Delta Air Lines is all set to make amends to its frequent flier program. The Atlanta, Georgia based airline now intends to reward those travelers who buy its expensive tickets rather than rewarding the ones flying the most miles with it. This new change will completely alter the basis of its rewards programs.

The airline is a popular carrier that flies to approximately 250 cities across the globe. Its fleet of about 737 aircrafts embarks on both short and long distance journeys on the domestic as well as international sectors each day. It is a popular choice with the local and international passengers and is famous for offering distinctive services onboard. Passengers prefer to book with the airline for various reasons including its reward program.

However, its decision to alter the very basis of the program may end up disappointing its frequent fliers. In addition, every other airline will be keeping a tab on its movements and the after effects of its decision once implemented. It however, is positive about the changes and believes that the 2015 SkyMiles program will woo business class travelers and help it get recognition for its innovative decision. It is also upbeat about the leisure travelers who do not mind splurging on luxury.

Interestingly, this is not the first time it has surprised all. Earlier in January 2013, the airline announced that only travelers who spend at least $2,500 in 2014 would qualify for the elite status. Previously, it allowed them to qualify based on the miles flown. It would be amusing to watch the impacts of its latest decision on the overall aviation industry in the country.

Even though different airlines continue to invest heavily in premium seats aiming to attract business travelers in a big way, this is proving to be somewhat costly. The reason being that most of the airlines are fearing loss of revenue as premium seats often go without passengers on international routes. This situation has led to a major rethink among the airlines on how to bring a turnaround in their fortunes. One such airline to have been affected by this phenomenon of costly premium seats going empty is none other than Delta Air Lines. In a recent development, Delta Air Lines has indicated that it is not going to wait any further for a major revenue boost that it desperately wants for its long-haul fleet. The airline has stressed that it won’t hesitate in doing away with some premium seats as the empty seats are proving to be biggest hurdle in soaring its revenue.

Delta Air Lines recently held its investor meeting in New York. The airline made it clear that it is no longer going to be a mute spectator to its mounting losses and suffer in silence. The airline has come up with a new strategy and is ready to expand its cheaper coach cabin so that planes do not fly empty thus putting a stop to revenue losses. Glen Hauenstein, Delta Air Lines’ Chief Revenue Officer, told at the investor meeting that the empty premium seats on the affected flights is rather significant and on average it is in the high 60 percent range.

Hauenstein said that the airline cannot put up with the losses and has decided to reconfigure its planes. He said that this step is necessary to match the service level and devise methods that would let the fliers pay for the service that they are getting. He said that Delta Air Lines has decided to effect these changes after deliberating on the cost analysis factor and is now actively considering replacing premium seats with low-fare coach class seats.

•     Personal in-flight entertainment on demand;
•     Flat Bed Seating on some routes;
•     Five course dining menu by Chef Michelle Bernstein;
•     Laptop power access and personal reading light.

BusinessElite service is surprisingly luxurious and affordable. As a BusinessElite customer, you are also invited to use BusinessElite lounges in Atlanta, Cincinnati, and New York, as well as any Delta Sky Club™, before your international trip.

How to avail BusinessElite –

•     From Atlanta or New York to Europe;
•     Purchase 50 days advance at USD 1,159 to USD 1,679 each-way, based on a round-trip;
•     Purchase 30 day advance at USD 1,809 to USD 2,709 each-way, based on a round-trip;
•     Travel anytime only with valid documentation;
•     Tickets must be purchased at least 30 or 50 days prior to departure and minimum 7 days stay required.
•     Maximum stay of 3 months for 50 days advances purchase and 30 days for 30 days advance purchase.
•     Fares are only valid in the BusinessElite cabin on Delta or Delta Connection carriers and certain code share partner flights only.

Blackout Dates:

•         From Athens: October 20-26, 2009
•         To Nice: September 29-October 5, 2009 and May 9-22, 2010
•         From Nice: September 25-30, 2009 and May 16-25, 2010
•         From Zurich: September 29-October 4, 2009

Fares may include travel in the Economy cabin on flights within the United States or Europe.
Additional fare rules, taxes, fees, baggage charges and offers are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

For more information and reservations please call Fare Buzz at 1-800-847-1963.

• In flight personal entertainment;
• Flat Bed Seating;
• Five Course dining menu by Chef Michelle Bernstein;
• Laptop power access and personal reading light.

For details regarding fares and reservations please call Fare Buzz at 1-800-847-1963.

Note: Additional taxes, fees, restrictions and baggage charges may apply.