In an email to SkyMiles members Wednesday, Oct. 18, CEO Ed Bastian shared several updates to the Delta's SkyMiles Program changes that were announced in September.
As CEO of Delta Air Lines, Ed Bastian leads 100,000 global professionals who are building the world’s premier international airline, powered by a people-driven, customer-focused culture and spirit of innovation.
Follow Ed on LinkedIn and Instagram for his thoughts on leadership, culture, aviation and more.
Over the past few weeks, many of you have shared feedback about the changes we announced to Delta’s SkyMiles Program.
I have read hundreds of your emails, and what’s been most clear to me is how much you love Delta and the disappointment many of you felt by the significance of the changes. I appreciate your opinions and understand your disappointment. Your voice matters, and we are listening.
Your concerns largely centered around the accessibility of Medallion Status, the limitations on Delta Sky Club access and the need for greater recognition of our long-term loyal customers. As I have said in the past, it’s been a challenge to balance the growth of our membership with our need to deliver premium service experiences. Since the pandemic, our SkyMiles Medallion population has grown meaningfully. In fact, many of you have acknowledged this, and the need for change, in your emails. We made some difficult program decisions to address this issue and ensure we are delivering elevated service to our Members. 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 program adjustments and adding new benefits to begin earning in 2024 toward your 2025 status:
Making Medallion Status More Accessible:
We will reduce the proposed number of Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) needed to earn 2025 Medallion Status.
- Silver Medallion Status: from 6,000 to 5,000 MQDs
- Gold Medallion Status: from 12,000 to 10,000 MQDs
- Platinum Medallion Status: from 18,000 to 15,000 MQDs
- Diamond Medallion Status: from 35,000 to 28,000 MQDs
Greater Flexibility for Delta Sky Club Access:
We know how much you value the Delta Sky Club experience and will increase access for Members with a Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card. These changes will go into effect starting February 1, 2025.
- Card Members will now receive 15 days per year (up from 10 visits); all visits made in a 24-hour period will count as one day.
- Card Members will also be able to purchase Club access for $50 per day after using all allotted days.
- Card Members can earn unlimited Delta Sky Club access after spending $75,000 on an eligible card in a calendar year.
- Medallion Members also have the option of purchasing an annual individual Delta Sky Club membership for $695.
More Options for MQM Rollover Balances:
We have heard from many Members who had long-term plans for their Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQM) Rollover balances. Customers with high balances will receive special multi-year options to extend their Status, including the ability to choose complimentary Medallion Status at your current tier for one year per every 100,000 MQMs.
More Recognition and Rewards for Long-Term Loyalty:
We want our long-term loyalists to know how much you’re truly appreciated. Effective February 1, 2024, we are significantly upgrading annual Complimentary Status achievement levels for all Million Milers.
- 6M+ from Diamond Medallion to Delta 360o™
- 5M from Platinum Medallion to Delta 360o™
- 4M from Platinum Medallion to Diamond Medallion
- 3M from Gold Medallion to Diamond Medallion
- 2M from Gold Medallion to Platinum Medallion
- 1M from Silver Medallion to Gold Medallion
More information about these and other changes – including new and enhanced Choice Benefits for Platinum and Diamond Medallion Members and MQD head starts for eligible Delta SkyMiles Card Members – will be shared with you shortly in an email from Dwight James, our S.V.P. of Customer Engagement & Loyalty.
Your loyalty matters. When I read your emails, you clearly expressed how much Delta is part of your lifestyle. I greatly appreciate that, and we don’t take it lightly. Our investment in your experience will always be at the heart of everything we do. I know the modifications we have made won’t solve for every disappointment. Our goal is to do our best to ensure we deliver the service and benefits your loyalty deserves.
Thank you for the trust you place in us. We will continue to earn it every day.