Delta Backtracks on SkyMiles Restrictions After Customer Backlash

Delta CEO admitted the airline "went too far" in clamping down on SkyMiles program and Sky Club access, promising changes in coming weeks.
As of early 2025, Amex cardholders will lose unlimited lounge access, must spend $75K for infinite access.
Frequent fliers bashed the lounge access limits as a "terrible business decision."
Delta struggling with overcrowding at major hub lounges like JFK and Atlanta.
Elite status now earned solely through spending, not miles flown; Diamond status requires $350K spend.

nypost.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/13/2023

Delta Overhauls Medallion Status Program, Making It Harder to Earn Top Elite Tiers

Delta Air Lines is making significant changes to its SkyMiles program, including retiring Medallion Qualifying Miles and Medallion Qualifying Segments and focusing on a redefined version of Medallion Qualifying Dollars, as well as raising the thresholds for achieving Medallion elite status, leaving many flyers unhappy.

9/13/2023

Delta Overhauls Frequent Flyer Program, Raises Requirements for Elite Status and Lounge Access

Delta Air Lines is changing the way customers can earn elite frequent flyer status and making it harder for many American Express cardholders to access its airport lounges, as airlines raise requirements to earn status based on customer spending rather than just flights.

9/28/2023

Delta Faces Customer Revolt Over SkyMiles Changes That Make Elite Status Harder to Earn

Delta Air Lines will modify its SkyMiles frequent flier program after receiving negative feedback for changes that made it harder for customers to benefit from loyalty perks, according to CEO Ed Bastian.

9/28/2023

Delta CEO Admits Going 'Too Far' With SkyMiles Changes, Walks Back Controversial Program Overhaul

Delta Air Lines CEO, Ed Bastian, is reconsidering the controversial changes to the airline's loyalty programs and lounge access policy, admitting that they "probably went too far" and promising modifications in the coming weeks.

10/18/2023

Delta Rolls Out Major Medallion Program Changes,Including Easier Status, More Sky Club Access, and New Choice Benefits

Delta has announced updates to its SkyMiles Program, including reducing the Medallion Qualification Dollars required for Medallion Status, increasing access to Sky Club, offering more flexibility for high MQM Rollover balances, and enhancing rewards for long-term loyalty.

10/19/2023

Delta Backtracks on Frequent Flyer Changes After Customer Backlash

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian announced that the company is making changes to its frequent flyer program, including making it easier for loyalty members to reach Medallion status and increasing club access for certain customers, in response to customer backlash over recent changes to the program.

10/18/2023

Delta Partially Rolls Back SkyMiles Changes After Customer Backlash, But Spending Requirements Still Increase

Delta Air Lines is making revisions to its frequent-flyer program, SkyMiles, to address customer dissatisfaction, but the changes will still prioritize big spenders over frequent flyers.

10/19/2023

Delta Lowers SkyMiles Elite Status Requirements After Backlash Over Planned Changes

Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian has announced new details regarding changes to the SkyMiles loyalty program, including lower requirements for earning elite status, additional lounge access passes for select credit card holders, and a conversion option for Rollover MQMs.

Topics

Posted 9/28/2023, 2:28:00 PM

Delta Backtracks on SkyMiles Restrictions After Customer Backlash

Delta CEO admitted the airline "went too far" in clamping down on SkyMiles program and Sky Club access, promising changes in coming weeks.
As of early 2025, Amex cardholders will lose unlimited lounge access, must spend $75K for infinite access.
Frequent fliers bashed the lounge access limits as a "terrible business decision."
Delta struggling with overcrowding at major hub lounges like JFK and Atlanta.
Elite status now earned solely through spending, not miles flown; Diamond status requires $350K spend.

nypost.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/13/2023

Delta Overhauls Medallion Status Program, Making It Harder to Earn Top Elite Tiers

9/13/2023

Delta Overhauls Frequent Flyer Program, Raises Requirements for Elite Status and Lounge Access

9/28/2023

Delta Faces Customer Revolt Over SkyMiles Changes That Make Elite Status Harder to Earn

9/28/2023

Delta CEO Admits Going 'Too Far' With SkyMiles Changes, Walks Back Controversial Program Overhaul

10/18/2023

Delta Rolls Out Major Medallion Program Changes,Including Easier Status, More Sky Club Access, and New Choice Benefits

10/19/2023

Delta Backtracks on Frequent Flyer Changes After Customer Backlash

10/18/2023

Delta Partially Rolls Back SkyMiles Changes After Customer Backlash, But Spending Requirements Still Increase

Delta Air Lines is making revisions to its frequent-flyer program, SkyMiles, to address customer dissatisfaction, but the changes will still prioritize big spenders over frequent flyers.

10/19/2023

Delta Lowers SkyMiles Elite Status Requirements After Backlash Over Planned Changes