Delta Air Lines, one of the largest airlines in the world, has announced major changes to its SkyMiles loyalty program, which will take effect from January 1, 2024. The changes have sparked outrage and disappointment among many frequent flyers, who feel that the airline is devaluing their loyalty and making it harder to earn rewards and benefits.
Delta shifts to spending-based loyalty program
The most significant change is that Delta will no longer award loyalty status based on the number of miles flown or the number of flights taken, which are the traditional metrics used by most airlines. Instead, Delta will only consider the amount of money spent on flight purchases and Delta-branded credit cards, known as Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs).
This means that customers who fly often but pay low fares will have a harder time achieving elite status, while customers who fly less but pay higher fares will have an easier time. Delta claims that this change is based on customer feedback and that it will simplify the program and reward the most valuable customers.
However, many loyal customers disagree and feel that Delta is ignoring their loyalty and making it more expensive and difficult to enjoy the perks of elite status, such as unlimited complimentary upgrades, waived baggage fees, priority boarding, and more.
Delta raises the thresholds for elite status
To make matters worse, Delta is also increasing the amount of MQDs required to qualify for each level of elite status, known as Medallion tiers. The new thresholds for 2024 are:
- Silver: 6,000 MQDs up from 3,000 MQDs
- Gold: 12,000 MQDs up from 8,000 MQDs
- Platinum: 18,000 MQDs up from 12,000 MQDs
- Diamond: 35,000 MQDs up from 20,000 MQDs
This means that customers will have to spend twice as much as before to reach the same level of status, or even more if they do not use Delta-branded credit cards, which offer MQD waivers for certain spending levels.
For example, a customer who flies 50,000 miles a year and spends $5,000 on Delta flights and credit cards would have qualified for Gold status in 2023, but would only qualify for Silver status in 2024. To reach Gold status in 2024, the same customer would have to spend $12,000, or more than double the amount.
Delta limits access to Sky Club lounges
Another change that has upset many customers is that Delta will limit access to its network of Sky Club lounges, which offer a comfortable and exclusive space for travelers to relax, work, eat, and drink. Starting from January 1, 2024, Delta will exclude basic economy passengers from accessing the lounges, even if they are Sky Club members or have a valid lounge pass.
Delta says that this change is to address the overcrowding issues at its lounges, which have become more popular and crowded in recent years. Delta has already restricted access to its employees, unless they purchase a ticket, and has increased the prices of its lounge memberships and passes.
However, many customers feel that this change is unfair and discriminatory, as it penalizes customers who choose to fly basic economy, which is often the cheapest option available. They argue that lounge access should be based on membership or pass, not on fare class, and that Delta is taking away a valuable benefit that they have paid for or earned.
Customers express their frustration on social media
Many customers have taken to social media to express their frustration and dissatisfaction with Delta’s changes, calling them drastic, greedy, and disrespectful. Some have even threatened to switch to other airlines or cancel their credit cards and memberships.
Here are some of the comments from customers on Twitter:
- “Delta just lost a loyal customer. I fly over 100k miles a year and always choose Delta over other airlines. But now they are making it impossible to earn status and benefits. This is a slap in the face to loyal customers. Bye Delta.”
- “Delta is making a huge mistake. They are alienating their most loyal customers who fly frequently but pay low fares. They are rewarding the rich and punishing the poor. This is not how you treat loyal customers. Shame on Delta.”
- “Delta is ruining their SkyMiles program. They are making it harder and more expensive to earn status and benefits. They are also limiting access to their lounges, which are already overcrowded and overpriced. Delta is losing its edge and its reputation. Time to look for other options.”
