Delta Air Lines is out with news that it is making some updates to its SkyMiles program. According to Delta, “Beginning today, SkyMiles members will have access to a number of program improvements, including lower One-Way Awards, improved tools for Delta customers to book Award travel, and the ability to earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) on partner airlines.” (Logo image courtesy of Delta Air Lines)
Here are the details of the changes from Delta’s press release.
- New One-Way Award tickets beginning as low as 10,000 miles plus taxes and fees, available through Dec. 31, 2015 for travel in select U.S., Mexican and Caribbean markets. Customers can now fly to several popular Award destinations with a 21-day minimum advance purchase.
- Improved Award redemption by expanding the number of airline partners that SkyMiles members can select to redeem for Award Travel on delta.com. Delta recently updated the Fly Delta app to give customers the ability to book Award travel from mobile devices. Since January, Delta has offer customers the ability to book SkyMiles Award travel through the Fly Delta app.
- Customers can now earn MQDs, regardless of ticketing carrier, for travel on most of Delta’s airline partners, which will help them achieve Medallion status faster. SkyMiles members will receive retroactive credit of MQDs on eligible partner flights dating back to the beginning of the qualification year, Jan. 1, 2015. MQD earning varies based on carrier, percentage of distance flown as determined by Delta and fare class paid.
MJ’s Take
There’s nothing bad on the surface, and MQDs regardless of ticketed carrier may even be a good thing depending on who you are flying. I’ll take 10K one-way awards too. I’ve asked a clarifying question around the new 10K one-way awards with 21-day advance purchase, and will post if I get a response. Mainly, does this mean that awards purchased inside 21 days are priced at normal levels, i.e. as low as 12,500 miles? Overall, I’ll take these as positive developments. What do you think of the changes?
-MJ, March 9, 2015
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As I mentioned over on FT, check out OAK or SMF to LAX. The 10000 skymile redemptions are available even today. I know CNBC is on air saying they must be booked 21 days ahead, but it appears that is untrue.
Not just changed AS earnings, but slashed. I already purchased AS flights for June in K, ticketed through Delta, and the “slight modification” means that I only earn 50% MQMs for travel after April 1. Apparently regardless of when the ticket was purchased, or from whom the ticket was purchased.
Am I reading this incorrectly?
Doing a little research on the AS earning picture now that I didn’t have time for earlier. Will report what I find.
@Mike,
Just had a chance to look at the AS earning picture….this is not an advancement in the AS-DL partnership at all, eh?
[…] (HT: MJ On Travel) […]
They changed AS earnings on DL. 🙁
I am curious about the 10k one ways as well and what the select markets are. I have some DL points I want to burn let me know what they say
Still can’t book Westjet flights with Delta Points!! I wish this would happen – a boy can dream…