Delta tightens SkyMiles rewards, faces customer backlash

Delta announced major negative changes to SkyMiles elite status and lounge access requirements.

There are consumer campaigns to get Delta to reverse the changes, and similar efforts worked previously in early 2000s.

Airlines are stronger now post-pandemic with government aid and high demand, so Delta has more leverage vs customers.

Past consumer campaigns got airlines to reverse negative program changes when airlines were weaker.

Delta may only reverse course if they see reduced spending on their co-branded credit cards affecting revenue.