Frequent Flyer Programs Continue to Lose Value

June 27, 2008 | Posted in: Airline Fees, Delta, Fuel Surcharges

The airlines keep on watering-down the loyalty programs. Latest case in point: Delta. I just received an email from the head of the carrier’s SkyMiles program — they are trying something new: Delta is adding fuel surcharges to SkyMiles “Award Travel”. $25 for Award Travel between the 50 states and Canada $50 for Award Travel between the 50 states/Canada and all international Let’s see: if you’re checking a couple of bags, you’re already paying an extra $25 one-way, as well as the $25 to $50 fuel surcharge, and that’s IF you can find a flight to redeem it on (good luck with destinations like Las Vegas and Orlando, and Hawaii is already a total zoo). Delta, is THIS what you want to do to your best customers?

3 Responses to “Frequent Flyer Programs Continue to Lose Value”

1. Tom says:

   June 27, 2008 at 5:54 pm

   I’ve been a loyal Delta elite member since 1997. As of today, I will work to cash in my miles by August.

   What a stupid move Delta.
2. Alex says:

   June 28, 2008 at 11:50 pm

   At least this is better than US Airways eliminating all elite bonus miles starting in August!
3. Alicia Ward says:

   July 13, 2008 at 2:52 am

   I accumulated Delta FF points when I lived in one of their captive markets. Now I’ve finally moved elsewhere, I’m thankful to have the option of avoiding them. Over the years, they’ve made it increasingly difficult to use award travel (I’ve been told there were no seats available in a 2 week window — over 6 months ahead of my travel dates). Recently, after being unable to use the award seats for the trip for which I wished to use them (east to west coast), I finally, after one week of dealing with their online booking system and talking to three levels of supervisor actually managed to get a ticket. In the future, I hope to avoid Delta entirely.