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Airlines
Delta has revised the changes to its Skymiles loyalty program that sparked a backlash. The update still relies on money spent - but with lower thresholds.
Selene Brophy | 1 month ago
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Today's edition of Skift's daily podcast examines Delta's earnings, big tech's AI travel moves, and Airbnb's senior housing research.
Rashaad Jorden | 2 months ago
When it comes to airline loyalty, if everyone is "elite" no one is. As Delta rebalances its loyalty program, customers need to remember it is a business in the service of shareholders. I'm surprised it has taken this long for programs to arrive at this revenue-driven conclusion.
Colin Nagy | 2 months ago
Delta has moved the goalpost for more than 100 million members of the SkyMiles program. What does it mean? Delta does not want your loyalty anymore but rather your spending.
Ajay Awtaney, Skift | 2 months ago
While the travel industry was on its knees, travel loyalty programs continued to grow. But the pandemic has changed the travel industry, and loyalty programs need to follow suit.
Wouter Geerts | 2 years ago
For those who are willing to pay for access, Delta's SkyMiles Select program is a good alternative to flying the requisite miles to earn elite status. But it also sets an interesting precedent for paying for overhead bin space.
Grant Martin, Skift | 4 years ago
Delta's strategy now appears to be driving loyalty in a different way: Instead of flying on the carrier because of SkyMiles, passengers simply want to fly on a better product.
It used to be that hardcore loyalty nerds would avoid Delta's SkyMiles program because of its poor earning and redeeming channels. Now thanks to constant product improvements, those concerns may be moot.
Delta is the first major U.S. carrier to adopt a broader policy for extending elite status, including not just those who take parental leave but also flyers who experience other major life events. It's a good way to engender long-term loyalty among the airline's most valuable customers.
Grant Martin, Skift | 5 years ago