If the headline leads you to think this is a “hate on Delta post,” I apologize….because it isn’t. But on this New Year’s Eve, I think it’s appropriate to take a look at the impact of the changes I made in the way I travel over the last year. I was pretty clear on worrying less about “elite” status, and making schedule, price, and convenience my primary motivators for air travel. Not to mention, I experimented quite a bit with American from Atlanta in 2015, and a tiny bit of Southwest too. The result: I spent less on airfare overall, but come February 1, 2016, I will be a Delta Silver Medallion. (Insert sad face, crying, and gasping noises here)
Less Travel and Other Priorities = Less Status
In the end, I am fine with my decision and my travel choices in 2015. If I had concentrated more of my flying with Delta, I would have ended the year earning at least Gold Medallion for 2016. Gold is light years better than Silver, but neither are Platinum. 🙂 When it was all said and done, I wasn’t willing to mileage run or spend my way to higher elite status because in truth, I flew less in 2015 than I have in years – 56 segments and a tiny bit over 65,000 miles if my public school math is correct.
I’ll Miss The Status But There’s a New Year Ahead
The things I’ll miss most about Platinum Medallion are Sky Priority, the call center support, and service charge waived award redeposits. It certainly won’t be my upgrade percentage, which dropped precipitously in 2015 along with most everyone else’s. However, I did find the regional upgrade certificates to be useful…..which reminds me….I still have one to burn!
Looking ahead to 2016, it seems that my travel needs are picking up again. I suspect I will know in Q1 whether I will remain in Atlanta longer term, or if I’ll be looking at living elsewhere. If I’m still here, it’s entirely possible that I make the slow climb back to Platinum….or let’s dream….Diamond in 2016. In any event, my first flights of the new year are already booked…..I’ll be flying Delta.
Have your travel patterns and habits changed in the last year? Share your thoughts in the comments. And have a Happy New Year!
-MJ, December 31, 2015
Good to have lifetime status. Happy New Year!
So… it sounds like 2015 may not be your last year as a delta platinum after all. Perhaps just a temporary hiatus. Will you have status on AA in 2016?
My New Year’s wish is that Alaska Airlines continues its expansion east and kicks delta’s butt at SEA. That’s not a hate delta rant as much as a love Alaska, root for the little guy sentiment.
Who knows what tomorrow brings?
Maybe, maybe not on Platinum, John. We will see.
I have lifetime Gold on AA.
Happy New Year!
Same with me. Delta Platinum in 2015 to Silver in 2016. I like Delta but a few things have kept me away: 1) A few misconnections in Atlanta that ruined trips 2) a few hour-long delays waiting for a gate at LGA (Delta – you are overscheduling LGA!) 3) Fares that are significantly higher than the competition 4) Huge drop in upgrade % 6) loss of SkyClub access and finally 7) the massive devaluation of SkyPesos.
Based on my experience, Delta is not light years ahead operationally Their employees are better but they have priced themselves out of the market.
So question, in 2016 going forward which program do think is one’s bets choice if they live on the west coast?
Thanks and Happy New Year
Hard to say not knowing your travel patterns specifically. But I have to say that it’s difficult for me to imagine not using Alaska on the west coast.
Well… this post could have been a very different post if…. 😉