If you haven't already, take a look at the Delta forum where there are numerous discussions going on about the recently announced changes to the SkyMiles program. I won't link the discussions directly in this post.

Summary:

* 100% EQM for LUT fares
* 75k Plat threshold
* NW/CO standard EUA windows

I wonder if we'll see 100% EQM for Delta LUTs again on NW? That would be, what, the 3rd flip flop on this in 6 months?

I'm also wondering whether the alignment of the CO/NW/DL elite tiers means that we'll be seeing EUAs on DL soon, and DL elites EUAing on our flights.

Very interesting...

Very interesting, I suspected that NW/CO would have to increase their thresholds to DL level (i.e. 100k). I would think that our 75k treshold is safe for a while. Looks good for us. Lets look ahead for some real allignment between the programs. ^

Very interesting, I suspected that NW/CO would have to increase their thresholds to DL level (i.e. 100k). I would think that our 75k threshold is safe for a while. Looks good for us. Lets look ahead for some real allignment between the programs. ^

Indeed, very interesting. I just read about the changes myself. This arguably makes Delta Platinum status better than NW Platinum. For example, Delta MPs get complimentary use of lounges. That's a ~$300 benefit in itself.

As I read the changes DL make for next year, it is very interesting that LTK on NW will earn 100% MQM on DL or LUT DL flights operated by NW will earn 100% MQM on DL. However, LUT DL flights operated by CO or QISWLT flights on CO will only 50% MQM on DL.

So I hope NW will change its EQM policy on DL since DL has made such a friendly change for deeply discounted flights operated by NW. Fingers crossed!

Good move, DL! Come on, NW!

And don't DL folks get some form of international upgrade certificates?

With these changes DL might be worth taking another look at.

Steve

I guess that means the 50% EQM experiment failed miserably. I suspect that once DL saw how many elites they lost, they decided to switch back. Now let's see NW get back to 100% on DL flights and see if CO will remain the odd man out with the 50% EQMs.

DL PMs receive, at least for 2005, 6 Platinum Medallion Upgrade certificates (PMUs) that are each valid for a one-way upgrade on international and domestic segments, confirmable at time of ticketing based on availability. They are valid on Y/B/M fares for international travel (including upgrades to business on codeshares operated by AF to/from CDG) and Y/B/M/H/Q/K fares domestically. Based on 15k-25k DL miles presently required for a one-way international upgrade, the 6 PMUs are valued at between 90k-150k miles. Unlike UA/AA, however, DL does not process international upgrades at the gate.

PMUs and complimentary CRC access will probably be taken away in 2006 as DL moves to further align its FF program with that of NW and CO. I can't imagine CO/NW adding these benefits for their top tier elites.

I just called the NWA Gold Elite line and they indicated Delta LUT fares would earn 1 NWA EQM for each mile flown, but not retroactively. Delta flights already booked but flown from 12/15 on would receive the new credit structure. Any confirmations? This is great news!

Nice to see. I've got a DL itinerary booked with one NW flight in it next week. This won't help me now since I've already earned plat for next year, but it is good to see for the future.
tom

Amazing... even DL silvers get companion upgrades on DL now!

I for one would NOT like to see a recipicated benefit of elite upgrades on DL. Elites are, IMHO, dime a dozen on DL and I can stand to not be upgraded on DL flights where I wouldn't get upgraded even if it were a perk for WP members.

aloha

I agree with you Slippahs. I don't see the need for Reciprocal upgrades. I have managed not to fly on a DL flight yet and I can continue to do so. DL appears to be in much worse financial trouble than either NW or CO. They need to give their high dollar flyers incentive to stay with them, and for others of us to come to them. As for me, it is nice to see DL has kind of come to there senses, and whether they give DL elites U/G's or not will not personally affect my UG's on NW metal, but I think that the first choice should go to the lower level NW elites before any DL elite.

I will also mention that SE's on US air get day of companion upgrades. Even with them reducing the size of the First Class cabins (some planes down to 2 1/2 to 3 rows) I have been able to get a companion U/G on the few flights I have flown them on. This seems to be an act of a dying airline that doesn't have enough elites to fill first so they expand the pool.

Way to go DL! It seems that some one at the top is listening. Not say that I did not feel "enhanced" after our 2005 changes, again way to go DL. ^

RE. the SE companion UG, I honestly think that it will be a non-issue since they now are doing the 5-3-1 day windows. Its like offering international Standard WBC awards. They are kind of like baby pigeons. Everyone knows the exist, but has any one actually ever seen one?

I do like the idea of the complimentary CRC access and most of all 6 Platinum Medallion Upgrade certificates that are each valid for a one-way upgrade on international and domestic segments, confirmable at time of ticketing based on availability.

Interesting .... now maybe this will get NW to start giving 100% EQM on all CO and DL flights?

CO remains the lone holdout. CO is still offering only 50% EQMs on all cheapie fares, so DL and NW are only offering 50% EQMs on CO-operated flights as well.

C'mon, CO... give in to the peer pressure.