite Diamond Purple Dot Gold Silver Titanium for life
Posts: 1,822
Bad timing, a lacklustre extension deal, and double elite miles on domestic travel won't be driving incremental revenue.
Why do they even bother?