Is it worth being loyal to Delta?

Should Consumers Remain Loyal to Delta Corporation?

With repeated flight options available for everyone in the present day, it becomes quite natural for one to look for several airlines and compare the prices before going for a particular flight. It is however important to note that certain benefits come with being loyal to a particular airline such as Delta, especially for a flyer who frequently travels; this is because Delta Airlines has one of the most comprehensive loyalty programs that one could ever ask for. So here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of committing to Delta, and you can evaluate if it is worth it in your case.

Pros of Delta Loyalty

1. Generous miles rewards. Miles earned by Delta depend on the amount one spends on tickets as opposed to the distance traveled. It also has its SkyMiles program allowing members to accumulate miles to their credit quite easily, and if you are among those who possess a Delta branded credit card, then there is even a sign-up bonus and additional miles for every dollar charged.

2. Airline status perks. As you move up the SkyMiles Medallion levels, you gain more privileges you’d have to pay for such as Upgrade Awards, Priority A-Access, Free Baggage Allowance, Delta SkyClub Access, Fast-Track Security, and more. However, achieving certain statuses such as Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond takes Loyalty and a hefty spend; but the benefits associated with being an elite flyer are often worth it.

3. Sky Club airport lounge access. ” Delta currently has more than 50 lounges operating under the name Sky Club. However, it should be pointed out that membership is not offered to everyone as it is a paid service; however, if one is a Diamond or Platinum Medallion member, they are issued free membership. Get out of the terminal madness by visiting these havens that offer recliners, free snacks and beverages, laptop charging, and the Internet.

4. Using miles for upgrades. You can redeem it for an upgrade to the first class or Delta One within the countries of North America, Central America/Caribbean, Canada/Mexico/ and occasionally Europe or Asia. Improvements occur before the flight and give additional enjoyment to the trip.

5. Miles don’t expire. Provided you take a qualifying Delta flight at least once every 18 months your miles will not expire; there are no requirements for the type of flight just that it has to be a Delta flight. This is arguably one of the most given SkyMiles policies that there is among the airlines. You can also use miles to make upgrades in its wide route coverage system or any of the 15 plus global airline partners which include Delta airlines like Air France and KLM.

   Cons of Delta Loyalty

6. Pricier tickets. While Delta has relatively fair prices, Delta is not the most affordable airline company. Remaining loyal to one airline implies that you are likely to forfeit some lower ticket prices from the LCCs or other full-service carriers. It can certainly accrue over time to free agent airline costs that compare all company prices for one or multiple trips.

7. Limited route network. Delta has strong connectivity across domestic and global routes. However, they do not completely compete directly with ultra-low-cost airlines which have a business model targeted for point-to-point leisure traffic or second-tier airports. To remain loyal to Delta means sticking to the hubs and spokes structure which was described above which involves connections at such airports as Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and New York.

8. Partnerships end. Delta’s alliance is the factor that greatly enhances the use of SkyMiles. But they have done this before; in fact, they’ve severed partnerships in the past; for instance, in 2017, KLM severed a partnership that it had had with Alaska Airlines. When the loyalty program benefits and policies change on the part of the airline and the part of the frequent user, the long-term frequent flyer can be deprived of earning privileges or opportunities to redeem his/her points.

9. Devaluations frustrate. Delta Airlines has devalued SkyMiles twice in the last decade by adjusting the cost of required mileage in the charts involved in mileage redemption. They also at times raise bars of elite status. These actions infuriate loyal members who can now not push as far on rewards that they worked so hard to earn.

   Analyzing Delta Loyalty: The Verdict

   If flying frequently for business or personal, and if one wants to have perks like upgrades, lounge access, and elite status recognition, it is well worth it to chase after Medallion status with Delta. Their flexibility of rewarding also benefits traveling enthusiasts who place great value in the accumulation of redeemable mileage. While, people who travel less may, find more value in cash back or fixed-point systems which give rewards on a fixed value basis irrespective of the brand.

   In particular, the extra values that Delta provides to loyal but frequent fliers who master the game of the frequent flier miles can seriously improve the experience of air travel. However, this is not without certain drawbacks: you will always be expected to pay more for the ticket, even if it is possible to occasionally get a low-level award seat for a mere couple hundred dollars. Check out the perks of being a Delta Airlines member and the offers that are available for you to establish whether you should give them more of your traveling needs.

10. Book your Delta Airlines ticket now! Call +1 833-902-2090