Delta Air Lines admits they may have made a hasty judgment call with the recent updates to its SkyMiles program.
At the start of September, Delta rolled out several updates that made it more difficult for American Express cardholders to enter Delta Sky Clubs. American Express premium cardholders went from unlimited club access to just six a year. Additionally, Delta announced a change in how it assigns Medallion elite status to frequent fliers. Participants will have to meet a certain Medallion Qualifying Dollars, which is higher than it once was. The MQD waiver is also getting the boot, which was offered by Delta credit cards, CNN explained. Many of these changes were scheduled to go into effect next year and 2025. However, CEO Ed Bastian feels that the company put these changes into effect too soon.
“We need to make certain that we can serve our higher tiers with the level of premium experience that you deserve and you expect. No question we probably went too far,” Bastian shared during an appearance at the Rotary Club of Atlanta on Monday. The topic was met with boos from the crowd.
Delta has seen a sharp surge in elite-status fliers. This has been a challenge for the airlines to keep up with the demand.
“It’s gotten to the point, honestly, where we have so much demand for our premium product and services that are far in excess of our ability to serve it effectively in terms of our assets,” Bastian explained.
Bastian did not detail which modifications were coming but ensured customers that improvements were on the way.
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