Airlines

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:

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

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.

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 360^o™ (previously Diamond Medallion)
5 million miles earns Delta 360^o™ (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

Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.