{"id":13975,"date":"2026-07-09T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/milesearnandburn.com\/?p=13975"},"modified":"2026-07-08T18:53:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T00:53:15","slug":"thursday-delta-and-marriott-continue-to-run-the-worst-loyalty-programs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/milesearnandburn.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/09\/thursday-delta-and-marriott-continue-to-run-the-worst-loyalty-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"Thursday: Delta and Marriott Continue to run the Worst Loyalty Programs, and a Counter Example"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The two worst US programs in loyalty showed us why they’re the worst again:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Delta introduced Basic Business<\/a>, which means you’re going to pay more for tickets if you want:

    – Seat assignments
    – More checked bags
    – Change fee on revenue tickets
    – No same day changes, no standby
    – No lounge access, at least included in the ticket

    Remember friends, choosing to fly Delta is a choice, and choosing to spend on a Delta American Express Card is a bigger choice. And if you’re choosing to Delta’s product on 767-300, I mean wow.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Marriott Bonvoy devalued points redemptions between 5% and 15%<\/a>, bringing my scientifically calibrated made-up point valuation down to 0.39 cents each. Now who wants to go earn 3*0.39x on general card spend?

    Don’t worry though, the resort fees and the parking you’ll pay on your free-night awards didn’t devalue, they’re still full price.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Both have good alternatives in loyalty, and you can still pay for hotels with cash too. Be deliberate friends! Now, let’s illustrate a loyalty program that’s trying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n