The Delta Air Lines SkyMiles program went from bad to downright horrible when it came to aspirational travel. Do you want to upgrade? You can expect to pay up to 499,500 miles each way.
Some of the ridiculous pricing we have seen on Delta to upgrade has been highlighted. Want to go to South Africa? 500K miles each way would be set back by that.
This is not a one time occurrence. All of the plan is what it is. You can upgrade by paying the difference between the coach and business class prices at a rate of one cent per mile. There is usually upgrade availability. You can't afford it. If you are smart, that's good.
It's absurd because you have a choice when you earn and when you spend. Despite its above-average treatment of top-tier flyers, it makes no sense to spend money on Delta and it is becoming more and more attractive to credit your SkyTeam flights, including Delta.
When you can use a points card with a much more lucrative return, why would you spend money on a card that only gives you a cent back?
Delta is also very happy about it. Delta's Vice President of Loyalty recently explained his position.
“Our focus here is to provide consistent and sustainable value…so we are not necessarily trying to play the game with customers or with bloggers. We listen to what customers want and we try to offer that on a compelling value across the board and that’s been our focus and we look at value more holistically as well. Mileage redemption is a big portion of it, but also just everything else that Delta can provide in terms of experience and making them come back to us…
“It’s also validated by the fact that customers are not only joining the program at record levels but also taking up co-brand at record levels which is further faith that this is a currency they want to earn.”
Why should we give you any value with premium redemption when you will sign up for our cards anyways? There is a point to be made.
The chief of Delta SkyMiles defended higher prices for premium awards.
Unless you are willing to leave SkyMiles, don't expect any changes. Is it possible that you are willing?
Skymiles have become worthless in terms of cabin redemptions. It isn't just "bloggers" who like to redeem their miles for awards It is not possible at Delta. If you want to score a great premium cabin deal, you need a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.
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