Delta is now the first major airline in the United States to unconditionally renew elite status for the second year in a row. Delta extends status until 2023Delta SkyMiles extends Medallion status for a second year in a row, meaning status is valid until January 31, 2023. Additionally, Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) earned in 2021 will carry over to 2022 to qualify for 2023 Medallion Status. This more or less reflects the status upgrade we saw from Delta SkyMiles earlier this year. While most airlines renewed their status last year, it was a different story this year, at least in the United States, as the pace of the domestic travel recovery rebounded. At the beginning of this year, Delta started a campaign to make it easier to earn status. In particular, flights count towards status 50-75% faster than usual, and award flights also count towards status. This promotion will still be valid. While those whose status has been extended will not be able to select new Choice Benefits, existing global and regional upgrade certificates that have been acquired will be extended through January 31, 2023. An incentive to qualify for delta statusSome people will no doubt say, “Well, that’s not fair, I’ve already requalified for status and now Delta will just give it to other members for free.” For these people, there is an interesting angle here. Starting February 1, 2022, those who qualified for status in 2021 will be eligible for free upgrades before those with the same tier that have been extended. I think it’s a really smart turn for Delta to expand this opportunity. Elite members are often concerned about the swell of the elite ranks, and the main practical impact is competition for upgrades. This benefit addresses it, at least for those of the same elite tier. Another incentive to qualify for status is that if your status is simply renewed, you can select Choice Benefits, while you will not receive any additional Choice Benefits. Delta 360 invitation-only status will also be extendedIn addition to the published Delta SkyMiles Medallion Levels, there is also the Delta 360 program, which is invite-only. The airline has confirmed that this status will also be extended for another year until January 31, 2023. All Delta 360 members can choose Diamond Choice benefits. Delta is the second airline to extend invitation-only status, as United extended Global Services a few days ago. Will other airlines follow Delta’s lead?You’d assume the answer was yes, since the major airlines tend to all follow each other on such things. Delta was the first major airline to announce that the status would be renewed in 2020, and now it is the first major airline to announce that the status will be renewed in 2021. In this case, however, I’m not entirely sure if other airlines will follow suit. That’s not to say it can’t or won’t happen, but I think more likely that other airlines won’t follow suit. For example, we’ve seen American AAdvantage launch several promotions that gradually make it easier to earn status. The latest promotion allows you to maintain your status by simply spending $ 15,000 on an American Airlines co-branded credit card or earning 2,000 Qualifying Elite Dollars (EQDs). I’m not sure American thinks it has to be a lot easier to earn status for yourself. That’s the main reason I’m not convinced that other major airlines will keep up. Bottom lineDelta has extended elite status for the second year in a row, so anyone who earned status in 2019 or later can enjoy it through January 2023. The airline continues to run their promotions that allow you to get expedited status. Additionally, those who actually qualify for status this year will enjoy upgrade priority, which seems fair. Again, what do you think of Delta Renewal Status? Do you think other airlines will follow suit? Via https://globalconnekt.com/wow-delta-skymiles-extends-status-for-another-year/
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March 2022
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