SkyMiles members obtain loyalty status by reaching required annual spending thresholds coupled with flying a required number of flight segments or a required number of miles. Under the new policy, expenditures on Basic Economy fares no longer count toward those thresholds.
More changes related to Delta's Basic Economy
Delta also announced Thursday that beginning Jan. 1 it will allow ticket holders to cancel Basic Economy itineraries and retain a credit for future flights, but with a fee. Until now, Delta's normal policy has been to not allow any changes or cancellations on Basic Economy tickets. However, in July the carrier invoked a temporary measure through the end of this year allowing Basic Economy itinerary changes without a fee. The airline invoked that measure as the delta variant caused an alarming jump in U.S. Covid-19 cases.
Under Delta's new long-term policy, cancellation fees for most long-haul international travel will be $199. The fee for most domestic and short-haul international flights will be $99.