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