Keep on the lookout to join the Delta focus group “Sky Panel” – They are inviting new members!

Well, this was a sad email to get last night while I was sitting on a Delta jet (but I felt better since I only paid 250 SkyMiles for it). I have, for quite some time now, been a part of the Delta online focus group called Sky Panel. I, and older group members like me, have now been “retired” and they are bringing on new blood so check your e-mail or even spam folder as invites are on the way. You can NOT request to be part of the group, they have to ask you.

From the Sky Panel APP you get a peek at what the home page looks like that you cannot access without logging in.

The weekly routine of the group is a online poll and then normally some kind of question Delta wants feedback on such as when Delta was working on the C+ upgrade list for the GIDS or the gate display screens how to best present them, that is, each on its own page or both on one page. Also questions about if you have any Delta AMEX cards (shockingly many did not have one). Thankfully most in the group I was in did have either the Delta Platinum card or the Reserve card (smart).

One of the things, if you peek at the screen shot from the app home page above, you will see “You spoke, Delta listened!“. Well sorta. There was a question of how to display and where to display that SkyMiles don’t expire. I strongly suggested this is NOT true because when you die your SkyMiles do expire (unless your family does not tell Delta and just spends them). That fell on deaf ears and you see the wording Delta did add to Delta.com

There are some perks from being a part of the panel. If you take part each week and sometimes agree to longer tests when you fly you can get some bonus points. These points can then become real SkyMiles. Don’t expect much. I think I got 1k total (maybe 2k) per year. It was more to have fun and possibly have a positive impact on Delta.

As mentioned they are inviting new members. One reader, a Diamond, has already been invited and accepted as you see above. I encourage you to take part if you can as well (if you are invited that is).

Less neat is more PR marketing spin on OFCMB seat wording. Like what?

Basic E = Lowest Fare
Main = A Higher Standard
Delta C+ = Experience More
D1 = Premium Luxury

Delta sure is doing all they can to up-sell, at least in word if not deed, the two types of seats they currently have, that is, business class and coach.

I have to say I am a bit bummed out. I really enjoyed being a part of Sky Panel and not for the points. To have ANY kind of positive impact on Delta was a thrill. Some members were of a mind set like me and spoke up in the comments section on the panel when Delta was trying to do really dumb things. Others went along like sheep and I think many times Delta just wanted confirmation that what they were going to do was going to work with most flyers. At least Delta is trying to get user feedback before they implement some things and that makes me happy.

Have you been invited to join Sky Panel this week? – René