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Tag: delta

  • TSA Weighs In on Viral Video: Shrimp and Potatoes, or Security Breach?

    TSA Weighs In on Viral Video: Shrimp and Potatoes, or Security Breach?

    The TSA often gets a bad rap in the court of public opinion, but I’ve gotta say, my experiences with them have been mostly smooth sailing. Sure, there’s the occasional grumpy agent or a line that seems to stretch to eternity, but overall, I find the screening process here in the U.S. more friendly and efficient than in many foreign countries.

    Call me crazy, but I actually miss the TSA when I’m traveling abroad. Maybe it’s because I’m a Global Entry member, enjoying the perks of expedited screening, but there’s a certain (dare I say) charm to the TSA that other federal agencies just don’t have. They’ve got personality – just check out their social media feeds. Honestly, they’re one of the funnier accounts I follow online.

    In a previous post, we dished out the deets on a Delta passenger who took culinary creativity to new heights by cooking shrimp and mashed potatoes in an airplane lavatory sink. Yep, you read that right. He rigged up a contraption involving a 6v battery pack, a beverage warmer, and some alligator clips – a setup that could easily be mistaken for something you wouldn’t want to encounter at 30,000 feet.

    Now, the TSA itself has weighed in on the viral video, sharing a close-up of the man’s alligator clip-laden masterpiece. Believe it or not, he’s not packing any prohibited items, which explains how he got past those awful Analogic scanners. However, the way he’s utilizing his gear might cross into a gray area when it comes to FAA regulations.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C0umsV0Saa4/

    According to the official word from the FAA, “Dry batteries are only permitted to be carried by passengers on aircraft when protected against damage and short circuit.” And here’s the kicker – a person who knowingly or recklessly violates hazardous materials regulations could be slapped with fines up to a whopping $96K for each violation and face up to five years behind bars. Youch.

    So, the advice from the authorities is crystal clear – stick to the standard inflight snacks like pretzels and Biscoff cookies. Leave the impromptu shrimp scampi experiments to the professionals, and don’t try this at home (or, in this case, inflight).

  • Eww: Delta Passenger Cooks Shrimp and Potatoes à la Lavatory

    Eww: Delta Passenger Cooks Shrimp and Potatoes à la Lavatory

    Some people take the concept of “cooking on the go” to a whole new level, and it’s not exactly a Michelin-starred affair. Remember the guy who cooked baby back ribs in a hotel bathroom? Well, he’s back at it, and this time, it involves garlic shrimp and instant mashed potatoes at 30,000 feet. You know, the ideal setting for a preparing a gourmet meal.

    In a video that redefines the term “terrible idea,” a culinary pioneer with the TikTok handle @barfly7777 showcases his skills in the art of airplane lavatory cooking. After his previous hotel bathroom stunt, he decided to elevate his game by taking his talents to the skies.

    https://twitter.com/ATDrummond/status/1732855305761939672

    The video begins with our protagonist boldly declaring his intention to embark on this culinary adventure. He navigates the TSA checkpoint, fully aware that his battery-powered setup might raise a few eyebrows. No worries, though, as he proceeds to the lavatory of his Delta Air Lines flight, armed with a 6-volt battery pack that, at least on the surface, appears more fitting for jumpstarting a car.

    Once inside the lavatory, he unveils his cooking apparatus, connecting it to a makeshift power source resembling a cigarette lighter. Forget airplane etiquette; this maverick chef powers up the lavatory sink, utilizing the diaper changing table as a makeshift kitchen counter. Yuck!

    As he submerges raw shrimp into the sink water, you can’t help but question the life choices that led this man to attempt this. The climax of this culinary saga involves the addition of instant mashed potatoes to the shrimp-infused water, resulting in a barf bag of garlic mashed potato-coated shrimp. Seems you might be needing that barf bag later, sir.

    Now, I’m no culinary expert, but I can’t help but cringe at the thought of consuming anything concocted in the unsanitary confines of an airplane lavatory sink. Bravo to this man with the iron stomach, but for the rest of us, the inflight meal options seem a tad more appetizing.

    And a quick word of advice – while @barfly7777 might have discovered the secret to lavatory haute cuisine, it’s probably best not to attempt such feats at home or inflight. Safety concerns, anyone? The last thing you’d want is a fire breaking out at FL370 due to an impromptu kitchen experiment. Stick to the peanuts and pretzels, folks. Bon appétit… I guess.

  • Pink Slip Parade: Delta Gives Axe to Some Corporate Staff

    Pink Slip Parade: Delta Gives Axe to Some Corporate Staff

    Well, well, well, it seems Delta Air Lines is trimming the fat. The airline recently announced layoffs in their corporate and management ranks as part of their ongoing cost-cutting efforts.

    Of course, they didn’t specify exactly how many employees would be getting the pink slip, and they made sure to reassure us that this won’t affect the folks on the front lines – you know, the pilots and flight attendants.

    Delta’s statement to CNBC had all the usual corporate jargon about making “adjustments to programs, budgets, and organizational structures.” Translation: “We’re slashing jobs to save a few bucks, and don’t ask us how many.”

    While we’re not yet back to full capacity, now is the time to make adjustments to programs, budgets and organizational structures across Delta to meet our stated goals — one part of this effort includes adjustments to corporate staffing in support of these changes. These decisions are never made lightly but always with care and respect for our impacted team members and the Delta family.

    Delta statement to CNBC

    It’s interesting to note that not too long ago, Delta, along with other airlines, were hiring like there was no tomorrow. The post-COVID revenge travel boom was in full swing, and airlines were in a rush to bring more hands on deck.

    But now, that boom seems to be drying up faster than a puddle in the desert. International travel, especially to Europe, is still hanging in there, but domestic demand is taking a nosedive. Delta might be the first major airline to publicly announce layoffs, but it’s not the only one feeling the heat.

    Spirit Airlines recently put a halt on hiring, citing a drop in demand and Pratt & Whitney engine issues with their A320neo fleet. The airline industry is facing some headwinds, no doubt. However, we can’t paint the whole industry with the same brush just yet. It appears that most of the pain is being felt by low-cost carriers, and that’s probably because the bulk of their routes are domestic. While Southwest hasn’t announced any broad personnel actions just yet, they did make positive changes to their Rapid Rewards program – usually not something you see when times are good. If you were placing bets on broad layoffs at a legacy carrier, you might want to keep an eye on American Airlines, as their international route network isn’t as robust as their peers, and they’ve had a rough couple months financially, owing to payouts tied to new union contracts.

    Of course, there’s always the possibility that Delta just went on a hiring spree during COVID and is now realizing they’ve got too many cooks in the kitchen. Maybe they should’ve thought a little more strategically before expanding their corporate team.

    Some are speculating that this could be payback from frequent flyers who are none too pleased with the recent changes to Delta’s SkyMiles program. Medallion status is now all about how much cash you’re shelling out, and it’s a lot harder to attain. SkyClub access has been tightened up, and those Delta Reserve and AmEx Platinum cardholders can kiss their unlimited access goodbye.

    Sure, Delta tried to appease their elites with a partial rollback, but CEO Ed Bastian, aka “Fast Eddie,” pretty much spilled the beans to investors that this is just a temporary move. Looks like Delta has shown its true intentions, and it’s not sitting well with the loyal flyers. However, it’s likely that if this is in fact the cause, we won’t see any empirical evidence of this until at least Delta’s next 10-Q.

    So, what’s really going on at Delta? Are they just streamlining their operations, or are they facing a rebellion from their most loyal customers? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – the airline industry is in for a bumpy ride.

  • Delta Pilot Allegedly Pulled Gun on Captain, Threatened to Shoot

    Delta Pilot Allegedly Pulled Gun on Captain, Threatened to Shoot

    In a shocking incident that took place in August 2022, reported in a recent grand jury indictment uncovered by the AP, a pilot, Jonathan J. Dunn, who was a participant in the Transportation Security Administration’s Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program, has been indicted for allegedly threatening to shoot the plane’s captain if the flight was diverted due to a passenger requiring medical attention.

    Dunn, who had previously been authorized to carry a firearm on board as part of the TSA FFDO program, now finds himself expelled from this program and facing serious legal consequences. His employment with Delta Air Lines has also, of course, been terminated.

    The dispute arose over the potential diversion of the flight because of a passenger’s medical emergency. Dunn reportedly threatened the captain with multiple gunshots if the flight was diverted.

    The details surrounding the incident, including the airline, flight route, and whether the diversion eventually occurred, remain undisclosed. The Transportation Department’s inspector general’s office is working alongside the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration to investigate this alarming case.

    Dunn’s indictment, issued by a grand jury in Utah, alleges that he “did use a dangerous weapon in assaulting and intimidating the crew member,” a felony that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. An arraignment for Dunn is scheduled for November 16.

    This disturbing revelation comes just days after an off-duty pilot in the jumpseat attempted to shut down the engines of a Horizon Air jet midflight. Joseph David Emerson, an Alaska Airlines pilot, cited depression and psychedelic mushrooms use as contributing factors. This incident raises questions about the screening processes for pilots, as they are primarily reliant on self-disclosure during medical exams. Trustworthiness and mental health assessments are vital, as even a perceived issue can have serious consequences in the airline industry. Passengers have to be able to trust the people flying the airplane beyond any reasonable doubt.

    It will be interesting to see if new security measures are implemented as a result of these incidents. While this particular incident took place over a year ago, the timing of this revelation coming so soon after the Horizon 2059 incident is sure to raise some eyebrows among Federal officials and the traveling public. Jumpseats are a critical piece of the airline logistics puzzle, helping crew members reposition and commute to work. Meanwhile, absent having air marshals present on most flights – just like one of many measures El Al takes to protect passengers, the FFDO program theoretically sounds like a great idea – pilots are already (again, in theory) subject to a high degree of vetting, so why not deputize them?

    Following these incidents, however, I could see Uncle Sam taking a very close look at just how much trust we’re blindly placing in our airline crews. Of course, the overwhelming majority of airline crew members in the US are trained, trustworthy professionals who just want to get you from point A to point B safely. And those who do it right, who dedicate their careers to our safety, deserve our respect. However, as they say, a few bad apples spoil the bunch – and given lives are at stake here, I could see a re-evaluation of protocols taking place over the coming months. In fact, we already see Known Crewmember (KCM) protocols being revisited, with DEN piloting new screening technology for crew.

    The incident involving Dunn and the recent Horizon incident underscore the importance of ensuring the mental and emotional well-being of those responsible for flying commercial aircraft. Maintaining the highest standards of trust and mental health screening is critical to guaranteeing passenger safety and the smooth operation of our airline industry.

  • Fast Eddie to Delta Investors: SkyMiles Rollbacks Likely Temporary

    Fast Eddie to Delta Investors: SkyMiles Rollbacks Likely Temporary

    Delta Air Lines, led by CEO Ed Bastian, is in the midst of a turbulent shakeup, with its loyalty program, SkyMiles, at the center of the controversy. The recent series of changes and rollbacks have left loyal SkyMiles members and investors perplexed and frustrated. Bastian, now often affectionately referred to as “Fast Eddie,” seems to be telling two different stories to two very different audiences, leaving many to wonder about the future of Delta’s loyalty program.

    The September Shakeup

    In September, Delta announced sweeping changes to its SkyMiles program, sending shockwaves through the frequent flyer community. The key alterations included a shift to revenue-based elite status qualification with staggeringly high spending thresholds, and a significant reduction in SkyClub access for Delta Reserve and AmEx Platinum cardholders. These changes left many loyal SkyMiles members reeling and questioning their loyalty to the airline; many have already left Delta for competitors, with United reporting record interest in status matches.

    Partial Rollbacks

    Delta announced some partial rollbacks to the changes earlier this month. However, it was, for many, too little, too late. My predictions turned out to be fairly accurate; the elite status thresholds were lowered by 16-20%, and while AmEx SkyClub visits will still be capped, caps were increased by 50-67%. While these rollbacks offered some immediate relief, the underlying issues and concerns persisted. Once trust is broken, it’s tough to repair, and Bastian’s comments to investors aren’t exactly helping the situation.

    Fast Eddie’s Mixed Messages

    Now, Fast Eddie is back in the spotlight, but this time, he is addressing investors. He stated, “There were some things that we did that I thought were maybe too aggressive in trying to get to that equilibrium quickly. We pulled back and said we’ve got to go at this at a much more measured pace.” In essence, Bastian seems to suggest that the originally announced changes are still on the horizon; his only regret is that they were implemented too hastily.

    This mixed messaging leaves SkyMiles members and investors in a state of uncertainty. If I were a SkyMiles elite member, even with the rollbacks announced this month, I’d still be wondering whether it’s time to explore greener pastures with other loyalty programs like American Airlines’ AAdvantage or United’s MileagePlus. Bastian’s statements are effectively saying, “We still intend to pull the rug out from under you; we’re just pulling it more slowly.”

    The Delta Perspective

    Bastian’s comments on Delta’s need for balance, especially in light of increasing demand for premium services, are not completely without merit. The airline must strive to provide a premium experience while maintaining its stability. However, the execution of these changes and the communication with loyal customers have been nothing short of awful, alienating their elites to placate investors.

    Bastian’s remarks about the economic landscape and the importance to Delta of the top 40% of consumers with household earnings of $100,000 or greater provide insight into Delta’s strategic thinking. The overarching message here is that unless you are wealthy and dropping nearly $30k a year on airfare, Delta doesn’t care about you.

    Bottom Line

    Delta’s SkyMiles program is in a state of flux, with changes and rollbacks creating a sense of unease among its members and investors. Bastian’s mixed messages about the future of SkyMiles have only added to the uncertainty. While there may be a tiny bit of merit behind the changes, the execution and communication could have been handled much more transparently and thoughtfully. SkyMiles members must now weigh their loyalty against their desire for a stable and rewarding loyalty program, while investors closely monitor how Delta’s strategy will impact the airline’s financial performance in the long run. Only time will tell whether Delta’s “Fast Eddie” can navigate these challenges successfully.

    h/t View From the Wing

  • Delta SkyMiles Rollbacks: A Step in the Right Direction, but Is It Enough?

    Delta SkyMiles Rollbacks: A Step in the Right Direction, but Is It Enough?

    Last month, Delta Airlines made some significant changes to its SkyMiles program that left many frequent flyers less than pleased. The alterations included a shift to fully revenue-based status, imposing steep thresholds for Medallion status, and severe restrictions on SkyClub access. Unsurprisingly, the blowback from Delta’s loyal customer base was swift and severe, with many elites defecting to rival airlines; American reported record cobranded card signups on their earnings call, while requests for United status matches have gone up “dramatically,” presumably driven by disgruntled Delta elites abandoning ship.

    CEO Ed Bastian’s Acknowledgment

    In the midst of this intense backlash, Delta CEO Ed Bastian, now often not-so-affectionately referred to as “Fast Eddie,” admitted that the airline might have gone too far. He hinted at potential rollbacks to the contentious changes. While these changes didn’t come to light during Delta’s recent investor call, it turns out that my predictions about some adjustments were quite accurate.

    Adjustments to Elite Status Requirements

    One of the most significant SkyMiles changes was the switch to a fully revenue-based system, with Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) as the sole qualifying metric. However, Delta has now reduced the initially announced steep thresholds for the 2024 membership year, though they’re still a far cry from what customers were used to:

    • Silver Medallion: Reduced from $6,000 to $5,000 (compared to $3,000 in 2023).
    • Diamond Medallion: Reduced from $35,000 to $28,000 (compared to $20,000 in 2023).

    SkyMiles Credit Cardholders Catch a Break

    While the MQD earn ratio on co-branded AmEx cards remains unchanged, SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve cardholders (both personal and business variants) will benefit from a $2,500 MQD boost per card. Holding two of these cards is now an efficient way to attain Silver Medallion status immediately, and holding all four would grant Gold Medallion (though the opportunity cost would be significant, taking most of your “slots” with AmEx). Those signing up for new Delta AmEx products should be aware of new “waterfall” restrictions and plan application strategies accordingly.

    SkyClub Reprieve for AmEx Cardmembers

    SkyClub access for AmEx cardholders will still transition from unlimited access to a capped system, but the caps on visits have been raised slightly:

    • Delta Reserve cardmembers now get 15 visits per year, up from 10.
    • AmEx Platinum members now enjoy 10 visits annually, up from 6.
    • After reaching the visit limit, travelers can purchase additional visits for $50 per day. Previously, this was not an option.
    • A subtle yet significant change is that a subsequent same-day entry to a club no longer uses up a “visit.” Instead, each visit allows unlimited entries for 24 hours after the initial entry, a boon for those on connecting itineraries through multiple airports.

    Enhancements to Lifetime Status

    To retain lifetime status members, Delta is improving lifetime status-earn and making it a more significant upgrade tie-breaker. The new thresholds for lifetime status now align more closely with United:

    • 1 Million Miles: Lifetime Silver (matching United).
    • 2 Million Miles: Lifetime Gold (matching United).
    • 3 Million Miles: Lifetime Diamond (matching United).
    • 5 Million Miles: Lifetime 360 Status (United offers Global Services at 4 million).
    • Million miler levels will be calculated using flight miles going forward, but they’ll honor existing totals earned via qualifying miles.

    Looking Ahead to 2025

    For 2025, Delta has announced new Choice benefits, including the ability for Diamonds to pick $2,000 MQDs and for Platinums to choose $1,000 MQDs. This should make earning status a little easier in the absence of other benefits. Additionally, Diamonds can again select Sky Club membership for two choice selections.

    Assessing my Predictions

    Many of my predictions about the SkyMiles rollbacks were quite close, with MQD thresholds dropping between 16.67% and 20% (I predicted between 20-30%) and visit allowances increasing by 50% and 66.67% (my prediction was 40-60%). As predicted, the $75,000 spend threshold for unlimited visits remains intact. While I partially got it wrong about the MQD earn ratio on cobranded AmEx cards being upped, cardholders of select cobranded products are getting a flat boost of 2,500 MQDs annually.

    Delta’s Uphill Battle

    Despite these rollbacks, Delta still faces an uphill battle to win back the trust of its elite customers. CEO Ed Bastian even hinted when the initial changes were announced that more could be on the horizon. Many have already jumped ship to competitors American and United. As the future remains uncertain, loyalists to the airline will continue to closely watch the evolving landscape of Delta’s SkyMiles program.

  • Delta SkyMiles Changes: Could a Partial Rollback be Announced Tomorrow?

    Delta SkyMiles Changes: Could a Partial Rollback be Announced Tomorrow?

    Last month, Delta Airlines made some significant changes to their popular SkyMiles loyalty program, and the response was far from positive. The sweeping alterations sent shockwaves through the airline’s loyal customer base, with many longtime Delta aficionados expressing their frustration and disappointment. The changes were anything but customer-friendly, and the backlash was swift and fierce.

    Disclaimer: I do not earn any stock in Delta, nor do I have any inside knowledge. This is all educated speculation.

    Here’s a quick recap of the alterations that left many Delta customers reeling:

    1. All About the Benjamins:
      Delta went all-in on a revenue-based status system, effectively making Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) the only metric for determining your elite status. The problem? The new thresholds were incredibly steep. To attain even the lowly Silver Medallion status, you’d need to spend a substantial $6,000. And for those aiming for the coveted Diamond Medallion status, prepare to shell out a whopping $35,000.
    2. SkyClub Access:
      Delta also scaled back access to its SkyClub network. Effective from February 1, 2025, Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Card Members, who previously enjoyed unlimited visits, would be capped at just 10 visits per Medallion year. The Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card from American Express saw a reduction from unlimited to just 6 visits per year. There was a carve-out, however, for those who spent over $75,000 a year on their card, allowing them to retain unlimited visits. Also announced was the discontinuation of the $50-per-visit SkyClub access for Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Cardholders starting from January 1, 2024; on the same date, the current carve-out allowing Basic Economy passengers to access the SkyClub when using an eligible AmEx card for access would be removed.
    3. Fast Eddie and His Regrets:
      Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian, now affectionately nicknamed “Fast Eddie” by some, acknowledged that the airline may have gone too far with these changes. He made this admission during a speech at an Atlanta Rotary Club event, where he promised that Delta would address the concerns and make modifications to the changes they’d announced. This was late September, and he promised an announcement “in the coming weeks…” Well, it’s been a few weeks, and Delta’s Q call is tomorrow.

    So, here’s the big question: what can we expect tomorrow when Delta Airlines announces these potential rollbacks? Let’s take a look at a few likely scenarios:

    1. Revenue-Based System Stays:
      It’s almost certain that Delta won’t reverse its course on the revenue-based status system – that’s been a long time coming, and follows competitors United and American. However, they might reconsider the steep thresholds that have drawn so much criticism. I expect an adjustment between 20-30%.
    2. MQD Earn Rate Adjustment:
      We might see a slightly improved MQD earn rate on Delta Platinum and Reserve American Express cards. This could be a step in the right direction to appease their loyal customers. Again, look for a change in the ballpark of about 20-30%
    3. SkyClub Access Tweaks:
      While we shouldn’t expect a return to unlimited access, Delta could make some changes regarding SkyClub access. This could come in the form of either an increased visit allowance (my guess is 40-60% more than the previously announced caps) for American Express cardholders or a lower spending threshold to “earn back” unlimited visits (currently set at $75,000 per year). I think it’s more likely we’ll see a higher number of complimentary visits than a lower spend threshold, as $75k happens to also be the magic number to unlock complimentary guest access to the Centurion Lounge.

    But the big question is, will these modifications be enough to rebuild the trust that has been broken with loyal Delta flyers? Many have already jumped ship to American or United, with American Airlines, in particular, having a great year under their new CEO, Robert Isom. Isom’s quiet success in fixing operational issues and improving service quality has not gone unnoticed. Meanwhile, Delta seems to be moving in the opposite direction, with increasing delays, cancellations, and declining service quality.

    As we eagerly await Delta’s Q call tomorrow, one thing is clear: the airline will need to make significant changes to win back the loyalty of their once-loyal customer base. Whether they can successfully navigate these challenges remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the ball is now in Delta’s court.

  • AmEx Quietly Adds New Restrictions on Delta Cards

    AmEx Quietly Adds New Restrictions on Delta Cards

    AmEx has altered the deal – pray they do not alter it any further.

    American Express and Delta Airlines have long enjoyed a close partnership, offering a range of co-branded credit cards that have been popular among travelers seeking to maximize their SkyMiles and benefits. However, recent developments in the world of Delta and American Express credit cards have left many loyal SkyMiles members scratching their heads and, frankly, feeling a bit alienated.

    For years, American Express had a policy in place that allowed customers to enjoy a credit card welcome offer “once in a lifetime.” In practice, this typically translated to a wait period of 5 to 7 years before you could snag another tempting welcome offer. But there was a clever workaround for those savvy enough to exploit it – the various flavors of American Express Delta business and consumer cards were considered different products, enabling cardholders to potentially sextuple-dip into the world of Delta welcome offers.

    However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and it appears that the party may be over for the welcome offer aficionados. Danny the Deal Guru recently noticed the emergence of some intriguing “family language” on Delta consumer cards, similar to the language recently implemented on the AmEx Platinum family. This language, while not consistent across all Delta consumer cards, seems to put restrictions on obtaining a welcome offer if you’ve had other cards within the same family. Notably, Delta Business cards remain unaffected by these changes (for now).

    So, what’s the scoop on these new rules? Well, it seems the Gold Delta card is currently off-limits if you’ve had any of the three top cards in the Delta consumer card family in the past. However, there’s a glimmer of hope for those eyeing the Delta Platinum card – you might still be eligible for its welcome offer even if you’ve previously held the Gold card (though not the Reserve). And as for the Delta Reserve card, it appears to be business as usual, with no new restrictions in sight. Also notably, the Delta Blue card seems to go without mention, so that signup bonus may still be up for grabs. Some examples of the new language:

    You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or previous versions of these Cards.

    Delta Gold Card

    You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or previous versions of these Cards. 

    Delta Platinum Card

    You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card or previous versions of this Card. 

    Delta Reserve Card

    Now, it’s worth noting that the variations in language between the Delta Platinum and Gold cards appear deliberate and targeted, rather than the result of a gradual rollout of a uniform family rule. Delta and Amex seem intent on allowing cardholders to ascend to more premium and expensive offerings, but they’re tightening the screws if you’re thinking of heading in the opposite direction. In other words, if you were planning to score welcome offers on all three cards by applying for the Gold, Platinum, and Reserve sequentially, you’re in luck. However, if you had your sights set on circling back to one of the other cards after having the Reserve or the Platinum, you might find yourself out of luck. This enhanced language has been aptly termed “waterfall language,” as signup bonus ineligibility “waterfalls” down from higher tier cards.

    As with many developments in the credit card rewards landscape, these rules are subject to change. It wasn’t long ago that Amex added more restrictive language to its various Platinum cards, so it’s entirely possible that we’ll see further tweaks down the road.

    In the ever-evolving world of credit card rewards, it’s crucial for travelers and points enthusiasts to stay vigilant and adapt to the changing landscape. With Delta’s recent moves to overhaul its SkyMiles loyalty program and tighten access to its SkyClubs, it’s clear that change is in the air. And if you’re not yet affected by these new rules, it may be worth grabbing the welcome bonuses for these cards before AmEx tightens the rules even further.

  • Delta SkyClub Access Faces Severe New Restrictions

    Delta SkyClub Access Faces Severe New Restrictions

    The rumor mill has been churning for months, and now it’s official – Delta Air Lines is tightening the reins on its Delta SkyClub access once again, in addition to other serious devaluations to the popular SkyMiles program. If you thought the previous restrictions were stringent, brace yourselves for even more changes that might leave frequent flyers a bit disillusioned.

    Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members:

    Starting from February 1, 2025, Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Card Members will only be eligible for 10 Delta Sky Club Visits per Medallion Year. Card Members can earn Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after they’ve dished out a hefty $75,000 on their eligible Card within a calendar year (though the opportunity cost of not placing that spend on a more valuable card is huge). Once that milestone is reached, they’ll enjoy unlimited Delta Sky Club Access for the remainder of the current Medallion Year and the following one. Just to keep things clear, spend tracking for this new rule kicks off on January 1, 2024, for the 2025 Medallion Year.

    The Platinum Card® from American Express:

    For those carrying The Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card from American Express, there’s also a change in the wind. Starting February 1, 2025, Card Members will be granted a mere 6 Delta Sky Club Visits per Medallion Year. However, like their Reserve counterparts, they can earn unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after reaching that same $75,000 spend threshold within a calendar year. The same spend tracking timeframe applies, kicking in on January 1, 2024, for the 2025 Medallion Year.

    Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card Members:

    Now, for those of you holding the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Cards, here’s the bad news – effective January 1, 2024, you’re out of luck. These cards will no longer provide Card Members with the ability to purchase access to Delta Sky Clubs. Previously, cardholders could purchase access for themselves and up to two guests at a rate of $50 per person. Unfortunately, that option is being shown the door, joining the ranks of day passes for the general public, which were eliminated years ago.

    Basic Economy Travelers:

    Lastly, for American Express Card Members who often find themselves in Basic Economy seats or their equivalent on partner airlines, prepare for disappointment. Effective January 1, 2024, you won’t be receiving Delta Sky Club Access. While those who purchased SkyClub memberships were previously barred when flying on Basic Economy tickets, those using eligible AmEx cards to access the SkyClub had enjoyed an exemption. However, that loophole is now closed.

    These changes might leave some Delta loyalists feeling a bit shortchanged, especially when coupled with the devaluation of the SkyMiles loyalty program. For now, all we can do is adapt to these new realities and make the most of the perks that remain. Remember, in the world of travel, the only constant is change.

  • Delta’s SkyMiles Program Takes a Hard Turn, Leaving Flyers Fuming

    Delta’s SkyMiles Program Takes a Hard Turn, Leaving Flyers Fuming

    Well, folks, it’s official. Delta has finally pulled the trigger on changes to its SkyMiles loyalty program that many of us had dreaded for a while. The rumor mill has been churning, and it turns out the whispers were right on the money. Brace yourselves, because this isn’t a story with a happy ending.

    The Unfriendly Shift: Going All-In on Revenue-Based

    Let’s cut straight to the chase. Delta is ditching its old loyalty program and going full steam ahead with the revenue-based model. Forget about those MQMs you’ve been hoarding; it’s all about the cold, hard cash you’re willing to part with now. Your Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) are the new golden ticket, and it’s leaving a sour taste in the mouths of loyal Delta customers.

    If the shift to revenue-based alone doesn’t alienate travelers, the new MQD thresholds might. Obtaining lowly Silver Medallion status will now require $6,000 in MQDs, with Diamond now requiring a whopping $35,000 in MQDs. For comparison, $50k is widely considered the threshold to be considered for American’s secretive, invite-only ConciergeKey status. Sure, they’re calling it “simplification,” but to many, it feels more like a cash grab.

    SkyClub Access Limited Even Further

    On a busy news day like today, this merits a whole separate post, but we’d be remiss not to mention the new restrictions on SkyClub access with select AmEx cards.

    The Devil’s in the MQD Details

    Earning that elusive Medallion Status for 2025 (not 2024, mind you) now means you’ll need to focus solely on accumulating MQDs. In other words, if you’re not spending big bucks with Delta, you can kiss your Medallion Status goodbye. Flights, spend from select Amex Cards, car rentals, and Delta Vacations experiences are your only lifelines now. Miles flown? That’s so last season.

    But hey, if you’re clinging to your stash of Rollover MQMs from 2023, there’s a lifeline of sorts. In early 2024, Delta will generously allow you to convert them into redeemable miles, MQDs, or a mix of both. How generous of them!

    Million Milers Get a Boost

    For those who’ve put in the blood, sweat, and tears (and countless hours on Delta flights) to reach the million-mile milestone, here’s your reward: you move up a notch in Complimentary Upgrade priority, landing in third place.

    RIP MQD Waiver and Status Boost

    Delta SkyMiles American Express Cardholders, you’re in for a rough landing. The beloved MQD Waiver and Status Boost benefits are getting axed come December 31, 2023. Instead, members of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card accumulate 1 MQD for each $10 they spend, while those with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card earn 1 MQD for each $20 in purchases. Currently, there is no limit to the number of MQDs that may be obtained via this method, but it’s certainly not a 1:1 accumulation like AA’s Loyalty Points scheme.

    International SkyMiles Members: Welcome to the Pain

    For our international SkyMiles comrades, there’s no escaping the harsh reality either. Until now, you were earning your Status using MQMs or MQSs, but starting January 1, 2024, you’ll join the MQD club. Your foreign currencies will be mercilessly converted to USD at standard exchange rates and then turned into MQDs at a 1-to-1 ratio. No more gaming the system, folks.

    So, here we are, at the crossroads of disappointment and disillusionment. Delta’s gamble with these drastic changes may well send a wave of disgruntled flyers to rival airlines like United and American – which while both these programs are also revenue-based, they don’t sting quite as much as the new Delta program. And while American’s switch to Loyalty Points in 2022 angered many at first, their innovative approach to revenue-based status is interesting and (dare I say) has actually put the fun back into earning status.

    As the rumor mill predicted, the future for SkyMiles members is looking a lot less friendly. Keep your seatbelts fastened, folks; it’s going to be a turbulent ride ahead.