I agree that consumers spend far too much time on X and Instagram complaining rather than actually status matching or calling their banks. Because there is such a safety net there’s no real risk for programs to make changes. I don’t like rugs being pulled out at all, but in this instance I’d say Delta has a decent case because of the each year is a new year nature of elite status. It’s interesting times.

I think that’s such a valid and important point. The horse-trade style is over. When people really crunch the number it’s better to save for the premium experiences than take those extra trips. That may prove negative to airlines in their load performance but the trade will be the margin from selling more premium experiences. Always love your inputs PM1!

I’ve always been eyes open and suggested eyes open behavior here. Play the advantages you have while you have them. Take status as far as you can while you can. The game is always evolving and ultimately we each know what we’re worth. I’m not a top tier hotel guest. If I can achieve it in the interim, take it. That’s always been my advice. Enjoy the good times while you can, but keep your eyes open about true value and what drives the numbers. Points are always better than no points. Any status is better than no status — if it’s organic. Simples.

I’ve made that point a fair few times. https://www.godsavethepoints.com/airport-vip-lounge-please-grab-your-snacks-and-leave/

The basic problem are not the changes but consumer ignorance. If consumers would cancel all their airline cards after the SUBs you betcha the airlines and banks would notice. But instead people continue to spend on their Delta Amex and Chase UA even though they would be better off using other cards. So the airlines continue to play games, because they can.

I won’t be so crass to imply a large cheque from Delta arrived in the mail ( because I at least hope that is not the case) BUT. If there was ever an article full of deflection and flat out documented 180 degree reversal on what a person had spent years( and making bank off of) telling the world to do & then saying ‘ahh don’t be silly this opposite thing is totally fine’ then this article would be that

What status did was to make a long haul coach journey more comfortable – upgrades/better seats, quick check-in, faster security, higher baggage allowance, lounge access etc. I will miss that but will book more business class in return. And business class already comes with most perks of elite status.