Delta Air Lines gets failing grades on upgrades for loyal customers

Delta has reduced the importance of the casual business traveler, leaving many loyal passengers out in the cold. Evidence of these changes is apparent in the gradual belt-tightening around SkyMiles, the mileage program that Delta (DAL) uses to entice frequent fliers back to the airline.

Earning and using those perks is where Delta is making drastic changes, most visibly in the realm of redeeming earned miles for free travel. Though the airline heralds numerous changes widening the applicability of their mileage program, they've also reduced the volume of low-cost award seats available to consumers. In economic terms, they've flooded the market with currency but raised the price of toilet paper, and loyal passengers are furious.