airportugal310 wrote:RDUDDJI wrote:max999 wrote:
I think it's great that DL lowered the price of F and is selling more of those seats. Instead of listening to the Flyertalk crowd who think free upgrades are a god given right.
It cuts both ways. As someone who has spent ~$300K (of my company's money) on DL in the last few years, the devaluation of their FF benefits (i.e. upgrades, diminishing mileage value, etc.) over the last decade has made me less loyal. I still prefer DL, but now I just fly whoever is fastest and cheapest. I've prob moved 20-25% of my flying to other airlines. I've also gotten rid of the DL AMEX in favor of an airline agnostic rewards card.
DL seems to be leading the race to devalue FF benefits in the U.S. From a business perspective, I guess I can't blame them. Dollar for dollar, they likely make more money from all the ancillary revenue that peeps with no status bring (i.e. bag fees, FCM, C+, seat assignments, etc.). Time will tell whether watering down FF programs is a good move or not, but results like this make it look like it's working for them.
Agreed on the DL AMEX...It’s basically a garbage card of mine now that I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
It depends how you look at and use the cards. I have an Amex Plat card, but I also have a DL Reserve card. The MQM boosts help me ensure I maintain my DL status. I often have to travel with large equipment cases and the (3) free 70lb bags is a big saver. I always make good use of the buy one get one free first class ticket that you get with the Reserve Card. I put about a $500-1000 value on that.
All of the airlines will continue to devalue benefits as long as they are making money. We will see if things change if the economy tanks. The airlines have never had it this good.