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Browsing Tag: skymiles

Dueling Opinions on Delta’s Rewards Program Shake-Up

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We are on our way. Even though I did not have a window seat, I could see outside quite well. A Delta Air Lines Boeing 747-400 at Narita can be seen.

Delta Boeing 747-400 tail seen from a Dreamliner – Photo: David Parker Brown

THE DETAILS

This week, Delta Air Lines announced a major change to their Skymiles frequent flier program, while many in the industry speculated was coming. The changes to the Skymiles program will see an end to their current (and, some would say, traditional) points earning process, to now be a revenue-based model.

Similar to airlines like Jetblue, Southwest, or Virgin America, it no longer comes down to how far you fly, but rather how much you spend.

As of January 2015, Delta will move from a ’œ1 mile flown = 1 point earned’ model, to a new revenue-based system where for every dollar you spend on your airfare you will receive 5 points (though they are still using the term ’œmile’ for some reason). As with the current program, the higher your elite status, the more miles you get as a reward. By using a co-branded Delta credit card, you can earn yourself a few extra points as well.

But we wanted to share our opinions from both the perspective of a miles and points junkie (Mal) and someone who doesn’t really care about miles (David).

What is Delta Air Lines Up To? The Good, Bad & Ugly

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Delta unveils special "Spirit of Seattle" livery on a Boeing 737 in Seattle. Image: Delta.

Delta unveils special “Spirit of Seattle” livery on a Boeing 737 in Seattle – Photo: Delta

There has been a lot of talk over the last few months about Delta Air Lines.  They have been doing many good and smart changes, a few not so good things, and some crazy things that makes me wonder what the heck is going on. I wanted to take a look at the last few month (and maybe a bit beyond) to try and figure out what Delta has been up to.

If you wind the clock back a few months, what Delta was up to seemed to make a bit more sense than they do now.  Expanding their west coast presence was a good thing.  Turning the Los Angeles to San Francisco route into the equivalent of the Delta Shuttle on the west coast was smart.  Adding more services to Seattle to turn it in to a new focus city is good as well, but also a little crazy.  Why crazy? Well, Delta is partners with Alaska Airlines and it seems the two of them have decided to publicly show their competitive side, while still trying to be “friendly” towards frequent fliers.