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Delta Air Lines to Roll Back Changes to Frequent Flyer Loyalty Program
03.10.2023 - 18:57 / travelpulse.com / Ed Bastian / Delta Air Lines / Delta Ceo / Donald Wood
Delta Air Lines announced that some of the recent changes to the carrier’s loyalty program would be rolled back after travelers voiced their displeasure.
According to The Associated Press, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said during a meeting at the Atlanta Rotary Club that the airline “went too far” when addressing the rising number of frequent flyers reaching elite status.
The carrier revealed earlier this month that it planned to limit the number of travelers who would be permitted to enter its airport Sky Clubs, starting on February 1, 2025. The airline also revealed changes to the SkyMiles program, which makes it harder to qualify for status by allowing only Medallion Qualification Dollars to serve as the qualifier for Medallion Status.
Bastian said that Delta was reconsidering its decisions and would make “modifications” to the previously announced plans, with details expected to be revealed “over the next few weeks.”
“No question we probably went too far in doing that,” Bastian said. “I think we moved too fast, and we are looking at it now. We have received a lot of feedback.”
The CEO said that top-tier Diamond status has doubled since the pandemic began, which led to higher demand for premium seats, upgrades, and access to its airport Sky Clubs. As a result, the carrier attempted to fight against overcrowding by making it harder to earn the rewards.
To convince jaded Delta travelers to make the switch to a new airline, several carriers—including Alaska Airlines and JetBlue Airways—revealed they would match each customer’s loyalty status if they made the switch.
In addition, just days after announcing plans for its largest-ever schedule for flights from the U.S. to Europe next year, Delta revealed it would cut flights to six major cities in the coming months, starting in October.
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