Written in this article pertaining to the official announcement on Thursday, September 14, 2023 of what many people considered to be draconian measures in gutting the SkyMiles membership program is this quote: “…do not be surprised if Delta Air Lines implements one of its now-infamous ‘givebacks’ — you know, where only just enough of a partial correction will result in ‘happy’ customers once again.” What was not expected as one of those “givebacks” is what I consider to be my favorite part of the revised SkyMiles changes 2023 from Delta Air Lines, which I will reveal.
My Favorite Part of the Revised SkyMiles Changes From Delta Air Lines
“Over the past few weeks, many of you have shared feedback about the changes we announced to Delta’s SkyMiles® Program”, according to a note that was attributed to Edward Bastian — who is the current chief executive officer of Delta Air Lines — which was sent via e-mail message earlier today, Wednesday, October 18, 2023 to members of the SkyMiles Program. “I have read hundreds of your emails, and what’s been most clear to me is how much you love Delta and the disappointment many of you felt by the significance of the changes. I appreciate your opinions and understand your disappointment. Your voice matters, and we are listening.”
The note continued that the revisions in the SkyMiles membership program were based on the feedback of members: “Your concerns largely centered around the accessibility of Medallion® Status, the limitations on Delta Sky Club® access and the need for greater recognition of our long-term loyal customers. As I have said in the past, it’s been a challenge to balance the growth of our membership with our need to deliver premium service experiences. Since the pandemic, our SkyMiles Medallion population has grown meaningfully. In fact, many of you have acknowledged this, and the need for change, in your emails. We made some difficult program decisions to address this issue and ensure we are delivering elevated service to our Members. But your response made clear that the changes did not fully reflect the loyalty you have demonstrated to Delta.”
The revisions to the initial changes to the Delta Air Lines SkyMiles membership program are as follows:
Medallion Elite Status Becomes More Accessible
The proposed number of Medallion Qualifying Dollars needed to earn 2025 Medallion elite status will be reduced — but still increased from current levels — as follows:
- Silver Medallion elite status:
- Reduced from 6,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars to 5,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars
- Still up from 3,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars
- Gold Medallion elite status
- Reduced from 12,000 to 10,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars
- Still up from 8,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars
- Platinum Medallion elite status
- Reduced from 18,000 to 15,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars
- Still up from 12,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars
- Diamond Medallion elite status
- Reduced from 35,000 to 28,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars
- Still up from 20,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars
Increased Flexibility for Delta Sky Club Access
The following changes will become effective as of Saturday, February 1, 2025 for members with a Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card:
- Card Members will now receive 15 days per year — which is an increase from ten visits — of Delta Sky Club access; and all visits during a period of 24 hours will count as one day
- Card Members will also be able to purchase Delta Sky Club access for $50.00 per day after using all allotted days
- Card Members can earn unlimited Delta Sky Club access after spending $75,000.00 on an eligible card in a calendar year
- Members with Medallion elite status will also have the option of purchasing an annual individual Delta Sky Club membership for $695.00
More Options for Rollover Balances of Medallion Qualification Miles
Customers with high balances of Medallion Qualifying Miles will receive special multi-year options to extend their elite status — including the ability to choose complimentary Medallion elite status at your current tier for one year per every 100,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles.
More Ways to Earn Medallion Qualifier Dollars as One Qualifier — But…
Earn one Medallion Qualifying Dollar per one dollar spent on the ticket price for a flight that is marketed by Delta Air Lines and operated by Delta Air Lines or by one of its partner airlines. That dollar spent excludes taxes, fees — including fees that are imposed by governments — Basic Economy and similar fares, gratuities, room service, other reservation booking charges, and insurance, as applicable. Other terms, exceptions, and exclusions apply.
Given the latest changes — including the newly reduced Medallion Qualifying Dollar thresholds — Medallion Qualifying Dollars will not be offered for car rental reservations booked through Delta Car Rentals or lodging reservations booked through Delta Stays.
Increased Recognition and Rewards for Long-Term Loyalty
Earning Million Miler Status will require flying as a passenger aboard airplanes — so the number of miles flown while aboard an airplane are the only metric that will count towards Million Miler Status — but at least Million Miler status will be the number three tie breaker in 2024 after Medallion Status and fare class for consideration of being upgraded.
Annual Complimentary Status achievement levels for all members who have achieved Million Miler status will be significantly upgraded effective as of Thursday, February 1, 2024 as follows:
- 6M+ from Diamond Medallion to Delta 360°
- 5M from Platinum Medallion to Delta 360°
- 4M from Platinum Medallion to Diamond Medallion
- 3M from Gold Medallion to Diamond Medallion
- 2M from Gold Medallion to Platinum Medallion
- 1M from Silver Medallion to Gold Medallion
“More information about these and other changes — including new and enhanced Choice Benefits for Platinum and Diamond Medallion Members and MQD head starts for eligible Delta SkyMiles® Card Members — will be shared with you shortly in an email from Dwight James, our S.V.P. of Customer Engagement & Loyalty”, according to the aforementioned note from Ed Bastian. “Your loyalty matters. When I read your emails, you clearly expressed how much Delta is part of your lifestyle. I greatly appreciate that, and we don’t take it lightly. Our investment in your experience will always be at the heart of everything we do. I know the modifications we have made won’t solve for every disappointment. Our goal is to do our best to ensure we deliver the service and benefits your loyalty deserves.”
Final Boarding Call
As a Million Miler with Delta Air Lines, my favorite part of the revised SkyMiles changes 2023 from Delta Air Lines is something no one saw coming: the upgraded levels of Million Miler status, which is significantly more difficult to earn under the most recent changes than ever.
The other revisions to the changes themselves do somewhat soften the blow from the initial changes to the SkyMiles membership program — but for how long? Will these revisions be enough to retain a significant number of members from searching for greener pastures at the membership programs of other airlines?
What is your favorite part of the revised SkyMiles changes 2023 from Delta Air Lines — as well as your lest favorite part?
All photographs ©2007 and ©2016 by Brian Cohen.
