Delta Air Lines Overhauls Medallion Program

Sunday, September 17, 2023

"Now, after 42 years, Delta has announced the biggest change to its SkyMiles program in its existence. From now on, you'll still earn miles that you can redeem for flights, but Medallion Status will be based entirely on how much money you spend. As you can imagine, it's also going to be controversial."

Posted by madbomber at 10:30 AM | 11 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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This is a scandalous turn of events amongst frequent travelers.

#1 | Posted by madbomber at 2023-09-16 05:06 AM | Reply

Only the boorish, low rent peons fly delta

Boohoo, no free participation trophy for you

#2 | Posted by Chieftutmoses at 2023-09-16 01:27 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

Personally, I'm still reeling from the loss of my Frequent Floater miles on the OceanGate Titan.

#3 | Posted by censored at 2023-09-16 02:35 PM | Reply

Which airline have you flipped over to?

#4 | Posted by madbomber at 2023-09-16 04:17 PM | Reply

From the cited article...

... You'll also earn 1 MQD for every $1 you spent on car rentals or hotels booked through Delta. ...

So Delta looks like it also is trying to skim some $$ off of non-airline businesses with this change.

#5 | Posted by LampLighter at 2023-09-16 06:03 PM | Reply

Delta is trying to generate $10B per year up to 2028 when their partnership with Amex ends.

#6 | Posted by madbomber at 2023-09-17 08:58 AM | Reply

"Status will be based entirely on how much money you spend."

Oh so the program is being adjusted to match our economy that only heaps rewards on the top 20% of households.

#7 | Posted by snoofy at 2023-09-17 11:26 AM | Reply

So at least they don't expire. Just harder to get.

#8 | Posted by Robson at 2023-09-17 01:11 PM | Reply

Still the best airline. Anything to avoid the amusement park ride that is the tram around DFW trying to change planes on American Airlines in an hour ...

#9 | Posted by catdog at 2023-09-17 06:50 PM | Reply

Well, guess I'll be flying the cheapest and most direct flights now. That is unless I have a tight connecting flight and/or need to be on time. Delta is still the best for being on-time.

#10 | Posted by gavaster at 2023-09-17 07:02 PM | Reply

I'm Diamond with Delta. Over the past few years there may have been two domestic flights where I didn't get upgraded to FC.

I thought about switching over to United, but their MilegagePlus program is based on spending and segments. I'll spend ~$20k per year on airfare, but I fly long routes with few segments. Delta is still stick with rewarding miles flown, so I'll stay with them.

#11 | Posted by madbomber at 2023-09-18 05:48 AM | Reply