Delta Eliminates Upgrades on Cheapest Fares

The devaluation of Delta's SkyMiles program continues.

Yesterday, it was the company's plan to

discontinue its round-the-world awards

. Today, it's the announcement that it will

eliminate domestic upgrades for elite SkyMiles members on its cheapest fares

.



From February 1, 2015, elite members of Delta's SkyMiles program will no longer be entitled to space-available upgrades when traveling on Basic Economy (booking class E) fares.



Furthermore, Basic Economy fares will not be eligible for paid upgrades; paid, complimentary, or discounted Economy Comfort; paid or complimentary Preferred Seats; or same-day confirmed or same-day standby travel changes.

To be sure, Basic Economy fares are meant to be restrictive. They're only offered on flights where Delta competes head-to-head with ultra-low-cost carriers (think Spirit).

It's understandable, therefore, that the average penny-pincher should expect a bare-bones travel experience when flying on a Basic Economy fare. You get what you pay for.

But to punish the airline's best customers along with everyone else? That just seems mean-spirited and short-sighted.



Reader Reality Check



Should elites expect better from Delta?



This article originally appeared on FrequentFlier.com.