For much of the year, international borders were closed. Many international destinations remain closed. Although many offices will reopen in the fall, business travel is slowly recovering. However, the most valuable airline customers who are eligible for elite status on international business-class trips have been grounded.Each airline has taken steps towards addressing their declining elite ranks. United has offered promotion after promotion. American offers promotions that allow you to achieve status with reduced requirements, or to fly completely to avoid earning status. Delta is now making its move.Delta already gave elite status travel bonuses and made award trips count. They are now calling it quits, more or less.You can still enjoy your Medallion Status as of today. This includes any Global or Regional Upgrade Certificates. If you are currently on a journey to attain or maintain Status, you'll be recognized for your loyalty and receive enhanced benefits. You will also continue to earn at an accelerated pace. Award Travel can now count towards Status until December 31, 2022.Current elites who have been granted status extensions for 2022 will continue to enjoy their status (although Diamonds and Platinums are not eligible for new benefits).Current elites retain status for the 2022 elite years (although Platinums and Diamonds don't get new choice benefits). Status miles earned in this year rollover so that you can qualify for 2023 status.So your miles will qualify you for status in 2023. This innovation offering will also be available next year so that leisure travelers can continue to spend their miles and not forgo status. Delta believes this will be necessary even with rollovers clearly (the dominant Covid-19 variant is called Delta).This innovation offer will be available next year so that leisure travelers can continue spending their miles and not forgo status. Delta believes this will be necessary even with the rollovers clearly. Upgrade certificates extended, both regionally and global, for travel up to Jan. 31, 2023.You can travel worldwide and regionally until January 31, 2023. Additional benefits for earning status this Year This one is a bit shaky because it devalues those who are getting extended. Members who earn 2022 status instead of having their status extended will be upgraded ahead of elites of the same tier who had their status extended.Recently, I pointed out that American Airlines makes it so easy to keep status for next year. However, they should do more to encourage flying. Delta has found a way to rollover miles and give priority for upgrades, even though it comes at the expense of others who don't requalify. I would prefer big bonus promotions.(HT: W.S.
