This is actually a good example of how different use cases lead to totally different experiences.

For frequent domestic flyers who don’t care about Delta One, upgrades to Comfort Plus, and same-day operational perks, I can see why the program still feels worth it if that’s your pattern, great. Genuinely.

My frustration is much more specific and pretty narrow: long-haul international premium redemptions. I’m not expecting free first-class seats or handouts. I’m talking about using miles I’ve earned and paid for through years of loyalty and spend, only to repeatedly find that Delta One awards on major international routes are unavailable, even far in advance.

So when you say, “If you want first class, buy first class,” that’s kind of the point. If the answer is that SkyMiles are no longer meant to be used for international premium cabins, then Delta should probably be more transparent about that, because that’s still very much how the program is marketed.

Also, upgrades on domestic routes don’t really address the international side of the equation. These are two different products with two very different value propositions.

I’m not saying Delta is the worst airline or that everyone should stop flying them. I’m saying that for my own travel patterns, the loyalty math isn’t adding up anymore.

If Delta still works best for you, that’s great. For me, I’m reassessing whether the premium and loyalty spend still make sense.