Delta Air Lines has reversed several changes that it planned to make to its Sky Miles loyalty programme.
Delta CEO, Ed Bastian, has emailed notification of the changes to Sky Miles members, reports simpleflying.com.
Following the announcement of the changes in September, Delta received backlash from customers, complaining that the new policy would make it challenging to earn loyalty status and limit lounge access for many members.
A few weeks later, Bastian said Delta had heard all its customers’ complaints and would amend the Sky Miles limitations.
“It’s been a challenge to balance the growth of our membership with our need to deliver premium service experiences. We made some difficult programme decisions to address this issue. But your response made clear that the changes did not fully reflect the loyalty you have demonstrated to Delta. Based on your feedback, we are making programme adjustments and adding new benefits to begin earning in 2024 toward your 2025 status,” said Bastian.
Although Delta is not bringing back Miles and Segments, which were previously used alongside Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQD), it decided to lower the spending requirement to earn MQDs and status.
Additionally, members with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Reserve Business, Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Cards would also receive an MQD head start of US$2 500 (R47 592) MQDs for the current Medallion Qualification Year, said the announcement.
Changes to access to Sky Clubs were also partially amended. Although Sky Miles Platinum card holders, Platinum Business card holders and basic economy travellers will not receive access to Sky Clubs, Sky Miles Reserve and Reserve Business travellers will receive 15 free annual visits, up from five, and Business Platinum travellers will receive ten free visits, up from six.
