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Delta's Improving the Upgrade Policy for Companion Travel

May 20, 2016
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3 min read
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Delta's Improving the Upgrade Policy for Companion Travel
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From constant award devaluations and convoluted Comfort+ policies to frequent procedural changes and some clearly flyer-unfriendly moves, there's a lot not to like about the Delta SkyMiles program. At the same time, the airline offers a very good in-flight product and service and can provide a lot of value when you're in a bind, so if you care more about the overall experience and less about the value of your miles, Delta can still be a good option — even for frequent flyers.

And today, the airline is making a rare improvement. Beginning this fall, when you're traveling with a companion on the same reservation, Comfort+ and first class upgrades will clear based on the priority of the individual with the highest level of status. So if a Platinum Medallion is flying with a Diamond, upgrades will clear based on the Diamond status, rather than Platinum. This can (and likely will) mean the difference of scoring a free first-class upgrade or not getting one at all.

It'll soon be easier for Delta elites to score Comfort+ seats when traveling with a companion.

Here's how Delta explains the change:



Coming This Fall: Complimentary Upgrade Improvements for Medallion Members Traveling with a Companion
We recently surveyed our Medallion members about our companion policy for Complimentary Upgrades, and a majority of you voted that Medallion members traveling with a companion should clear for Complimentary Upgrades based on the higher of the two status levels.
So, we’re investing in making things better. Starting this fall, Medallion members traveling with one companion will clear for Complimentary Upgrades to both First Class and Delta Comfort+™ based on the status of the higher-tiered member. Diamond and Silver traveling together? Your upgrade will clear at the Diamond level, when available.
It’s one of the many ways we’re striving to offer the best elite travel experience for our most loyal members. Be on the lookout for more details and the official start date for these changes that will be announced this summer.

What's most interesting about the statement above is this line: "It’s one of the many ways we’re striving to offer the best elite travel experience for our most loyal members." Delta clearly wants its top customers to know that their business is valued by the airline, despite ever-eroding perks. It's definitely great to see this improvement, but there's no question that American and United continue to offer more generous loyalty program benefits, despite what Delta may want you to believe.

What do you think about this latest Delta change?

H/T: RenesPoints

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.