Delta today announced that miles accumulated through its popular SkyMiles frequent flyer program will never expire! This is great news. Hopefully, all other major carriers would follow suit.
Delta Boeing 777 landing - Courtesy: Delta Airlines
Frequent Flyer Miles – Not that useful to most travelers
The frequent flyer programs are useful to only business travelers who make multiple trips in a calendar year. They accumulate miles by strictly traveling in the same airline (even if the travel requires multiple hops to their destination) and by using the airline sponsored credit card for their travel needs. Even after earning thousands of miles, they may be eligible for one free ticket or upgrade a year, depending on where they go and when they are going. The only tangible benefit for the business traveler is the access to the clubs at the airports.
For a leisure traveler, who makes an average of one or two trips a year, this is of no big value. Their miles would expire anyway in 18 or 24 months (depending on the program). So, the average casual traveler is better off by not adhering to one loyalty program as it takes away the flexibility.
Would Delta’s change make any difference?
Yes, it makes a huge difference for the business travelers. They can now accumulate miles forever. They can accumulate enough miles to make a decent trip on business or first class.
For the ordinary traveler, it is good news too. At least their miles do not expire. But, it would still take a lot of flying to get a free ticket.
How does Delta benefit?
It gives a huge goodwill for Delta. It does not cost much Delta to make miles forever as most SkyMiles users would not allow it to expire anyway. So, Delta brand gets a better respect from the customers and the change doesn’t cost much. It is a smart move!
Would other airlines follow?
Most major North American carriers are likely to follow this. It is about time they get rid off these artificial restrictions. It would be really nice if major international carriers follow it too.