Delta users unhappy with the SkyMiles program changes

Delta Airlines recently announced major changes to its loyalty program, known as SkyMiles, a move that has left several of its loyal customers discontented.

The crux of the issue revolves around Delta’s shift from the traditional approach of earning elite Medallion status based on miles flown to a new system based on cash spent.

Effective January 1, 2024, SkyMiles members will no longer accumulate Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) and Medallion Qualifying Segments (MQSs) to attain elite status.

Instead, the focus will solely be on Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs), which are earned through flight purchases and spending on Delta-branded credit cards.

There is an increase in the MQDs required to qualify for Medallion status in 2024. The updated requirements are as follows:

Silver: 6,000 MQDs, up from 3,000 MQDs
Gold: 12,000 MQDs, up from 8,000 MQDs
Platinum: 18,000 MQDs, up from 12,000 MQDs
Diamond: 35,000 MQDs, up from 20,000 MQDs
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Another contentious change, closely related to the SkyMiles program overhaul, centers on access to Delta’s network of Sky Clubs.

Starting January 1, 2024, even basic economy passengers, including Sky Club members, will be excluded from lounge access.

Furthermore, Delta has chosen to limit the number of visits to Sky Clubs for Delta-branded cardholders.

Starting February 1, 2025, cardholders of the Delta American Express SkyMiles Reserve and Delta American Express Reserve Business cards will be restricted to 10 visits per year.

While American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders will be limited to just six annual visits.

Delta defended the changes, citing customer feedback as the driving force behind the new program adjustments. They claimed that they aim to provide a simpler and more streamlined path to status.

However, the response from SkyMiles members has been largely negative (1,2,3,4,5,6). A significant portion of the customer base feels betrayed by the airline’s decision.

These significant hikes in MQD thresholds have left several loyal Delta flyers feeling disheartened.

To avoid these newly imposed caps on Sky Club access, customers will need to spend a substantial amount on their eligible credit cards.

Specifically, those who spend $75,000 or more during a calendar year (from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31) on one of the eligible credit cards will enjoy unlimited Sky Club access for the remainder of that year and through Jan. 31 of the following year.

For some, achieving the status they have grown accustomed to will require a substantial increase in their spending, causing financial strain or making elite status unattainable altogether.

Expressing my displeasure that Delta will end Skyclub access to American Express Skymiles platinum card holders like myself. You’ll now have to be in the most elite tier of Delta frequent fliers or hold the most high end American Express cards for skyclub access.
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@Delta Those Skymiles changes are… ouch. These changes are ridiculous. I’ll be flying Delta significantly less than I used to, if at all.
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Delta has stated that these changes are designed to provide a simpler and more streamlined path to status. However, loyal Delta customers remain unconvinced.

These alterations have left them feeling that the airline’s primary motivation is to extract more money from its customers, rather than offering genuine value and recognition for their loyalty.

As a result, a significant portion of Delta’s customer base is now considering cancelling their Delta American Express cards. They no longer see the same level of value in keeping them (1,2,3).

I just got the delta amex platinum card :/ . Guess I will be canceling after I use that free companion pass.
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These changes have undeniably shaken the loyalty of Delta’s long-standing customers.

Only time will tell whether Delta’s strategic decision will pay off or result in a significant loss of customer loyalty.

Featured image source: Delta SkyMiles

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