Delta Overhauls SkyMiles Program, Angering Loyal Customers with Higher Spending Requirements for Elite Status

Delta is changing its SkyMiles loyalty program to focus solely on spending, rather than miles flown, to reach elite status. This has prompted backlash from loyal Delta customers.
Reaching elite status will require much higher spending thresholds. For example, Diamond status will require spending $35,000 instead of miles flown.
Delta is also limiting Sky Club lounge access for some American Express cardholders starting in 2025, to address overcrowding issues.
Travel experts say these changes reflect too many people reaching elite status under the old system, diminishing perks for elites.
The new system may benefit high-spending flyers who can more easily get elite status with fewer elites competing for upgrades. But many loyal flyers feel punished.

goodmorningamerica.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/24/2023

Delta lost my dog while I was detained by US Customs: deported woman

Delta Air Lines is facing backlash after a woman's rescue dog went missing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport while she was being detained by US Customs and Border Protection officials.

9/5/2023

‘Diarrhea all the way through the airplane’ forces Delta flight to return to Atlanta

Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Barcelona was forced to turn around due to a significant "medical issue" caused by a passenger with extreme diarrhea throughout the plane.

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 Announces Major Network Expansion for Summer 2024 with New Routes and More Flights

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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.

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Delta app and website outage leaves hundreds stranded on September 28

Delta Air Lines experienced technical issues with their mobile app and website, with 66% of customers reporting issues with the app, 20% with the website, and 14% with logging in, but the issues have since been resolved.

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Posted 9/14/2023, 7:58:55 PM

Delta Overhauls SkyMiles Program, Angering Loyal Customers with Higher Spending Requirements for Elite Status

Delta is changing its SkyMiles loyalty program to focus solely on spending, rather than miles flown, to reach elite status. This has prompted backlash from loyal Delta customers.
Reaching elite status will require much higher spending thresholds. For example, Diamond status will require spending $35,000 instead of miles flown.
Delta is also limiting Sky Club lounge access for some American Express cardholders starting in 2025, to address overcrowding issues.
Travel experts say these changes reflect too many people reaching elite status under the old system, diminishing perks for elites.
The new system may benefit high-spending flyers who can more easily get elite status with fewer elites competing for upgrades. But many loyal flyers feel punished.

goodmorningamerica.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/24/2023

Delta lost my dog while I was detained by US Customs: deported woman

9/5/2023

‘Diarrhea all the way through the airplane’ forces Delta flight to return to Atlanta

Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Barcelona was forced to turn around due to a significant "medical issue" caused by a passenger with extreme diarrhea throughout the plane.

9/13/2023

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

9/16/2023

Delta Announces Major Network Expansion for Summer 2024 with New Routes and More Flights

9/16/2023

Delta tightens SkyMiles rewards, faces customer backlash

9/27/2023

Delta CEO Backtracks on Controversial SkyMiles Changes After Member Backlash

9/28/2023

Delta app and website outage leaves hundreds stranded on September 28