Delta Air Lines is changing how customers can earn elite frequent flyer status and is making it harder for many American Express cardholders to get into the carrier's airport lounges, the latest reality check for air travel's era of mass luxury.
Starting Jan. 1, customers will earn Delta Medallion status solely based on their spending, instead of a combination of dollars spent with the carrier and flights.
Next year, Delta customers will earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $1 they spend on Delta flights, car rentals, hotels and vacation packages booked through the airline.
The ratio isn't 1:1 for dollars spent through co-branded American Express cards.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express card members earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $10 spent on the card, while Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Card Members earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $20 spent.
Persons:
John F, Dwight James, Delta's
Organizations:
Kennedy International, Delta Air, American Express, Delta Medallion, American Airlines, CNBC, Delta, SkyMiles Reserve, Reserve Business American Express, Business American Express
Locations:
New York