When it comes to Delta and changes to their SkyMiles program, we all know they like to make changes to “enhance” their program. This latest change comes to their Million Miler program in regards to the gift that members receive upon qualifying.
Previously, you were able to choose a gift such as a piece of luggage, a piece of jewelry, or a gift of 40,000 bonus miles (fellow Boarding Area RenesPoints discusses the old Million Miler gifts), however Delta has now discontinued the ability to choose the miles as a gift, which has been confirmed with a Diamond Medallion representative.
However, Delta is updating the Million Miler Member gift options and will no longer offer bonus miles to those Million Miler Members who live in the U.S. 50, Puerto Rico, or Guam. However, all other international members will still be able to select bonus miles as an option.
Previously, Million Milers were able to select 40,000 bonus SkyMiles after hitting each level, however this option will be going away.
Bottom Line
This latest unannounced change from Delta really just confirms that the airline can make changes to their program including Million Miler program at anytime. I wouldn’t be surprised, if at some point, they remove the annual Medallion status perk or change that even.
What are your thoughts on this latest change to Delta’s Million Miler program?
I could be wrong, but I don’t believe that 40,000 miles was an option when I or my SO reached MM several years ago. I am pretty sure that is what we would have selected over over Tumi backpacks, but my memory isn’t so good when it comes to such things (too much stuff to remember!). Hopefully, I will be selecting my 2 MM gift in about 18-24 months (if they don’t devalue even more). I am too young for tweed luggage, so that 40,000 miles would have been my choice! 🙂
There is a sliver lining in this — it was rumored by Rene about a year ago that Delta was considering ending the MM program, so tweaks are a good sign it will continue!
I think it’s irrelevant. A “gift” is a “gift.” If you don’t want it, don’t take it. Or, better yet, give it away. BTW, I don’t ever recall miles being one of the options, and I’m a 4MM.
@PM – Here is a screen shot showing the 40,000 points as an option: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2016/08/08/delta-million-miler-flight-delta-million-miler-gift-choices-selection/delta-million-miler-gift-choices-from-delta-com-renespoints-blog-choice-2/
40k miles was an option. I picked them at my last MM level.
Thanks. Never noticed it before. Still don’t think it’s a devaluation, though. Simply a change in choices.