AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. Terms Apply to the offers listed on this page. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers.
It’s been a few months since Delta devastated its partner awards pricing. Well they have just done it again, and true to Delta’s form not a single announcement was made about the devaluation, it just happened.
This most recent devaluation effects “last-minute” bookings, those made within 21 days of departure, on partner airlines. Bookings made more than 21 days out from the departure date remain unchanged. The price hike affects Delta redemptions to both Asia and Europe in Premium cabins.
Summer 2017 Price Increase
The increased rates on partner Premium cabin redemptions within 21 days are:
- North America to Europe: 102,500 miles one-way
- North America to Asia: 125,000 miles one-way
It is worth noting that if you book more than 21 days before departure there has been no increase in costs, and one-way Premium cabins on partners to Europe will set you back 85,000 miles while to various Asian destinations they still cost 95,000 miles one way. Review our (un)official Delta SkyMiles award chart for more details.
Overall
While we have become used to living in a world of constant devaluations, what we think really stirs up anger is when airlines try to do it without transparency. While you can see the airline’s logic—that a sudden devaluation is like ripping off a band aid: it’s better done quickly—it really annoys people since it can throw travel plans into chaos. Hopefully, one-day airlines will take note that giving people fair warning of a devaluation might make them grumble slightly, ultimately, they will adapt and modify their plans. Which is better than these unpleasant surprises!
Source: Point Me To The Plane
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Delta does has some off peak sweet spots. Other than that. Total devaluation from once great program
I stopped flying Delta a long time ago. The good thing about Delta is the points don’t expire!
The only thing worse than devaluation is the silent devaluation.
Classic Delta for ya
With the new blue card offering the 10k bonus might help to push those over threshold if needed.
Not surprised. The only good thing about Delta is their miles do not expire – but if you can’t redeem them for anything who really cares?
I was never a delta fan, but used them here and there when they were alaska partners. I picked up the card on a large targeted offer after flying…figured what the hell?!
But in the shirt time I’ve had delta miles ( 6 months) I’ve seen constant devaluation. Ridiculous. I have enough for one way business in delta and one way business AA. Both suck…but I better find a way to make a trip out of this soon!
Don’t you just love how these airlines devalue what you’ve earnt. 🙁
IMHO this is one of the reason why I like United among US3. They always give enough notification and their award chart is better than others on long haul with no YQ.
The taxes to Europe already render these rewards useless
Ugh, Delta is so annoying.
Wow, that’s a lot of miles to use 🙁
All devaluations are bads.
Anyway, I am especially concerned when the economy awards increase the number of miles required.
Because I don’t have a great number of miles I have decided to redeem almost always in economy.
Another unfortunate development. DL flies on time, and generally has a decent hard product. It’s very disappointing that they continually erode their loyalty program, and because of that I actively avoid flying them.
Unfortunately by now Delta’s incessant, customer-unfriendly moves are not particularly surprising.
Skymiles are one of the last airline programs with no expiration terms. Does anyone think this might change due to cost-cutting?
I doubt it. SkyMiles used to expire and Delta changed this policy.
use it or lose it (value)
down we go, slowly, painfully…
I have been considering switching my flying to Delta from American. I think this devaluation may be the tipping point for me not to change. I admit American has done their share of devaluation but its easier to track with an award chart.
Earn and burn is the best strategy regardless of airline.
Im having just a few 10k Points – is there any good use for them?
Absolutely. I just booked a flight from SAV to LGA for 6,000 miles. It all depends on the price of the flights in miles if it is worthwhile.
Thank you for sharing! Given the current climate with loyalty programs I was always wondering why they didn’t jump into the opportunity to nickel&dime their customers before?
I’m sure Delta is also annoyed by bloggers who remind people what the prices were or should be – instead of blindly accepting the obvious Delta policy of “just pay what we tell you to”. Glad there are people such as yourselves paying attention and holding them to account.
I do feel bad for the Delta hub-constrained who are practically stuck with this joke of a frequent flyer program.
True, Delta’s MO has been to devalue, and to do it secretly. The lack of a real award chart also allows them to jack up the price arbitrarily.
Surely Delta are bound by certain codes of practice within the industry? I would of thought that made airlines etc have to inform all customers of such changes?
Haha! Not at all.
I don’t agree that airlines can just change their terms without notifying their members. A simple email to everyone and a change of wording in their policies would be sufficient.
again?
Are you really surprised?
De(ad)lta mileage program.
omg I got hit by this one hard…I’m officially giving up on DL miles now.
Thanks. I guess any devaluations shouldn’t be totally unexpected.