Delta Screws up Sky Club access again

So... are you working on that Diamond status so you can get access to the Sky Club on those long layovers, and have the benefit of taking your spouse on holiday trips?  It will cost you now.

Delta has just announced that they are making the Sky Club more exclusive by charging almost $700.00 for an "Executive" membership.  Apparently they have been too crowded.

I got lucky and paid $365 for my membership back in December.  That just went up to $695.00.  WTF.

If you want to see their BS link talking about how its going to be more beneficial to you, the travelling customer that gives Delta thousands of dollars in airfare, refer to the following:

• Effective immediately, membership price is $695 annually. This Executive Membership will continue to allow two complimentary guests.
  
• For those customers who rarely need guest access, an Individual Membership at the current rate of $450 will be introduced Spring 2014. This membership will allow guest access for $29 per visit.
  
• Beginning May 1, 2014, all customers who receive complimentary Delta Sky Club access as a benefit of their eligible credit or charge card will no longer receive complimentary guest access. A $29 fee per guest will apply.

https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/airports-and-aircraft/delta-sky-club/news-and-updates.html?MkCpgn=EM_MKTG_TRAN_A01B_AR_SC_131217_AA004067_P0

So if you get to Diamond and get the complimentary access, you can't take your wife or kid in there unless you pay $30.  That is total BS in my opinion.  They should set aside some of the clubs for high price muckety mucks and let those of us that are loyal customers that fly with our families the few times we get a break from our jobs to relax with the wife and 2 kids without having to pay $90 for the privilege.

Way to go Delta, you F'd it up again.

Mileage Chart Link for Delta

For those that are like me and can't stand the labyrinth of links you have to go to to find a single damn list of miles needed for trips, here is the link.

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/use-miles/award-travel/airlines-and-mileage-charts.html

Why would they take what is probably one of the most sought after links and make you go through so many clicks?  I'm sure the designer of the site is very proud of it's "quality" but ignorant of the frustration it causes.

New in 2014, the MQD qualification for status levels at Delta.

Delta announced in late 2013 that starting in 2014 there would be a requirement for a dollar spend on tickets to reach the various status levels in conjunction with the two possible qualification methods of miles or segments.   These new requirements are as follows:

• Silver  $2,500 MQD’s (plus mileage/segment qualification)
• Gold  $5,000 MQD’s (plus mileage/segment qualification)
• Platinum  $7,500 MQD’s (plus mileage/segment qualification)
• Diamond  $12,500 MQD’s (plus mileage/segment qualification)

What qualifies as an MQD?  Any time you purchase and fly on a Delta flight (flight number with a “DL” airline code), you’ll receive MQDs for the ticket’s base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, but not for taxes or fees.

At first, I was a little put off by the additional requirement as a way for Delta to increase their profits as those seek to get to the next level.  But upon further thought, this will actually benefit domestic flyers.  In 2013 I reached platinum with 100 segments, and my MQD’s (Delta tracked them in 2013 as an informative tracker for members) easily met the $7,500 qualifier, and I always try to get the lowest price tickets for my clients.  Who is this going to affect?  If you fly Air France in Europe (a Delta partner) and jaunt around Europe all the time, money spent with Air France won’t apply.  Therefore, those of us that are in the list for upgrades won’t be competing with non-domestic flyers that get a free diamond status transferred from another airline.

Of course, you can also get a waiver on the whole MQD qualification if you spend $25,000 in qualified purchases on your Delta American express card as well. 

For more information, see:  https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/about-skymiles/medallion-program/medallion-qualification-dollars.html