No Result
View All Result
Eye of the Flyer
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • 0% Intro APR Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • 0% Intro APR Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result

#KeepClimbing and #KeepDescending: Our Delta Air Lines 2022 Year-in-Review

Chris Carley by Chris Carley
December 30, 2022
in Airlines
6
Los Angeles, California - April 18, 2014: A Delta Air Lines Boeing 757-200 with the registration N655DL takes off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California. Delta Air Lines is the world's largest airline with 733 planes and some 160 million passengers in 2012. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

(©iStock.com/Boarding1Now)

Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc. has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Eye of the Flyer and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.


It’s time for one of our favorite traditions: some of Delta Air Lines‘ happenings that earned them #KeepClimbing and #KeepDescending headlines.

What are “#KeepClimbing” and “#KeepDescending”?

Delta introduced its “Keep Climbing” slogan several years ago. It’s upbeat, inspirational, and very appropriate for a company in the airline business. So, when Delta does something we find admirable, we tag it “#KeepClimbing.”

But when Delta makes a move unfriendly towards its customers or employees, the slogan gets a snarky twist. That’s when we smack a “#KeepDescending” on a topic.

In short:

  • #KeepClimbing = Good
  • #KeepDescending = Bad

(I’m tempted to call these the Annual Climbies and Descenties Awards. What do you think? 🙂 )

As usual, please fasten your seatbelts. We’re about to encounter some steep climbs and descents.

Delta logo in a 767-400

#KeepClimbing: Award Travel Permanently Counts Toward Elite Status

SkyMiles award travel counted toward elite Medallion status during most of 2021 and all of this year.

But at the end of March, Delta put a ring on it and announced that SkyMiles award travel applies toward Medallion status for good.

#KeepClimbing: Delta Extends Existing eCredits Through 2023

One of Delta’s first moves of 2022 was extending unused eCredit’s expiration dates to December 31, 2023. The airline noted, “Customers will be able to rebook their ticket by December 31, 2023, for travel throughout 2024.”

So, really, we have a long time to use the credits fully. Nicely done, Delta.

Chiba, Japan - May 05, 2019:Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900 (N512DN) passenger plane.
(©iStock.com/viper-zero)

#KeepClimbing: Opening New Terminals and Sky Clubs

Delta opened several new infrastructure improvements at a few airports.

First, the long-awaited Terminal 3 rebuild at LAX finally opened. A gorgeous new Sky Club (with a deck!) welcomed guests in April. Then a few gates debuted in Spring 2022. Finally, the rest of T3 in September.

Delta unveiled its stunning new terminal at New York’s LaGuardia airport just after Memorial Day. That is home to another fantastic Sky Club.

A new club opened up at Tokyo Haneda, as well.

Finally, some of us Chicago Seminars attendees were able to enjoy Delta’s new digs and Sky Club at Chicago O’Hare. (The new ORD club even features two boarding gates!)

#KeepDescending: Delta’s Massive Sky Club Policy Changes

Yes, Delta’s new Sky Clubs are very nice. The food and beverage options are, for the most, improving.

But, man, did Delta anger some of us with their admission policy changes throughout the year.

In early May, Delta announced passengers could access Sky Clubs only within three hours of their flight’s departure time. (Not boarding time.) They also initially cut access for arriving passengers — but rescinded that several days later after much apparent backlash.

That surely would cut down on any overcrowding issues, right?

Well, the same policies didn’t exactly do wonders for American Express Centurion Lounges.

Bit of a line for the #LasVegas #CenturionLounge. pic.twitter.com/tDtT8hcTxM

— Eye of the Flyer ✈️ (@EyeOfTheFlyer) November 18, 2022

So, Delta announced drastic measures in November — and punished its own Medallion members. You know, the people who are the best part of Delta (or whatever the marketing pitch is).

Its own SkyTeam Elite Plus members may no longer visit Sky Clubs during international trips — unless they’re flying Premium Economy or Delta One. Or, of course, if they have Sky Club membership or present one of the American Express cards including Sky Club access. (The change takes effect February 2, 2023.)

The airline also increased the prices for both Individual and Executive memberships. Big time.

Even if you purchased a Sky Club membership, don’t even think about going in there if you’re flying Basic Economy.

Delta Air Lines' Airbus A321neo First Class setup
Delta Air Lines’ Airbus A321neo First Class setup

#KeepClimbing: Delta Introduces Free WiFi on Flights

Delta has, for years, talked about free WiFi on their flights.

Well, it’s finally happening. It started out first as an option for Medallion members on select flights.

Then it moved to all SkyMiles members on certain aircraft.

The process will take a while — but it’s very much a step in the right direction.

Delta A321neo
Delta A321neo (photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)

#KeepClimbing: Delta Introduces its A321neo

I had the pleasure of flying Delta’s first A321neo revenue flight. It’s a great aircraft. I like the First Class seats’ new design. But they could use a little more legroom.

Delta SkyMiles Medallion status bag (brag) tags.

#KeepDescending: MQD Hikes for Medallion Status

Three Delta Medallion status levels’ MQD requirements jump fairly drastically starting January 1, 2023.

  • Diamond Medallion goes from $15,000 MQD to $20,000 
  • Platinum Medallion goes from $9,000 MQD to $12,000 
  • Gold Medallion goes from $6,000 MQD to $8,000 

$8,000 for Gold Medallion is kind of nuts. $12,000 for Platinum? A little steep but I get it. $20,000 for Diamond is sort of bonkers.

Delta Medallion Kit 2022

#KeepDescending: The Timing of Delta’s MQD Announcement

Those MQD requirement increases were announced on October 6. That’s pretty late in the year for Delta to announce something pretty drastic taking effect January 1. You can’t tell me Delta said to themselves, “Oh, we didn’t realize that…”

#KeepClimbing: Delta’s Refreshed and New Choice Benefits

Diamond and Platinum Medallions remaining loyal to the mothership can choose from some generously refreshed and brand new Choice Benefits.

An Air France Airbus is seen at a Terminal 4 gate at London Heathrow International Airport (LHR) in the UK.

#KeepDescending: “The Biggest Devaluation Of All Time”?

Delta’s SkyMiles redemptions for partner airlines somehow gets even more ridiculous.

The first class cabin of a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900ER jet, registration number N876DN.

#KeepClimbing: FINALLY! We Can Apply Upgrade Certificates Ourselves!

Can you believe it? Delta finally allows Medallions to apply Upgrade Certificates ourselves.

Final Approach

Going by the numbers, the #KeepClimbings outweigh the #KeepDescendings.

So, that’s good.

But most of the #KeepDescendings were pretty ugly. The Sky Club changes, ludicrous SkyMiles redemptions, and big MQD hikes late in the year aren’t cool.

Those genuinely challenge people’s loyalty. My family’s international travel likely will be limited using SkyMiles.

Howevever, the #KeepClimbings do include some fairly exciting stuff. I especially like the free WiFi, ability to apply Upgrade Certificates, and Sky Club improvements.

What do you think about our #KeepClimbings and #KeepDescendings? Did we miss anything? Do you disagree with something? Please share your thoughts in the below Comments section!

 

 

Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc. has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Eye of the Flyer and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.


Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Related

Tags: Delta Air Lines
Previous Post

#KeepClimbing: Delta Now Lets You Apply Upgrade Certificates Online!

Next Post

A Quick Reminder Before the Year Ends Tonight

Chris Carley

Chris Carley

Chris Carley is the owner, editor, and lead writer of Eye of the Flyer (formerly known as Rene's Points).

Next Post
It's about to become 2023!

A Quick Reminder Before the Year Ends Tonight

Comments 6

  1. Frankie says:
    1 month ago

    I think you might be mistaken that I cannot access a SC with my Reserve card when flying BE. I never heard this before.

    Reply
    • Chris Carley says:
      1 month ago

      You can with an eligible Amex card — but not with a purchased membership.

      Reply
  2. Wayne says:
    1 month ago

    It sux that I can no longer select an annual Guest Pass as a Choice Benefit. When Delta added it to the mix a couple of years ago it instantly became my first choice. If I want to continue bringing guests into the Sky Club it’ll now cost me THREE Choice Benefits. I’m seriously thinking about giving up the rat race to Diamond. With my 700K MQMs and the AM Ex spend waiver, I could settle for Platinum and wouldn’t have to fly for the next ten years.

    Reply
    • Frankie says:
      1 month ago

      Assuming they keep the PM MQM threshold at 75,000 indefinitely which is unlikely.

      Reply
      • Wayne says:
        1 month ago

        MQM thresholds could change but there’s very little wiggle room for Delta to do that. Because MQMs require a significant investment of time, the number of miles or segments most passengers can fly is limited. But with spend thresholds, it’s clear that the sky is the limit as long as Delta raises the bar slowly.
        After playing the game for eight years I believe the most valued Delta customer is a Gold Medallion who spends upwards of $25K annually. They are not afforded Delta 360 experiences or Choice Benefits. And they only rarely, if ever, receive First Class upgrades.

        Reply
  3. Barry Graham says:
    1 month ago

    The MQD hikes would be more easy to stomach of, like the other major airlines, there were a way to combine credit card and flight spending to reach the target. The $250K spending limit is also ridiculous. Furthermore, if you make Diamond one of these ways and have a high total with the other way, it’s completely wasted ought to be rolled over to the next year or used for some other benefit, for example if you reach Diamond via spending and have $14K of flight spending.

    Earlier in the year I was able to book a round trip to Israel in Delta One for 170K with Virgin. Recently the price was 240K. It’s now 500K or more which is in line with the Delta prices.

    Another #KeepDescending is the fact that global upgrades are now the only way to guarantee Delta One seats on some DOMESTIC flights. No that is not a misprint. I really do mean “global” not “regional”. I went back to the announcement of policy changes and found something that many of us may have missed or may not have appreciated what it really meant until I saw this issue with Global upgrades. “Global Upgrade Certificates will now have access to all Domestic First Class and Delta Premium Select seats upon request. This means any Domestic First Class and Delta Premium Select seats not yet sold will be available to be cleared immediately upon request.”

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

➤ Search Eye of the Flyer

No Result
View All Result

Subscribe

Subscribe To Our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

GREAT Travel and Cash Back Card Offers!

Eye of the Flyer may receive a commission from the links below. See our Privacy Policy

See CardRatings’ Top Credit Cards for This Month!

Ink Cash Credit Card

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Limited-time promotion: BEST EVER OFFER! Earn $900 bonus cashback (90,000 points) after spending $6,000 in purchases within three (3) months of card membership approval. Learn here how to apply.

Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card Limited-time promotion: BEST EVER OFFER! Earn $900 bonus cashback (90,000 points) after spending $6,000 in purchases within three (3) months of card membership approval. Learn here how to apply.

Learn how to apply for the NEW Capital One Venture X card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the new must-have “it” card for travel lovers! Earn 75,000 bonus points (worth at least $750 in travel) after spending $4,000 in purchases within three months of card membership approval. Plus, enjoy up to $300 annually in statement credits for travel purchased through Capital One AND 10,000 bonus points every year, after the first anniversary. The $395 annual fee can EASILY be earned back (here’s how) — and then some! Learn now how to apply!

The Ink Business Preferred cardEarn 100,000 bonus Chase Ultimate Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on purchases during the first three months of being an Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card member! Earns 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. (Earn 1X per $1 on all other purchases.)

  Earn cash back with Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) Earn cash back with TopCashback! RebatesMe Earn cash back with DOSH!

✍ Editors Disclaimer | lock, login, protection, secure icon Privacy Policy | $ Advertisers Disclosure

 

Subscribe

Subscribe To Our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉

Copyright © 2021 Eye of the Flyer

No Result
View All Result
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • 0% Intro APR Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉

Copyright © 2021 Eye of the Flyer

Cleantalk Pixel

Subscribe To Our Newsletter


Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!