Why Delta’s Devaluation Doesn’t Affect Me Much, The Damage Was Already Done

Delta’s Basic Economy Does Not Earn Miles

Delta came out with some negative news last week when it pertains to basic economy. The change was that Delta’s basic economy does not earn miles or status any longer.  It was a pretty cheap move on their part and I don’t really think it will equate to much of a savings for Delta. We are talking about a 5% return for most people they are saving. And, how many basic economy flyers are active Delta SkyMiles users?

My guess is there were trying to force people into paying a bit more for main cabin seats.  To be honest, my initial reaction to this change was…meh. That is because it doesn’t really come into play for me. The damage was already done by Delta years ago anyway. I’ll get into what I mean by that a bit later. I’ll also discuss who this will be a big deal to and who probably won’t care. Let’s dig into the details on the changes.

What Did Delta Change With Basic Economy Fares?

The change Delta made is as follows. This if for fares that are purchased as of December 9, 2021 or for all travel as of January 1, 2022:

• Delta Basic Economy fares will no longer earn Delta SkyMiles
• Delta Basic Economy fares will no longer earn Delta SkyMiles Medallion status. No Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs), Medallion Qualifying Segments (MQSs), or Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) will be earned on those flights.

In the past passengers flying basic economy on Delta would still earn redeemable miles. They would earn everything for Medallion status as if it were a normal ticket as well. Elite members were not able to use any of the perks of their status when flying basic economy but they could still earn towards a higher status level, or requalification, when flying basic economy. This is now the worst policy among the big three airlines in the US. United and American give redeemable miles for their basic economy tickets. I wouldn’t be surprised if that changes in the near future though.

Delta did throw members a (very) small bone with the changes. Going forward you will be able to change basic economy fares, for a fee:

• Basic economy fares within the United States, as well as to Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico, will be subjected to a $99 change fee
• Basic economy fares from the United States to all other markets will be subjected to a $199 change fee

Basic economy tickets were not changeable before the pandemic but most airlines have allowed all changes over the last few years. So it is a slight improvement compared to the norm but nothing too exciting.

Who Should Care About This Change

Even though this change won’t be a big deal to me (I have only flown basic economy once when they were blocking middle seats), this will be a big deal to others.

Solo Flyers

If you fly solo often, and don’t care much about a seat assignment, then you were often saving $20-$50 per flight by flying basic economy. You still earned your Delta SkyMiles and got there a little cheaper than you would have.

Regional Flyers

If you often fly regional routes, with smaller plans that only have 2 seats per row, then flying basic economy didn’t change your experience much.  Sure you couldn’t pick your exact seat but you knew you were getting window or aisle no matter what.

Road Warriors

If you have to fly often for work, and the company’s policy is to book the cheapest seat available, then this could be a problem.  In the past getting booked into basic economy by work was a pain but at least you were accruing status, and miles, to use for leisure travel. Now you are just stuck in the middle seat, on the back of the plane, with no silver lining.

Who Probably Won’t Care About This Change

I can see why many people would be upset by this change. And I can also see why others wouldn’t really care. Here are some of the people that may not notice the difference.

Delta Elites 

Since basic economy never allowed you to use the perks of your status most Delta Elites already booked into Main Cabin or better.

Infrequent Delta Flyers

If you don’t fly Delta often then you may not care about earning a few hundred, or thousand, miles on the rare occasion you do fly them.

Partner Award Bookers

If you normally use the Virgin Atlantic or Flying Blue programs etc. to book your Delta flights then you are already booking into main cabin anyway. Plus, you don’t earn anything on your flight as it is.

Award Seats

When you are looking at two options in cash I feel like you are more likely to weigh the cost. If it is a couple thousand more SkyMiles to book then you are probably more likely to just pay for Main Cabin.

I Don’t Care As Much Because The Damage Was Already Done

As for my own personal reasoning, I already booked into Main Cabin pretty much exclusively anyway. I will often be flying with friends or family so it isn’t really an option for those flights. I rarely fly on regional planes, or routes being in a Delta hub. So grabbing a good deal, and a good seat, was never an option for me. That is why I did book it during the pandemic. With middle seats being blocked I was guaranteed a window or aisle seat on all routes. Because of that I took the savings and said thank you very much.

The real reason it doesn’t change anything for me is because the damage was already done by Delta. They were the first airline to introduce basic economy in order to “compete with the low cost carriers”. Well, guess what Delta, the low cost carriers let you earn miles on their tickets! Sorry for that mini rant.

With the introduction of basic economy Delta essentially forced elite members to pay more in order to use their status. As you all know, I have been on the status train over the last year, and plan to be for the next few years. That means that I was already forced to book main cabin, and pay a bit more, in order to reap the rewards of my effort. Maybe that is throwing good money in after bad, but that is how they get us isn’t it?!

Delta’s Basic Economy Does Not Earn Miles – Final Thoughts

So what should you book going forward? It will depend on the cost difference and what you want to get out of your experience.  If the cash, or SkyMiles, difference is a decent amount then you will do better booking basic economy and missing out on earning miles. Delta is hoping that you don’t run the calculations though and that you instinctively book main cabin.  Here is an easy rule of thumb.  If the basic economy flight is more than 5%-10% cheaper then you will probably be better off going that route.  Even if you don’t earn any SkyMiles or status on the ticket. Only a week ago you got your cake and got to eat it too.

Share your thoughts below. Does this move Delta to the bottom of your list now or were you skipping basic economy on their flights already anyway?

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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