Delta Airlines is threatening unruly travelers with penalties possibly heavier than even the government can impose: it's threatening to take away SkyMiles and even elite status from passengers who threaten Delta employees.
The return of more travelers to the air has brought with it a rise in unruly or dangerous inflight behavior, often revolving around drinking and mask rules. The FAA says it's had 1,300 reported cases so far this year, when normally it sees only 100 to 150 a year.
While Delta and the other airlines have always had wide latitude over the terms and conditions of their loyalty programs, Delta has now made it specific: 'Documented abusive bahavior' is now a specific reason for expulsion from the SkyMiles program.
The list of what that means includes personal threats, profanity, obscene language, insults or slurs directed to a Delta employee and also covers any intentional destruction to Delta property. The rule applies not only inflight and at the airport, but on the phone with Delta employees.
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