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Delta’s SkyMiles Soar Higher: Discover What’s New in Loyalty Benefits

Delta's SkyMiles Soar Higher: Discover What's New in Loyalty Benefits

Delta announced various SkyMiles Programme modifications on Wednesday, altering some of the changes made in September and introducing many new incentives.

More Accessible Medallion Status Requirements

To make the requirements for achieving 2025 Medallion Status more accessible, Delta has reduced the number of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) for each tier:

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  • Diamond Medallion Status: $28,000 MQDs (down from $35,000)
  • Platinum Medallion Status: $15,000 MQDs (down from $18,000)
  • Gold Medallion Status: $10,000 MQDs (down from $12,000)
  • Silver Medallion Status: $5,000 MQDs (down from $6,000)

An additional $2,500 MQD Headstart will be given to members who have American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Reserve Business, Platinum, and Platinum Business cards during the current Medallion Qualification Year.

When using the Delta SkyMiles Platinum, Platinum Business, Reserve, and Reserve Business American Express Cards, as well as when booking flights on Delta, customers can accrue Master QDs. When renting a car or a hotel or a vacation home through Delta Car Rentals and Delta Stays, MQDs will not be applied toward Medallion Status.

Greater Flexibility for Delta Sky Club Access

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Access to Clubs will no longer be available to holders of American Express Platinum and Platinum SkyMiles cards, as well as Basic Economy passengers, starting on January 1, 2024, regardless of card type.

In addition, Delta is going to offer Club entry for $50 per person each visit once allowed Club visits have been used up for Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business Card Members, as well as Card Members with the American Express Platinum Card®. A $695 yearly individual Delta Sky Club membership will also be available to medallions.

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More Recognition and Rewards for Long-Term Loyalty

Delta is giving long-term loyalists more of the recognition they deserve. Effective January 1, 2024, the airline is moving Million Miler Status up in the hierarchy for Complimentary Upgrades. And beginning February 1, 2024, Million Milers will also receive enhanced complimentary annual Medallion Status.

  • 6 million miles or more earns Delta 360o™ (previously Diamond Medallion)
  • 5 million miles earns Delta 360o™ (previously Platinum Medallion)
  • 4 million miles earns Diamond Medallion (previously Platinum Medallion)
  • 3 million miles earns Diamond Medallion (previously Gold Medallion)
  • 2 million miles earns Platinum Medallion (previously Gold Medallion)
  • 1 million miles earns Gold Medallion (previously Silver Medallion)

Airlines

Mid-Flight Chaos: Eva Air Flight Attendants Praised for Halting Brawl Over Seat Dispute

Mid-Flight Chaos: Eva Air Flight Attendants Praised for Halting Brawl Over Seat Dispute

In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, three female flight attendants from Eva Air have been lauded as heroes after diffusing a tense altercation between two male passengers aboard a flight from Taiwan to San Francisco.

The incident unfolded onboard EVA Air flight BR8 on May 7, just hours into the 11½-hour journey from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to San Francisco International Airport.

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Reports suggest that the confrontation erupted over a seat dispute when one passenger sought to switch seats due to concerns over a neighbor’s coughing. In the ensuing chaos, the passenger who attempted to claim the seat was met with resistance from its original occupant, leading to a physical altercation.

Witnesses on the flight described a scene of escalating tension as one passenger attempted to strike the other, prompting the swift intervention of the cabin crew. Video footage shared on social media captured the moment when the flight attendants courageously stepped in to separate the brawling passengers, with one attendant holding back the assailant while others intervened to prevent further escalation.

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Passenger Alex Pierce, who captured the incident on video, expressed his concern for the safety of the flight attendants amidst the chaos. Despite the volatile situation, the Eva Air crew remained composed and acted decisively to restore order on the aircraft.

Following the intervention of the flight attendants, the two unruly passengers were handed over to US law enforcement upon the flight’s arrival in California. Eva Air reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive behavior and commended the crew for their exemplary response to the incident.

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Why do airplane tires cause smoke at touchdown?

Why do airplane tires cause smoke at touchdown?

When an aircraft touches down during landing, the appearance of smoke is a common sight. This occurrence arises from a combination of factors related to the landing procedure and the characteristics of the tires themselves.

As the aircraft descends and prepares for touchdown, the tires are stationary. Upon contact with the ground, they rapidly accelerate from a standstill to an average speed of 240 to 260 km/h. This sudden burst of motion creates friction between the tires and the runway surface, resulting in the emission of smoke.

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The smoke stems from the considerable heat generated by the friction between the rubber tires and the asphalt runway. This heat is sufficient to cause the rubber to almost vaporize, resembling the smoke produced when a bike tire skids against the road.

Several variables influence the intensity and occurrence of smoke during landings. The frequency of landings a tire experiences within a specific timeframe, such as within 24 hours, impacts its level of wear and tear. Airlines rigorously inspect tire conditions before each flight, promptly replacing them if any damage or signs of deterioration are detected to uphold safety standards.

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The design and resilience of aircraft tires are influenced by the type of aircraft and its operational demands. For example, the tires used on an Airbus A330-200 differ in composition and load capacity compared to those designed for conventional automobiles. Furthermore, environmental factors such as runway temperatures and altitude variations contribute to tire performance.

Aircraft tires are meticulously engineered to endure the demanding conditions of takeoff and landing. They incorporate multiple layers of nylon for reinforcement and a wire core to prevent slippage on the rim. Moreover, these tires are filled with nitrogen, offering superior properties compared to conventional compressed air for aviation purposes.

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Airlines

FedEx B767 Freighter Aircraft Lands in Istanbul Without Nose Gear

A FedEx cargo Boeing 767-300F, bearing registration N110FE, faced a tense situation as it embarked on what should have been a routine journey from Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport to Istanbul.

However, mid-flight, the pilots discovered a malfunction in the front landing gear, setting off a chain of events that culminated in a dramatic emergency landing at Istanbul Airport on 8th May.

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According to reports from the state-run Anadolu Agency, the crew onboard Flight FX6238 promptly alerted authorities at Istanbul Airport upon realizing the landing gear failure. With nerves of steel, they maneuvered the aircraft under the guidance of the control tower, navigating the challenge of landing without the crucial support of the front landing gear.

As the FedEx plane descended toward the runway, onlookers, and social media users witnessed a nerve-wracking sight: the aircraft relying solely on its back landing gear, gently touching its nose to the tarmac in a controlled landing.

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In response to the emergency, airport rescue and fire fighting teams sprang into action, ready to respond to any potential disaster. Fortunately, their services were not required as the skilled piloting and swift coordination ensured the safety of all onboard. Despite the intensity of the situation, there were no reported injuries among the passengers or crew.

The incident prompted the temporary closure of runway 16R at Istanbul Airport, but the quick action of authorities ensured that flight operations continued smoothly on other runways. Istanbul Governor Davut Gul reassured the public of the airport’s robust infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, emphasizing that such incidents are managed effectively to minimize disruptions.

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Still, questions concerning Boeing aircraft quality control have been raised once again in light of the emergency landing. This event adds to the ongoing criticism of Boeing’s safety measures in light of the recent controversies concerning the company’s manufacturing operations.

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