Delta CEO Backtracks on Controversial SkyMiles Changes After Customer Backlash

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the airline will make changes to its SkyMiles program after backlash over making it harder to earn elite status and access lounges.
Bastian admitted "we probably went too far" with the recently announced SkyMiles changes that would base elite status on spending rather than miles flown.
Delta has struggled with overcrowding at its airport lounges due to a surge in big spending travelers during and after the pandemic.
JetBlue tried to woo frustrated Delta customers by offering status matching and criticizing the SkyMiles changes.
Bastian said Delta will announce modified SkyMiles changes in the coming weeks after acknowledging the initial overhaul went too far.

cnbc.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 Backtracks on Skymiles Changes After Customer Backlash

Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian has promised to make modifications to its loyalty programs and Sky Club access after facing backlash from frequent fliers over recent changes.

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.

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Posted 9/28/2023, 1:02:00 AM

Delta CEO Backtracks on Controversial SkyMiles Changes After Customer Backlash

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the airline will make changes to its SkyMiles program after backlash over making it harder to earn elite status and access lounges.
Bastian admitted "we probably went too far" with the recently announced SkyMiles changes that would base elite status on spending rather than miles flown.
Delta has struggled with overcrowding at its airport lounges due to a surge in big spending travelers during and after the pandemic.
JetBlue tried to woo frustrated Delta customers by offering status matching and criticizing the SkyMiles changes.
Bastian said Delta will announce modified SkyMiles changes in the coming weeks after acknowledging the initial overhaul went too far.

cnbc.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 Backtracks on Skymiles Changes After Customer Backlash

Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian has promised to make modifications to its loyalty programs and Sky Club access after facing backlash from frequent fliers over recent changes.

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