Last night I made a post about Delta's new revenue based frequent flyer program, though it was 1AM in Singapore and I wasn't really in a position to provide much analysis (not that I'm ever in a position to rationally analyze Delta's decisions). I said the new program doesn't look too bad, and I got…
Continue reading: A few more thoughts on Delta’s new revenue based program…
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
i am not good in writing, please forgive me if i did not express well.
here are few of my opinions:
1. Delta needs to resolve roll over mileage, currently no clear instruction about roll over mileage
2. for MQD, i don't think the requirement is too crazy, today's far is high and it will not be hard to reach 2500/5000/7500/12500 dollars.
3. i think it is good Delta annouce such early instead of last minute, maybe Delta will modify or loose if FFers objects.
4. for asian carriers, if you check KE/CZ/MU/CI own mileage rule, it is never easy to accumilate mileage, and i think Delta is fair.
Basically, Delta just changed from being an American carrier to being an Asian / Middle Eastern carrier. "You pay, you play."
"So is there anything in this for customers? Of course not, the changes suck." You're missing the point, mate. For some, the changes are disadvantageous. For customers that really drive revenue to DL - the ones that DL really cares about - they'll have a far superior experience compared to what they have now - with hopefully far thinner elite ranks.
@ Tom -- Well, sure, but that's the same as arguing that increasing award prices by 50% will create a "far superior experience" for those with lots of miles, since there will be less competition for award seats.
I have a lot of DL miles I would like to use before there are more changes to the program. How do I book an award ticket to Ray Lewis's retirement party on Sunday, January 20th?
As low rev maximizer who flies 45k/yr to reach PLAT every year I think I'm digging the changes. Basically status quo for me - upgrade % will probably even improve!
It validates my decision to fly DL b/c anyone who was reaching status on DL without AMEX bonus MQMs (I.e. the poor BIS ATL drones) has been playing the game totally wrong. All this does is validate that.
I would guess that if you change your address to another country to try to game the system but your Delta flights originate in the US it will raise a red flag.
Earning rate cuts aren't that bad, problem is MQD is only for Delta marketed flights and they don't market everywhere. As you've stated, this really undermines the idea of an alliance.
Earning rate cuts aren't that bad, problem is MQD is only for Delta marketed flights and they don't market everywhere. As you've stated, this really undermines the idea of an alliance.
Lucky - You're missing my point. Having fewer elites makes domestic upgrades (those most important part of the program for many) more likely for those that are the highest revenue generators for DL. That is an improvement for people who spend a lot with DL (or on their card).
So happy that I jumped towards the end of last year. It's horrible that even some paid BUSINESS fares on KE/CI/MU/CZ don't earn 100% MQM. UA has not lowered the miles required for status challenge from Delta. Will see some moving away from DL. ANA has JV with UA so milage earning on NH metal is protected to be at the same level as UA's own metal. Plus ANA is a great airline even in coach.
Changes in mileage programs like this are going to be very bad for business, lucky. Very bad indeed.
From DL FAQ:
"MQDs are the total of the SkyMiles member’s spend on Delta-marketed flights (flight numbers that include the “DL” airline code)..."
So, does this mean only tickets bought through Delta OR does it mean a ticket bought from Alaska (for example) to fly on a DL aircraft would also count?
Hey Lucky,
Maybe this would be a good time to create a report on AS elite benefits usable on DL. (as well as Virgin and other partners) 😉
One last thing :), DL DOES have a true revenue based SkyMiles redemption option, as DL AMEX holders can use their miles to purchase tickets at a $0.01 value per mile. This essentially doubles the spending power of skymiles, since the customer can either book on price or straight redemption depending on what is available.
Agreed that this really lower's the value of delta being a part of the alliance. I wonder how delta's partners are going to react now that on eo fthe centeral benefits of alliance membership is gone.
@ Chris B. -- If it has a Delta flight number it qualifies. If it's an Alaska codeshare with an Alaska flight number for travel on Delta it wouldn't qualify.
Is it just me, or are SkyTeam and One World imploding as alliances? With the Qantas/Emirates/Qatar mess, now with "a founding member" of SkyTeam destroying all Middle East & Asia accrual...
Lucky
in your earlier post you got the tables wrong
Basically it is
MQS or MQM
AND
MQD or Amex Spend
I fully agree with Lucky that delta is horrible this time. It benefits a few people who fly and spend a lot on delta and deprives benefits from elite members like me who fly delta from time to time but not constantly.
fortunately, i have always spent $25K each year on my amex skymile premium card and it has little impact on me. however, it further destroys my confidence in delta. whenever possible, i always choose AA miles rather than skymiles (i mean, when i choose to earn miles in hotel stays) because AA miles are more vaulable in term of redemption and avaiability.