Discreetly announced in December, it will come into effect on 1 January 2022. Passengers travelling on Delta Air Lines with a basic economy fare no longer earn miles on the SkyMiles loyalty programme.
When questioned by the American media, a Delta spokesperson said that the company was making this change because basic economy class attracts passengers interested only in low fares. In general, they are not SkyMiles members.
Until the end of last year, these travellers received a number of miles for each dollar (or euro) spent. This represented between 5 and 11 miles depending on the traveller's status within SkyMiles.
The other two major American international companies, For the time being, American Airlines and United are continuing to award miles to their customers on the lowest fares.. However, these miles do not qualify for privileged status within their respective loyalty programmes.
What's more, Delta changed the conditions for refunds or changes to tickets purchased in Basic Economy on 1 January.. Until the end of last year, all cancellations and changes to tickets in this category were free of charge. Since 1 January, the company charges fees ranging from $99 for short-haul flights to $199 for long-haul flights.
