Etihad, new American AAdvantage partner and new partial owner of oneworld member Air Berlin, has introduced a new mileage earning structure that bases mileage earning on fare class.
Effective June 1, most economy fares will earn only 50% of miles flown. Only H, B, and Y fares will earn 100% miles in economy. Discounted business class will earn fewer miles than full fare business class, and discounted first class will earn fewer miles than full fare first class.
Meanwhile, beginning June 1 any award booked through their service center will incur a fee of $20 or 2000 miles.
If the rumors are true (and admit this is a big if), is this the type of change you would expect Delta to make?