Delta Medallions Now Enjoy More Inconvenience The Day Of Your Trip

I just received an email from Delta Airlines with the subject header: “Now Enjoy More Convenience The Day Of Your Trip” which should read “Now Enjoy More Inconvenience The Day Of Your Trip”. By now, you might have heard around the blog-o-sphere that Delta is devaluing its Gold Medallion and higher benefits by modifying their Same Day Confirmed change policy.

Dear Mr. Ng,

Our same-day travel options offer you greater flexibility, and we want to keep you informed about a few upcoming changes.

Beginning April 23, 2013, you may request a day-of-flight change any time prior to the departure time of your original flight. Previously, this option was only available within three hours of your new departure time. This expanded timeframe will allow you more time to make changes on the day of your departure.

Please also note that the same booking class (e.g. Q, K, L or U) as your original ticket must now be available.

As a Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion® member, you will receive complimentary same-day travel changes for new flight departure times that are three hours before or after your original departure time. For flights departing outside of this window, a $50 fee for each same-day confirmed ticketing change will apply. You also may continue to stand by free of charge for flights outside of the complimentary window or when your booking class is not available.

Please visit delta.com for more information about our same-day travel options, your Medallion benefits and all of your travel needs.

Conclusion:

Now you must have the same booking class as your original ticket to be able to same day confirm. I guess the only positive change is that they have eliminated the three hour rule, but isn’t that helpful if you’re flying a cheap T fare.