While I think Delta SkyMiles’ interest in publishing award charts has always been one notch lower than most every other airline on earth, I’d be remiss if I did not say a little something about today’s revelation. Delta has permanently removed award charts of any and all description from its website, and they like it that way. Per Delta Points:
“Delta’s expanded search capabilities and calendar at delta.com offer more flexible and accurate view of Award prices. – Delta CORP”
In other words, our website is now so highly functional that you can trust us to price our flights correctly. You don’t need to know how much they should cost. Delta’s primary competitors continue to post award charts, even United MileagePlus, which will be revenue-based come March 1. But that’s neither here nor there, I’m pretty sure I know what the Delta award chart of the future is going to look like.
The thing is, I don’t even care. I don’t think Delta hates me or doesn’t respect me. They’re an airline, not my wife. I just think they’ve moved on. That doesn’t mean I’m mad, won’t fly Delta, or intend to fly every other airline I possibly can just to be spiteful. It just means that it is what it is. I once said airlines have moved on, maybe we should too. This just underscores it. Only time will tell if Delta is as right as Delta thinks it is. Whatever the case, I think it’s time for Delta to figure out what it wants SkyMiles to be when it grows up. Surely they know by now.
-MJ, February 6, 2015
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My apologies. Being a person of better manners than most, myself included, when you’re peeved, it seems like other people being normal.
Hahaha. 🙂
@Gene, Delta’s award pricing doesn’t work correctly so it should fix the pricing not remove the charts so we don’t know when delta is stealing from us. That is not what I expect from an airline that has the CEO tell us on every flight about the company’s commitment to honesty, integrity and respect.
MJ, If you were still an airline employee, I bet you would feel disrespected if your employer took away your pay and benefits so it could add to its record profits and secure huge bonuses for executives. It was my (our) business that kept delta flying when times were tough. Thanks to the oligopoly market power it now possesses, delta is hiking prices and reducing FF benefits. Excuse me if I’m wrong, but it seems you believe that the flying public should just shut up and take it. IMO it only make sense to switch to a new business partner… Read more »
John, Actually, I don’t think the flying public should just shut up and take it. I think Delta made a business decision, now it’s time for the flying public to make there’s. Recognizing that some truly do lack much in the way of choice in airlines, many others aren’t in the same boat. I’ve said on this blog that I absolutely could consider a 30 minute flight to Charlotte a cost of doing business. I just haven’t been pushed there yet. That said, my first Southwest flight in years is on the books for the end of this month. We’ll… Read more »
OK, this is just a germ of an idea. Maybe some folks would like to ponder and discuss. And I am sure some people will not like what I am trying to say here. Note that I am not an employee of any airline, and what is below is pure speculation. I do not see the problem with DL moving to a 1 Point = $0.01. With the revenue-based point earnings, it becomes like a variable-rate rebate program. By variable-rate rebate program, I mean that you earn points based on 2 factors; how much you spend, and your elite tier.… Read more »
Interesting thoughts, DC. And probably not outside the realm of possibilities either.
From previous entries, you’ve said that you were accused of being a Delta apologist. I often don’t agree with you, but generally respect your perspective, but think that in this case the accusation is valid. Delta has shown that they really couldn’t give less of a **** about their own customers.It’s pretty much indefensible to say to a customer that the price will be shown when payment is due. Have you REALLY ever bought something with no realistic idea about the price? as a small business owner, I have to say that I’m appalled.
Thank you for your comments Christian. I think my response to John is close to what I’d say here with the addition of no, I’ve never bought something with no realistic idea of the price. If it didn’t shine through in the post, I apologize, but the truth is that I’m about as annoyed as I’ve ever been with SkyMiles at the moment. The gist of my post is a question to SkyMiles – are you, or are you not a totally revenue based program? If the answer is yes, it’s time to stop playing games and make it so.… Read more »
Would you go to a restaurant and order dinner without a menu and wait for the check to see if you can afford it? Delta’s policies are driven by their accountants which I suspect have been huffing too much Jet A exhaust on the ramp.
@Gene,
I really think they’re headed towards a Rapid Rewards type system. “Points required depends on the fare.” Don’t have the slightest bit of inside info. And wouldn’t be surprised if the rest of the lot are on the same system within 3 years.
First of all, you really shouldn’t give much weight to any of the nonsense posted at Delta Points. “Delta CORP” is another idiot on the end of an email he wrote to them. I also wouldn’t give that much weight. Second, I think everyone is reading way too much into this. Delta’s award pricing doesn’t work correctly, so rather than get sued or handle complaints, they just removed the award charts. I do not believe for a second that $0.01=1 is imminent, although it wouldn’t surprise me if that comes to be down the road (like in YEARS). If Delta… Read more »