Benefit cut for top-tier Delta elite members as airline shakes up boarding process

There’s been a downgrade for Delta Air Lines’ top-tier Delta 360 elite members as Delta shakes up the boarding process again.

Delta 360 is Delta’s invite-only unpublished status tier among the most exclusive status levels in the sky. American Airlines has a similar Concierge Key level, and United has Global Services.

Prior to this news, Delta 360s were allowed to preboard all Delta flights, along with those who needed extra time and those in first class. But beginning May 16, Delta 360 members will be in Zone 2, along with Delta Diamond elite members.

“At Delta we regularly refine our boarding processes to ensure a more seamless and efficient experience for all customers,” a company spokesperson told TPG.

The news was first reported by Ben Schlappig at One Mile at a Time.

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It was just over a year ago that Delta shook up its boarding process to allow 360 elite members to preboard, also unveiling numbered boarding zones.

Now, preboarding will be reserved for those needing extra time and for active-duty military members.

Zone 1 will be for Delta One or first-class passengers, followed by Diamonds and 360s in Zone 2.

Delta pointed out that twice a year, the company refines its gate announcement scripts to make them shorter and more concise, improving gate announcement clarity and reducing gate crowding.

Delta also said the vast majority of Delta 360 members fly first class or Delta One and board in Zone 1 anyway, so the impact of this adjustment is very minor.

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