Delta hints at frequent flier changes
Travelers on Delta Airlines waits for flights Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Detroit. Dozens of departing flights have been canceled at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport as a looming superstorm locks down flights to the East Coast. Hurricane Sandy continued on its path Monday, as the storm forced the shutdown of mass transit, schools and financial markets, sending coastal residents fleeing, and threatening a dangerous mix of high winds and soaking rain. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Delta says its frequent flier program will increasingly favor big spenders over people who simply rack up miles.
Most airlines reward how many miles you fly, not how many dollars you spend. But Delta Air Lines Inc. President Ed Bastian said on Tuesday that future changes would likely favor travelers who spend more. That's Delta's strongest hint yet that it may move the whole frequent flier program further in that direction.
Last week Delta announced that frequent fliers would need to spend a minimum amount of money to earn a higher frequent-flier status. Travelers prize that status because it moves them to the front of airport lines and lets them qualify for upgrades to first class
Two years ago Southwest changed its frequent flier program to reward more-expensive tickets.
Most airlines reward how many miles you fly, not how many dollars you spend. But Delta Air Lines Inc. President Ed Bastian said on Tuesday that future changes would likely favor travelers who spend more. That's Delta's strongest hint yet that it may move the whole frequent flier program further in that direction.
Last week Delta announced that frequent fliers would need to spend a minimum amount of money to earn a higher frequent-flier status. Travelers prize that status because it moves them to the front of airport lines and lets them qualify for upgrades to first class
Two years ago Southwest changed its frequent flier program to reward more-expensive tickets.
