Delta has updated its choice benefits offering for the year! The airline has announced that it will be making some changes to how people pick their benefits. They will also modify the benefits they offer. This comes as the airline continues to compete for the industry’s top fliers. The Delta choice benefits are limited to their two highest elite tiers. Platinum members get their choice of one benefit. Diamond member used to get their pick of two, as well as having Sky Club access. This is where the biggest change comes.
Delta Diamond Medallions No Longer Get Sky Club Access
Although this sounds like a negative change, it is actually quite a positive one. Most people already have access to Delta’s Sky Clubs. They access them with the Platinum Card from American Express, or one of their co-branded credit cards. They may also have membership all together. Now, Diamond Medallions no longer get automatic Sky Club access, they will have the option to use one of their choice benefits for this, and they still keep two more. For those that already have access, you may obtain guesting privileges. The main change for those who have access is that they get 3 choice benefits now.
Changes to When You Can Access Benefits
Another small change that has been added to the Medallion program is when Diamonds can pick their benefits. Per USA Today, members will now be able to pick their benefits at different times. This is a great addition given that before, you were forced to pick at the moment all benefits. Delta is the only airline that offers a similar selection of choice benefits for their top tier elites. This change makes their program slightly more valuable and pragmatic. The airline offers a variety of benefits. Here is a copy of them, per the Delta website.
For a full list of Medallion benefits, visit here. Delta offers four elite tiers, each with different degrees of benefits. I admire Delta for how well they run their company. I do not, however, admire how they have recently changed their practices. From reducing benefits for Silver Members, as well as being the industry leader in devaluations.
Landing Thoughts
As I mentioned before, I am not Delta’s Medallion’s biggest fan. I do love to travel on Delta, as they offer a solid main cabin and Comfort+ product. The airline is slightly above American when it comes to domestic first class. They offer one of the best US international options and I can’t wait to travel on them. Their SkyMiles program is constantly devalued, so I do not see that much value in their miles. It is a great option, though, what the airline has done with their Diamond Medallion Benefits. With this change, it makes it much more tempting to push for status on them. We will see if they can win me over!
What do you think? Do you approve of the new change for Diamond Medallions? Are you a Diamond Medallion? Can you tell us your experience? Let us know!
All images from Delta’s website or Wikimedia Commons.
