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

Delta announced changes to its SkyMiles program that will make it harder for frequent fliers to earn elite status starting in 2023. This angered many loyal customers.
The changes put more emphasis on money spent rather than miles flown to earn status. For example, customers will need to spend $6,000 instead of $3,000 to reach Silver status.
Delta also imposed new limits on SkyClub lounge access unless customers spend $75,000 on a Delta Amex card.
After customer complaints, Delta's CEO said they are listening to feedback and will make modifications to the SkyMiles changes in the coming weeks.
Unlike past airline loyalty program changes, customers responded very negatively to Delta's announcement, threatening to cancel Amex cards and stop flying Delta.

nytimes.com

Relevant topic timeline:

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.

9/16/2023

Delta tightens SkyMiles rewards, faces customer backlash

Delta has announced major changes to its SkyMiles elite status program, increasing the requirements for earning status and limiting lounge access for credit card holders, and consumer movements are attempting to reverse these changes, although the airline's financial strength and leverage make it unlikely to change course unless it sees reduced spend on its co-brand card portfolio.

9/27/2023

Delta CEO Backtracks on Controversial SkyMiles Changes After Member Backlash

Delta CEO Ed Bastian acknowledged that the changes made to the airline's frequent flyer program, SkyMiles, "probably went too far," and that modifications will be implemented to address customer concerns.

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.

10/19/2023

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, 8:48:40 PM

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

Delta announced changes to its SkyMiles program that will make it harder for frequent fliers to earn elite status starting in 2023. This angered many loyal customers.
The changes put more emphasis on money spent rather than miles flown to earn status. For example, customers will need to spend $6,000 instead of $3,000 to reach Silver status.
Delta also imposed new limits on SkyClub lounge access unless customers spend $75,000 on a Delta Amex card.
After customer complaints, Delta's CEO said they are listening to feedback and will make modifications to the SkyMiles changes in the coming weeks.
Unlike past airline loyalty program changes, customers responded very negatively to Delta's announcement, threatening to cancel Amex cards and stop flying Delta.

nytimes.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/13/2023

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

9/16/2023

Delta tightens SkyMiles rewards, faces customer backlash

9/27/2023

Delta CEO Backtracks on Controversial SkyMiles Changes After Member Backlash

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

10/19/2023

Delta Lowers SkyMiles Elite Status Requirements After Backlash Over Planned Changes