As much as Delta SkyMiles very much leads the race to the bottom for the "big three" US frequent flyer programs, they're also the program that proactively makes the most positive changes. That's to say that once in a while American or United will make a positive change as a result of what Delta has…
Continue reading: Delta Is Adding Elite Companion Upgrades On More Types Of Tickets
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This is pretty bad news. I know it sounds great but lately free upgrades are more of an over-promise under deliver situation. I don't think it's necessary to allow upgrades for companions on free tickets considering they are leaving many Diamomds and Platinum's in the back. It's actually time airlines , especially Delta consider going to a more restrictive program. I have seen mega long upgrade lists and that's actually a huge de-motivator for keeping status. I'm number 13 today as an EXP on a LAS-DFW flight. I was 26 as a Platinum from ATL-LAS on Delta. i haven't had a SWU clear ahead of time in years on either airline although Delta clears ahead a little more often than American for the RUCs
Terrible news for elite members that are paying for a ticket and expecting to be upgraded.
@Ryan and @Santastico, I agree that it's frustrating to see perks like this get devalued, but if you want to fly first class, you just have to buy a first class ticket. The chance at an upgrade is a nice benefit, but buying economy and demanding AA/DL put you in F just because you fly a lot isn't a reasonable/logical expectation.
@Jim It may not be a reasonable expectation, but it's basically true that the >reason< to maintain high status is the expectation of upgrades at least sometime.
If that expectation is not met, there is no reason to maintain status.
We can argue about whether companions are more worthy of upgrades than mid-tier folks in the FF program but we can't argue that elite status has much meaning outside of upgrades. Credit cards and first-class monetization strategies are an entirely viable replacement for most everything else.
OMG! I literally complained about this to delta 2 weeks ago, after I learned my Platinum Amex companion certificate excluded upgrade eligibility to comfort plus! Glad to see they might be listening!
@Jim: it is very simple. I travel for work and I have to follow corporate travel policy when buying a ticket. I am allowed to buy domestic first and international business class if my flight is over 6 hours. Thus, it is not that simple to just buy first class. However, I spend over $70k a year in airline tickets so I hope Delta values my business. Also, I have the flexibility to chose which airline I want to fly. Thus, if I am not getting upgraded to first because Delta is giving that to people that are not big spenders I can always take my spend somewhere else.