Questions and Answers

Hi Lucky…love the blog and read it daily. I have a frustration to vent about Delta’s SkyMiles program. I fly weekly CVG-MSP-CVG often spending $800 or more for a round trip. So far, since January 1, I’ve spent $19,000 and will spend much more before year’s end.

I’m frustrated that I haven’t even earned Gold status which is qualifies me for Sky Priority. Now, in fear of being Silver again in 2017, I’ve resorted to trying to ensure my segments don’t fall short by connecting through DTW. That way, I get four segments per trip instead of two.

Wouldn’t you think Delta would qualify you as Diamond after a certain dollar amount has been purchased no matter what? Now, I’ve resorted to building segments, which can’t be good for Delta either. (I know I could get the AMEX Skymiles cards, but I have to put my air charges on my company-issue credit card).

I sent Delta this question but they gave me a form response.

Do I have any options or recourse?

Unfortunately not. Delta does have an unpublished 360 level but I’m not sure $19k is enough to get into it.

Keep in mind that these programs are also designed to reward those who are actually doing the flying, hence the mileage requirements. Otherwise you’d have admins and corporate travel agents with top elite status as the purchaser of record.