Delta Air Lines’ overhauled frequent flier program, issuing rewards based on how much money passengers spend, coincides with a rise in the company’s value perception with first class and business class fliers to its highest levels in nearly 13 months.
While Delta’s value perception with business class fliers has generally been ahead of rivals United and American Airlines, this major change to its frequent flyer plan is clearly seen as a way to reward travelers who spend more with the airline.
Delta’s rise also makes it the only airline of the three to possess more positive value perception than negative with this elite group of travelers.
United moved into second place past American Airlines at the end of 2013, and has been trending upward since mid-February. They are currently at a neutral perception level. In January, United tightened its MileagePlus program requirements to achieve any level of Premier status.
American Airlines saw its value perception dip during January, but has improved significantly since this same time last year, slowly rebounding behind United more recently.
American Airlines, Delta and United were measured with YouGov BrandIndex’s Value score, which asks respondents "Does it give good value for what you pay?" All respondents were ages 18 and over who normally fly first class or business class.
YouGov BrandIndex’s Buzz scores range is from 100 to -100 and compiled by subtracting negative feedback from positive. A zero score means equal positive and negative feedback.
Value: First and Business Class Travelers
