Still Traveling

By db

January 4, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Hmmm…yet another reason not to fly Delta anymore. Does using my tax dollars to bail them out count for any SkyMiles?

By Rob

January 4, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Its been so difficult to use skymiles recently, there really is no incentive anymore.

By Tazzee

January 4, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

I have no problem with this change. Honestly, if there is no activity on a skymiles account for 2 years the holder is not a serious traveler.

The Skymiles program is to award people that are frequent Delta fliers. I know I use my miles as soon as I get enough for a free ticket.

By Larry

January 4, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Alas, another “perq” gone by the wayside. My years of Delta, Lifetime Medallion, Flying Colonel down the drain. Those trips to Europe, Asia, etc. for naught. I thought they were a loyalty bonus—so much for loyalty!

By Daniel

January 4, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

This only applies to individuals that do NO business with Delta (or on a SkyMiles AMEX)for a period longer than 24 months. If you don’t meet those requirements, you don’t need the miles.

Also, check the expiration on other airlines. Delta made this move to be in line with their competition. Delta was the ONLY airline allowing a grace period of 3 years. They also gave away over 5 million MORE miles than the next competitor in 2005.

By ACP

January 4, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Just Saturday I tried to use what few I have to buy some seats out west. After 90 minutes on the phone to India, with people who barely speak English, “there are none available”> Yet on the same flights I was trying to use Sky Miles I bought 2 tickets for a couple of hundred bucks.

Could Delta be anymore of a model; for “Big Business Gone Bad”.

Useless, incompetent, rude. They want our support as customers and tax-payers, yet they farm out their business to third world countries when we all know people looking for work here.

And what about all the money the government (read: You and Me) gave them after Sept. 11. And what happened there. All the executives who put them where they are today saw the mess they had created and bailed with huge pay-off’s. The loyal employees who have been there for years have lost all but everything.

Delta’s management needs to be taken to the same place Saddam Hussein went. They are incompetent and useless, and I think any one who flies them is a loser.

I have not in years, nor will I ever.

And for my few frequent flier points left, stupid me for even having them.

By Gary the K

January 4, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

What does the word “frequent” mean, as in “frequent flyer”?

Should it be overlooked like the work “illegal”, as in “illegal alien”?

By AMI

January 4, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

I GUESS I’LL BE USING NORTHWEST MORE OFTEN FROM NOW ON.

By Diogenes Jones

January 4, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

A previous poster had it right. I used to fly about every other week on Delta, and racked up tons of miles. But, I found they were next to useless — couldn’t ever get a ticket on a flight I wanted. Eventually, I blew them all for tickets for everyone in my far-flung family to fly to a small airport in Texas for a family reunion (one of the FEW destinations for which I could use my points — yes, I know, so I DID get something for them). Now, I fly AirTran whenever possible, and their free ticket program is so much better. Not as many destinations as Delta, for sure … but again, getting to those destinations using Delta points was a pipe dream. Now, with poor customer service and constantly packed cattle-car planes, I have NO reason to book with Delta any more, unless absolutely necessary.

By Yerfdog

January 4, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

I am continually amazed by Delta’s attitude towards its best customers. They continually take away any tangible benefits remaining in the Sky Miles program. There are fewer and fewer seats available for Sky Miles awards (unless you want pay a “mileage penalty”) and now you only have two years to use them. It shouldn’t matter whether I have flown anywhere in the last two years on Delta. I should be able to use the miles I earned anyway and at any period I desire.

It’s surprising to me that the SkyMiles program was awarded the “Best Airline” program. Clearly, no one asked the people on this blog their opinion.

By p** customer

January 4, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

If every profit dollar returned to Delta from going back on their frequent flier promise is used to pay into the pension plan for loyal employees, then and only then will I agree with this newest announcement to reduce the Skymiles program. Just do what you say you will do, no more, no less. Loyal employees and customers deserve better. The gravy train FED will not always to be there to bail you out of failed fiscal decisions.

By mike

January 4, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe the comments over this - what a bunch of babies. I fly around 75k miles a year on Delta and have used skymiles for 4 or 5 trips this year. If you don’t use after 2 years, 2 bad……..

By Eric S

January 4, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

The change to two years is more than fair. Delta was indeed the only airline to provide the generous 3 year grace period. Certainly any ‘frequent flier’ or AMEX Skymiles credit card member would have no problem maintaining their miles. Those of you who are sitting on your miles for more than two years without using them should rethink your reasoning for being a member of the frequent flier program.

As for using Skymiles, I agree that it is sometimes difficult to find the perfect flight when using Skymiles, but rather than spending 90 minutes on the phone to India (which last time I checked, is not a third world country), you should consider using Delta.com which can be used to book Skymiles travel within a few minutes.

Finally, the new perk for allowing multi-class bookings using Skymiles is also a very generous offer by the program. There have been several instances where I had been forced to book a roundtrip ticket in First Class rather than coach due to restrictions but the new rule gives me more flexibility while allowing me to save up some extra miles.

Congrats to Delta’s Skymiles program for their continued success and generous perks. If you don’t think they are fair, how do you explain Delta being awarded “Best Frequent Flyer Program,” “Best Airline Web Site” and “Best Airport Lounge” by Business Traveler readers in the 2006 Best in Business Travel Awards?

By J Thomas

January 4, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Air Tran For Me!! No problems, no gimmie and no takie back :-)

By Kay

January 4, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

If there has not been any activity for two years you are not a frequent traveller. If you are unable to get seats for your miles, is it possible that there are people actually purchasing those seats?

By tlings

January 4, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

AirTran’s miles expire as well. But, I prefer them over Delta.

By Jaybird

January 4, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

After decades of flying on Delta, multi-million miles, Flying Colonel, Lifetime Gold Medalion - yadda yadda, I am not surprised. They got so bad after 2001 that whenever I work within 500 miles of Atlanta, I drive. Much more pleasant and, by the time the flight is delayed, arrives late, and waits for a gate, is usually just as fast. And I don’t have to put up with the nasty attitudes.

I suppose most folks are upset over exposing yet another Delta lie, “Oh the old program will always remain and the miles never expire.” BTW, a stay at Hilton also will keep your miles alive, unlike Mariott, you don’t have to fly on Delta when you stay to qualify, or such has been my experience.

I remember just before Eastern died, business travelers had taken to wearing “I hate Eastern” buttons. I wonder when they will do the same for Delta?

By ftp

January 4, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Thanks Delta for giving consumers more reasons to use other carriers for travel.

By Dale

January 4, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

The big egos—After decades of flying on Delta, multi-million miles, Flying Colonel, Lifetime Gold Medalion— and racist attitudes—phone to India, with people who barely speak English,—- on this blog are pathetic.

If you don’t want to do business with Delta—move on and quit whining.

By al

January 4, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

They shouldn’t have it at all if they are going to expire the miles. Even occasional flyers should have the benefit if it exists. Otherwise, just get rid of the perk for everyone.

By arealff

January 4, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Welcome to the “it’s all about ME” generation, who lacks the willingness or mental capacity to look at an issue from from any perspective other than their own. It always amazes me that there is a portion of so-called “frequent fliers” who think Delta is running a charity and should give their product away indiscriminately. First of all, if you are indeed a frequent flier, chances are you travel for business and your company is not only paying for your ticket, but also paying you a salary to be on that plane. That being said, Delta DOES provide an avenue through its FF program to reward those travelers who are loyal to Delta. Fortunately for Delta, there are many loyal travelers, and only so many seats per plane. If Delta didn’t limit the number of “free” tickets allowed per flight, they would be in even worse finalcial trouble than they are now. I find it interesting that in all the years I have been a loyal Publix and Home Depot shopper, I have never received a free bag of groceries or a free box of nails, but people who fly regularly seem to think they should ALWAYS be upgraded to first class and NEVER have to pay. The fact is, those of you who are complaining seemm like spoiled, greedy children, and no matter what you are given, it is never enough.

By Jesse Benjamin

January 4, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Precisely how is it “racist” to point out that customer service representative speaks heavily accented (to the point of incomprehensibility) English? In the stupid universe of some people, “I can’t understand this Indian” = “I am a racist.”

By Deltaisdead

January 4, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

I have spent the last 2 days trying to obtain SkySaver (25K one-way miles requried) award ticket round-trip from ATL to MCO (Orlando). What is it 20 round-trips per day by Delta to MCO and they cant deem one of these to be non SkyChoice (50K miles ONE-WAY!!!).

Like im going to cash in 100K miles and deal with their antiquated old bat stewardesses for a trip to AirTran’s headquarter city!!!

Delta is dead. Has been for quite awhile, will continue to be, nothing’s changed.

I can’t believe when US Air takes them over they will keep the Delta name. What bad PR guru advised them on that!?!?!

By Tennis Babe

January 4, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

I agree with Eric that the change is fair. Please remember that Delta is trying to run a business. If you haven’t flown for 2 years, then what are you so concerned about? Just get an AmEx SkyMiles card, and you’ll rack up points so easily.

I am glad you can use a combination of SkySaver and SkyChoice awards now - it will save me lots of miles. If you book far enough in advance, it really isn’t that hard to use the miles.

By bulldogbill

January 4, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

I wish I could use all my skymiles to replace my luggage lost on Delta’s airlines. Is there any worse customer service than delta provides in Atlanta?

By aaaaaaaaaaaa

January 4, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Just another reason to NOT fly Delta- Air Tran’s the way to go!!

By Brian

January 4, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Unless you’re a gold or platinum member, its about impossible to use your miles anyway.

I have silver status on Delta and just booked a trip to Milan using my miles. There were no skysaver tickets available so I had to pony up 200,000 miles for two skychoice tickets.

And getting a free upgrade on any domestic flight is near impossible.

I was loyal to Delta for a long time because I wanted a free trip to Europe. Now that I’ve used up my miles, I’m not so sure I’ll be so dedicated to them because I don’t think its going to be worth it down the road.

By tech

January 4, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

What Delta may lack in “Customer Service”, they make up on in safety. FYI: Air Tran used to be Value Jet and we all know how safe it was to fly on their flights. Air Tran, same company, new name.

By Jerry R

January 4, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

If anyone remembers, Delta was the pioneer of frequent flyer programs nearly 25 years ago. After a successful temporary program, Delta continued its program and other airlines followed suit. The airline industry has and continues to change over the years and so must the loyalty programs. You can bet that other non-airline loyalty programs have also changed but you don’t hear much complaining about that.

This blog for the most part seems to just be a vehicle for the usual “Delta Bashers” to vent their ridiculous statements. Two years to maintain an unused account is very reasonable. There are numerous ways to maintain an active account through AMEX purchase, natural gas consumption, hotels, dining, car rentals, etc. Think about it. Would you want to be an accountant for someone who give you zero business over the course of two years?

Delta has the right to be proud of it’s SkyMiles Program and the awards for “Best Frequent Flyer Program,” “Best Airline Web Site” and “Best Airport Lounge” by Business Traveler readers in the 2006 Best in Business Travel Awards. Delta has been and continues to be a first class airline and an excellent member of the Atlanta and Georgia business community. I’m sure you will continue to see her shine as she emerges from bankruptcy.

By Al G

January 4, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

No activity for 2 years versus 3 years is no big deal at all. There are many ways to keep the miles valid. By the way, frequent flier seats are freebies, so if you wait for the last minute and show no flexibilty, of course you’ll not get what you want. My wife and I are going to Paris in 2 weeks business elite on Skymiles tickets. Had to go via Detroit on Air France and reserved 6 months ago, but the price sure is right! Stop whining and support our home town airline.

By NJ

January 4, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

1) Delta does not have any obligation to continue to provide frequent flyer miles. You have a company that is generously allowing its customers to accumulate miles to later get FREE seats on flights; seats for which it otherwise would receive hundreds to thousands of dollars in revenue.

2) Frequent flyer programs are geared at rewarding FREQUENT travelers. As has been mentioned here before, if you do not do any business with Delta for over two years ( and this includes taking a flight OR using a Delta Skymiles-earning credit card) then you are not a frequent flyer and your miles should rightfully expire.

3) I have had elite status with Delta for many years and I have NEVER had a problem redeeming miles for free seats. I flew business class to Rome and from Venice this year with frequent flyer miles. While it admittedly took some flexibility on my part with respect to the dates on which I could take flights, I nonetheless got a $4,000 ticket for FREE.

4) If you don’t like Delta, don’t fly them. Most of us still live in a country where you have the right to have a have a difference of opinion without being labeled a traitor. Go fly AirTran; someone has to keep them in business because it surely isn’t going to be me.

By Midtown Blue

January 4, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

I fly twice weekly at a minimum. I consistently find Delta’s personnel (both at the airport and on the telephone) to be the most friendly and helpful of all the airlines. The SkyMiles changes are fine with me — flying is a business and I completely understand the changes. I am constantly amazed at how much Atlantans complain about everything. So many Atlantans want something for nothing — just do your jobs and allow Delta to do its job…

By deltaisdead

January 4, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Ah i see the call has gone out to the Delta PR flacks to swoop into this blog!! “Must…position….Delta…as…customer…friendly….must…convince…flyers…AirTran(Valujet)…is…unsafe…ACCK!!!(keels over from lack of oxygen to brain cells)

I just loved these witty quips: ‘Delta does not have any obligation to continue to provide frequent flyer miles.’

This gem is rich in irony also: ‘If you don’t like Delta, don’t fly them.’

I don’t know if you are aware of this fact mental genius but lots of us ARE not flying Delta. The LCC’s (look it up) are cleaning the legacy carriers clocks!!!

“Must…position….Delta…as…customer…friendly….ACCK!!!(keels over from lack of oxygen to brain cells)

By RS

January 4, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if you are aware of this fact mental genius but lots of us ARE not flying Delta. The LCC’s (look it up) are cleaning the legacy carriers clocks!!!

Hey genius (i.e., Deltaisdead), for soooo many people not flying Delta, all flights I have been on over the past year have been near capacity. I agree with NJ, if you don’t like a carrier, don’t fly them. Without people like you on my Delta flights, things will be much more enjoyable.

By Noelle

January 4, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

From some of these comments, I think some people are misunderstanding this change. SkyMiles will now expire 2 years after the end of the year of your last flight (or other qualifying event) with Delta. If you fly Delta any time this year, none of your miles (including ones you already have) will expire until December 31, 2009. Previously, it would have been December 31, 2010. The date you earned the miles has nothing to do with when they expire, unless that was your last qualifying event.

By CMG

January 4, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

As a Platinum member for several years now, I think that many of the changes they’ve made recently are great and LONG overdue. The automatic upgrade requests, automatically adding you to the airport upgrade list if you don’t clear ahead of time, combining of award levels, and the award travel calendar are great improvements (to me they were obvious and should have been changed a long time ago but I’m thankful of the change.

However, the elimination of the Crown Room for Platinum members and the new rules around upgrades being based on ticket price I think are terrible - and possibly reprehensible. I know that I’ve worked in years past to make sure that I booked Delta to ensure that I flew enough on them to reach Platinum one day. While I often had lower fare options, it was important for me to work towards Platinum and be rewarded for that effort. But now with the Crown Room no longer being complimentary with Platinum level and upgrades being based on ticket price, I see less and less reason for me to stay loyal to Delta to achieve their highest level.

By Interesting

January 4, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

This sounds cute: “to be in line with what other carriers are doing.”

Hmmm… I wish they’d use that logic when it came to setting ticket prices.

WHENEVER possible - AirTran.

By Derek

January 5, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

If you haven’t flown in TWO YEARS, then Quit Complaining …

I am thinking of going into Publix and Kroger, and demanding free food, just for being a loyal customer …

Same goes for Georgia Power, I demand free service for being a loyal customer …

I would love for all the complainers on this forum to list their place of business, so I can demand free service …

If You Haven’t Flown in TWO YEARS, then Quit Complaining …

.

By Bob

January 5, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Nothing like a Delta blog to bring out the trolls. 1.4 million miles on Delta, and no complaints. Miles are a gift. Don’t like the program? Quit it - a very simple solution.

By yellowjax

January 5, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

I understand the need to clean some old accounts off the books and to make changes to the program from time to time but the customer service aspec is lacking greatly. I traveled heavy for several years and amassed enough miles for about 4 round trip flights. After so much travel for so long, getting on a plane was not high on my list. I had, however, decided to use my mules this year for a family reunion. When I first heard of the planned changes to the program I called Delta on January 2nd to reactivate my miles (by paying $50) only to be told, “I sorry sir but your miles expired at the end of November.” I then went to my online account and was informed the my miles had expired at the end of December. No the AJC is telling me that starting in January accounts will expire! Well, what is it Delta? November? December? January? All I know is I now have no miles and was told “…there’s nothing we can do about it.” How about some customer service Delta. You need it now more than ever.

By aaaaaaaaaa

January 5, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

I think this is less about time restrictions on accounts and more about Delta adding more restrictions. Long ago, Delta rewarded FF’s…..the Fly Colonel program, comped Crown room memberships…..I for one wouldn’t fly anyone else EVER, because I knew Delta rewarded my business!! No Eastern, no United, no Cont,………there were no other airlines in my travel. Now I can hardly get a flight without spending 50k miles with thier studid “Sky-Choice” program. ……and forget talking to someone with Delta that gives a flip… I have no loyalty to Delta anymore!!

By Deltaisdead

January 5, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Ooooh I wondered when the old hag flight attendants would also jump on this blog. Your crappy attitude toward customers is one of the reasons Delta is in the state its in….

By joe

January 5, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Bottom line is : Delta Sucks! Used to fly them all the time; won’t anymore. Bad employee attitudes, poor service, high prices; with their financial health, there is no way their maintenance can possibly be by the letter. Yeah it’s worn, but it’ll still fly! Put a fork in ‘em, they’re done. Let US Air take them over. Time to let the beyond terminal patient die!!!

By Deltaisdead

January 5, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Poor old Delta. A once great company that’s now a shell of its former self due to employees that tell customers ‘dont fly Delta’

….kinda like Coca-Cola (and Home Depot…and BellSouth…typical Atlanta.

By john

January 5, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

I found they were useless as well, just short of a scam if you ask me. For years now we haven’t been able to use SkyMiles. They allot an “undisclosed” amount of seats to SkyMiles travelers per flight, and the only way to travel somewhere desirable is to be in the phone the minute the seats are released (3 hundred and something days before the flight??) or something ridiculous like that. And if you can find seats, they aren’t they typical 25,000, you generally have to use double the points. I finally cancelled my Amex Delta card and switched to a Marriott Visa. Like many, I only fly Delta if I have no option.

By deltaisdead

January 8, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Just like Delta, this blog has been declared dead.

By deltaisdead

January 9, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Is the AJC short on blog topics? This blog has been on the front page for almost a week now with no activity.

Even Delta haters such as myself are bored with it. Find a new topic such as a profile of Tempe, AZ (soon to be corporate headquarters of the ‘new’ Delta!, er US Air)….