Delta Airlines Is Rolling Back Its Promised Changes After Backlash

Delta Air Lines announces "simplifying" SkyMiles program and rewards next year in a Sept. 13 news release. The airline said it will phase out qualifying metrics on Jan. 1. 

We intended to make the program more customer-friendly. "We also want to reserve the best experiences for our best customers," Delta's senior vice president of customer engagement and loyalty said.

In one announcement, Delta shattered its SkyMiles, AMEX, and Sky Club programs. Giving your most loyal consumers the boot is rare. Only cash constitute advantages. I suppose I may fly anywhere now "X traveler posted Sept. 14.

Another X user said, "@Delta, I'll likely change my card type after this... Thanks for letting me plan cheaper airfares."

Delta is reversing some of its most contentious membership qualifying and lounge access adjustments. In an Oct. 18 news release, the airline said it will reduce Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) at each tier to make

"requirements for achieving 2025 Medallion Status more accessible "Silver Medallion status will decline to 5,000 MQDs from 6,000, Gold Medallion status to 10,000 from 12,000, Platinum to 15,000 from 18,000, and Diamond to 28,000 from 35,000.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders and American Express Platinum Cardholders may buy additional club entry "after exhausting their allotted club entries" for $50 per person.