The StarTribune.com says earning frequent flier miles with Delta Air Lines just got harder. In a first for U.S. airlines, passengers who book Delta's "basic economy" tickets will no longer earn frequent flier miles. They also will receive no credit toward status in its Medallion program. The change goes into effect for new purchases on travel starting next year.
The Atlanta-based airline, the dominant carrier at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, announced the change last week. To soften the blow, Delta also said that customers who change a basic economy flight will receive flight credit — minus a change fee for future travel — rather than getting nothing.
Delta’s statement includes:
“Basic Economy tickets purchased on or after December 9, 2021 for flights departing on or after January 1, 2022, will no longer be eligible to earn miles in the SkyMiles Program or earn towards Medallion Status (meaning not eligible for MQM, MQS or MQD earn).
Additionally, Delta is introducing a new policy to offer more flexibility for customers with a Basic Economy ticket. Customers who redeem their miles for a Basic Economy ticket departing on or after January 1, 2022 can now cancel their ticket and receive a portion of their miles back, following a cancellation charge that is deducted from their ticket value. Visit our Travel Planning Center to learn more.
It’s recommended to purchase a Main Cabin ticket or higher for customers who value greater flexibility, advanced seat selection, overhead bin space, no change fees, and the continued ability to earn miles in the SkyMiles Program and earn towards Medallion Status.”