Delta Merges Frequent Flier Program with Northwest
Thursday, October 15th, 2009
After the first round of merger activities for Delta and Northwest airlines, both airlines have taken the necessary steps to integrate their frequent flier programs. The combined program now has a total of 70 million members, and gives passengers the opportunity to cash in and collect airline miles from both entities with ease.
The acquisition of Northwest by Delta, now the world’s biggest airline operator, began in October 2008 and the frequent flier program changeover occurred at the end of September 2009. The program is now formally called ‘SkyMiles’, and uses a single database and technologies to ensure accurate flier mile calculations.
The SkyMiles program will soon include the 2010 Medallion Program, a premium loyalty program that will offer extended benefits including rollover miles, unlimited complimentary upgrades, priority seats, priority wait listing, and discounted fares for certain flights. The Medallion Program will be offered at the Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond levels based on the number of miles the passenger has accumulated. The Silver level begins at 25,000 qualification miles and 30 qualification segments.
The SkyMiles WorldPerks integration is expected to be complete during the first few weeks of October, and WorldPerks members that did not link their account with a SkyMiles account will receive a new SkyMiles number and member package in late October. Those that did link their account will receive an e-mail about the account merger, and will include an update on account balances and any status changes. Any WorldPerks elite qualification miles, redeemable miles, Elite, and Million Air status miles will be transferred immediately into the member’s new SkyMiles account.
Most of the benefits of this merger will be experienced by Elite WorldPerks members, because they will be eligible for unlimited complimentary upgrades when traveling with an elite member. However, complimentary Elite upgrades will no longer be available on Continental. More information about what WorldPerks members can expect with the changes can be found here.
