Delta Air Lines has recently announced modifications to the Delta SkyMiles program and Delta Sky Club access, which are characterized as adjustments made in response to customer feedback, aimed at further solidifying its position as the foremost loyalty program within the industry. These adjustments represent significant shifts, and our discussion will begin with an examination of the Delta SkyMiles changes, followed by an exploration of the alterations to the Delta Sky Club experience
Delta SkyMiles Streamlining Elite Status Qualifications in 2024
Effective January 1, 2024, Delta Air Lines is instituting significant alterations to the criteria for achieving Medallion elite status within its SkyMiles program. These adjustments are presented as a means to uphold the exclusivity and satisfaction of the airline’s most dedicated patrons, specially those who chose to fly Delta One Business Class. So, what are the key modifications?
Commencing from January 1, 2024, all SkyMiles members will be exclusively evaluated for status based on their accumulation of Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs), with the removal of Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) and Medallion Qualifying Segments (MQSs) from the qualification process. The updated program will impose the following requirements for attaining status (pertaining to qualifications in 2024 for the 2025 program year):
- SkyMiles Silver Medallion status will necessitate 6,000 MQDs, compared to the current 3,000 MQDs.
- SkyMiles Gold Medallion status will require 12,000 MQDs, compared to the existing 8,000 MQDs.
- SkyMiles Platinum Medallion status will mandate 18,000 MQDs, up from the current 12,000 MQDs.
- SkyMiles Diamond Medallion status will demand 35,000 MQDs, as opposed to the previous 20,000 MQDs.
In early 2024, SkyMiles members will be provided with the choice to convert any accrued rollover MQMs. This conversion can be carried out at a ratio of 20:1, with the option to convert them into redeemable miles at a ratio of 2:1, although some may find this conversion rate to be less favorable.
These changes to the qualification criteria for status attainment will allow SkyMiles members to accrue status through various channels, including spending on Delta Amex cards, rental cars, and hotel bookings made via delta.com, as well as Delta Vacations. How will MQDs be earned through these methods?
- For Delta flights, one MQD will be earned for each dollar spent, while partner airline flights will continue to earn MQDs based on a percentage of distance flown and fare class.
- Holders of the Delta Amex Reserve Card will accumulate one MQD for every $10 spent, whereas Delta Amex Platinum Cardholders will accrue one MQD for every $20 spent.
- One MQD will be granted per dollar spent on Delta Vacations packages, rental cars, and hotels booked through Delta.
It is important to note that these changes will not affect the methods and procedures by which SkyMiles members earn and redeem miles. Therefore, the alterations primarily pertain to elite status qualification methodologies and benchmarks.”
Revised Delta Sky Club Access Policies Effective 2024
In response to the persistent issue of overcrowding within Delta Sky Clubs, Delta Air Lines has enacted a series of adjustments aimed at optimizing the lounge experience for its valued patrons. Despite prior modifications, crowding concerns have endured, prompting the introduction of the following measures:
Commencing on February 1, 2025, holders of a Delta Amex Reserve Card (both personal and business variants) will be entitled to 10 Sky Club visits per Medallion year. Additionally, individuals who expend $75,000 on their eligible card within a calendar year will gain unlimited access to the club facilities for the remainder of the ongoing Medallion year and the subsequent Medallion year.
Effective February 1, 2025, individuals in possession of the Amex Platinum Card (both personal and business iterations) will enjoy six Sky Club visits per Medallion year. Similarly, cardholders who reach the $75,000 expenditure threshold on their eligible card during a calendar year will be granted unrestricted club access for the remainder of the prevailing Medallion year as well as the ensuing Medallion year.
As of January 1, 2024, passengers holding Delta basic economy fare tickets will no longer be eligible for Delta Sky Club access, irrespective of their method of entry.
Beginning January 1, 2024, the Delta Amex Platinum Card (both personal and business variants) will cease to offer Sky Club access for a fee of $50.
It is important to note that the designated visit allotments are exclusive to the cardholder and do not extend to accompanying guests. Furthermore, these allowances are cumulative, enabling individuals with multiple cards affording lounge access to utilize their respective allotments. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the Medallion program year will no longer align with the traditional calendar year, spanning from February 1 to January 31 of the subsequent year.”
Delta SkyMiles. Bottom line
Delta Air Lines is introducing changes to its SkyMiles program and Sky Club access, with a focus on encouraging higher spending on its co-branded credit cards. This move is in line with the trend of major US airlines generating significant profits from loyalty programs and credit card partnerships. Delta aims to increase its credit card revenue, projecting $6.5 billion from its Amex Express credit card agreement in 2023, with hopes of reaching $10 billion by 2028.
The SkyMiles changes are reminiscent of American AAdvantage’s successful Loyalty Points system, making it easier to earn elite status through credit card spending. This strategy aligns with the airline industry’s trend of using loyalty programs to boost cardholder engagement. For example, under the new program, spending $350,000 on a Delta Amex Reserve Card would earn top-tier Diamond Medallion status.
Regarding Sky Club access changes, while they may not significantly alleviate crowding issues, they are likely aimed at encouraging more spending on Delta Amex cards. Despite various incremental changes and access restrictions, addressing crowding remains a challenge. Delta’s approach mirrors that of Amex Centurion Lounge, which also introduced spending requirements with limited impact on crowding.
Delta SkyMiles. Final Thoughts
Delta Announces Significant Modifications: Alterations to SkyMiles Elite Status and Sky Club Access.
Delta Air Lines has unveiled substantial adjustments that promise to reshape the landscape of its loyalty program. In a pivotal change, Delta is shifting the primary metric for earning SkyMiles elite status to Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs), enabling members to attain status solely through credit card expenditures. Notably, an expenditure of $350,000 on the Delta Reserve Card is sufficient to achieve this coveted status level.
Additionally, Delta has introduced new constraints on Sky Club access. These changes affect passengers holding basic economy tickets and impose limitations on cardholders’ access, contingent upon their expenditure thresholds.
