Blogged about by several, but I still wanted to comment.  Delta announced on their great blog on 8/17 that their previously announced plans to allow Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion SkyMiles members to upgrade award tickets has been implemented.  This is just one of several real enhancements to the SkyMiles program, which you can review here.  Another change is that companion upgrades now begin clearing at 24 hours prior to departure, after all Medallion upgrades have cleared.  Still not as good as having your companion clear with you, but certainly better.

I’ve posted many times about my affinity for Delta Air Lines, but my displeasure with Delta SkyMiles.  The changes they are making represent some improvement.  I hope the availability of award seats for premium class tickets at reasonable mileage levels improves as well.  Another change I’d love to see is the ability to redeem SkyMiles to upgrade from any coach fare.  From my perspective, the ability to upgrade using miles is a big plus, and I would like to have the ability to do so from any fare.  Delta should at least make this available to Medallions.

Unless something happens, Delta will be the airline I fly most this year.  I’ll be watching as SkyMiles evolves, hopefully for the better.