Delta Unveils Perks to SkyMiles Program

Delta Airlines has announced some pretty significant changes to its SkyMiles frequent-flier program intended to encourage customer loyalty, and discourage the use of multiple airlines by its frequent customers. Under the new rules, Delta customers can "roll over" earned miles and credits not needed to reach an elite status level. For example, a traveler accumulating 95,000 miles in a year (75,000 miles are required for Delta's current highest-level elite status) would finish the year with 20,000 leftover miles. In a time when business travel is in decline as the global economic downturn gradually reverses itself, this new policy is intended to make it easier for frequent travelers to achieve and maintain elite status with the airline. Delta also plans to add a new "Diamond" level status for its frequent-flier program in 2010. Perks of this new status will include a free airport-club membership, along with the standard elite status benefits such as priority seating and first class upgrades for its most frequent fliers. Qualification for the new Diamond status will require 125,000 "elite-qualifying" miles, or 140 travel segments per year. The new tier will cover Delta as well as Northwest Airlines customers. Delta has also announced it will begin to allow Platinum and Diamond level customers to pick and choose their rewards. With the introduction of their new Diamond level, Delta will become the first airline with four published elite status tiers. —C.N