skymiles - Skift

Will Delta’s Subscription-Based Loyalty Perks Catch On?

Grant Martin, Skift

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.

4 months ago

Delta Sees Stronger Direct Sales From Loyal Customers

Grant Martin, Skift

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.

7 months ago

Delta’s Economy Upgrades Put Product Over Loyalty

Grant Martin, Skift

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.

8 months ago

Delta Extends Elite Status for Frequent Flyers Who Take a Break

Grant Martin, Skift

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.

10 months ago

Delta Frequent Flyers Are Fans of Less Seat Recline, More Laptop Room

Grant Martin, Skift

Despite the issue of seat recline being a perennial hot-button topic, most passengers seem to be in support of Delta limiting the amount of seat recline on some flights.

10 months ago

Delta’s Investments Pay Off in Business Traveler Loyalty

Grant Martin, Skift

On one hand, Delta's frequent flyers have a less-effective loyalty program. But on the other, they're flying a great airline.

2 years ago

Delta Brings Back Complimentary Upgrades for Frequent Flyers — Business of Loyalty

Grant Martin, Skift

Delta is slowly restoring benefits once-lost to SkyMiles members, but it's more of a competitive move against other carriers than an olive branch for passengers.

2 years ago

Delta CFO: Loyalty ‘Took Off’ When the Airline Switched to a Revenue-Based Model

Brian Sumers, Skift

Delta argues recent changes to its frequent flyer program have helped improved loyalty, but not everyone is so sure. What they almost certainly have done, however, is improve profitability.

3 years ago

Here’s How to Redeem 2.5 Million Delta SkyMiles for Four Hours in a Private Jet

Bloomberg, Michael Sasso and Justin Bachman

This is a nice idea by Delta, and it's getting some big buzz. But let's be honest, passengers can probably find better uses for 2.5 million SkyMiles than redeeming them for four-ish hours on a smaller private jet.

3 years ago

Delta Adds New Upgrade Perks for Some SkyMiles Members

Grant Martin, Skift

Delta just opened up upgrades for some of its elite members traveling on award tickets. While a great perk for travelers, it also may be an indication of Delta's willingness to bury the hatchet with SkyMiles members.

3 years ago