KLM announced that all Platinum members will retain their status in 2004, regardless of whether they flew a single flight in 2003. All Gold and Silver members will retain their status provided they flew at least once in 2003.Plus elite members with a Dutch bank account who get an American Express card will have their status extended through February 2006 whether they set foot on a plane or not.
More commentary on Delta’s elite level changes
Patrice Miles, one of the best names ever for an airline marketing exec, says of the changes just announced “I will tell you we’ll have a lot of pleased customers,” Ms. Miles said. Which just begs the question of why they didn’t make these changes 18 months ago…
Something to look forward to in the sky
We’re only six months away from the launch of Beer Airways!Another great airline has to be Excel Airways. Strangely they don’t serve Redmond, Washington.
Delta reverses course on medallion segment upgrades
Beginning January 1st, Delta will provide complimentary upgrades to elites. This is a major rollback of changes made to the Skymiles program, and is directly attributed to customer feedback. “We said early on that we would live with the program for 10 months and take customer feedback,” said Patrice Miles, Delta’s vice president of consumer marketing. “Well, we listened, and the number one thing we heard is that Medallion members wanted more upgrades and to simplify the process.” So I certainly have to tip my hat to the loudest voices, SaveSkyMiles.Delta is retaining their new qualifying system, making gaining elite status more dependent upon higher fares and more complex. However, once making that status, the reward may be a first class seat.Way to go Delta (and I haven’t said that for a long time)!Update: The…
Southwest Airlines credits
Southwest Airlines will give you two Rapid Rewards credits for filling out a survey. Thanks to Gary Steiger of Free Frequent Flyer Miles for the pointer.
American Airlines announces elite changes
American has announced changes to its elite program for 2004. It would seem that benefits stay the same. Qualification stays the same on the lowest fares, and gets easier for customers flying on higher fares. What’s more, the new qualification rules apply retroactively to 2003 as well — anyone who would earn a higher tier status based from their 2003 flying based on the 2004 earning chart will have the higher status in 2004.Thumbs up!
10,000 United miles for checking
Open a BankOne online checking account and get a debit card ($25 annual fee) by the end of the year for 10,000 bonus miles for signup.Update: offer may be targeted.
500 Free Starwood Points
Sign up for meeting planning information from the Four Points Norwood.
USAirways bonus to Europe
Earn 10,000 bonus miles for USAirways operated flights to Europe between February 1 and May 31, 2004. The unique thing is that the bonus is good on any fare. Registration is required.
Air Canada Elite Changes
Air Canada has announced changes for its elite levels in 2004. I haven’t digested all the changes yet. One interesting item seems to be that only 30,000 flown miles are required for Star Alliance Gold status.
