Fact – my travel patterns actually benefit overall from the forthcoming Delta SkyMiles changes. I’ve done the math, and it is what it is. I realize I’m just one guy who happens to live in Atlanta, but I know I’m not the only person who feels the same way. I’m of the opinion that if you are a traveler who isn’t being reimbursed for your travel expenses, or well heeled, you need to consider the possibility that you might be better off moving to a combination of a certain bluish colored winged thing, cash back, Barclaycard Arrival, Ultimate Rewards, toying with whatever card bonus is golden, or anything else that interests you as opposed to playing a status/mileage game with the airlines.
There, I said it. Call me the village idiot if you wish. There are many ways to play the game, and it’s time to think about your options. There’s no shame in it for anyone. The airline business is fundamentally changed, and there’s nothing you nor I can do about it. In the end, don’t waste your time crying and complaining about what’s happened. Think about your next steps. They could include another airline, surely. But as I said this morning, if you think the next airline’s loyalty program is going to remain untouched, you really need to think again.
As for me, I’m staying put. There’s really no reason to do anything else considering that we really don’t know what happened. Like I said yesterday, Delta’s announcement is pretty much meaningless in the absence of the new award chart. If you think I’m being too pessimistic, I’d love to hear from you. I respect your opinion, no matter what.
-MJ, February 27, 2014
Delta is just kicking those few remaining clueless saps who were still doing mileage runs for status. Really, it’s doing them a favor.
Delta is telling them to get some CC and put some spend on them – you can get Gold w/o ever stepping in a plane.
All I have to say is, “Bravo, Mr. Jackson.” You have the courage to tell it like it is. I’m totally on your side on this one.
Non hub here in SAN and I will be glad to see less folk trying to get upgrades. DL still works fine for me as its about the Status and benefits not the RDM.
you’re ATL based so maybe you’re trapped. For us in NYC, goodluck getting idiots and suckers to stay loyal DL when people have real choices
they would either abandon DL (zero revenue to DL), or spread all their kayaking across all airlines (any revenue to DL is at super low CPM, ensuring DL loses money on the sale)
if they think they can “win NYC” in this manner, they’re really naive
I think you hit the nail on the head. Perhaps the biggest change for everyone that flies less than 50k is dumping the amex Delta skymiles credit card.