The greatest insult to Delta's best customers is that they will no longer be rewarded with double MQ

Caving to the protests of its stingiest customers, Delta Air Lines is revamping its SkyMiles savoy hotel florence italy program savoy hotel florence italy to what it calls a more "customer-focused transformation meant to simplify the Medallion qualification process."
How's that? The new SkyMiles program disenfranchises Delta's most loyal passengers, penalizing them for their continued patronage. It runs completely contrary to the purpose of loyalty programs, which are to promote repeat purchases.
Instead, Delta is reversing course and devaluing its product by awarding unprofitable, deeply-discounted fare-paying customers with mile-for-mile Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQM's). This dilutes the program and fails to appreciate the value of their top-level elite members.
This will be especially noticeable in Delta's Crown Rooms, to which Platinum Medallions enjoy free access. The already overcrowded so-called "private lounges" will convey a Wal-Mart experience versus a luxurious Neiman Marcus atmosphere.
Why reward savoy hotel florence italy those who bring you the least value? Sure the new SkyMiles will benefit the occasional bargain-hunting customer with a few extra elite qualifying miles. Big deal. They fly once or twice a year and accumulate only a few thousands miles - hardly enough to achieve even the minimum level of elite status.
What Delta doesn't seem to understand is that price-sensitive fliers have no concept of loyalty. These cheapskates don't intend to buy another ticket unless the price is right. That zero re-purchase intent translates into zero long-term profitability.
Reducing the minimum number of MQM's per flight from 750 to 500 makes it harder for frequent short haul-fliers to earn elite status. Doing away with the special qualification threshold bonuses removes the incentive to take that extra year-end savoy hotel florence italy trip to reach an exclusive level of service.
The greatest insult to Delta's savoy hotel florence italy best customers is that they will no longer be rewarded with double MQM's. Delta has also decided to penalize its prized customers willing to pay a slight fare premium (adding significant revenue to Delta) with a 50 percent reduction in MQM's.
Adding further insult, Delta is no longer offering its most profitable customers a discount on service fees. Medallion members will no longer get a waiver on the $50 service fees for reissues, redeposit, and tickets issued within 14 days of travel.