SkyMiles

Last updated
SkyMiles
Delta SkyMiles Logo.svg
Type Frequent-flyer program
Owner Delta Air Lines
Introduced1981;43 years ago (1981)
Website SkyMiles

SkyMiles is the frequent-flyer program of Delta Air Lines that offers points (or "miles") to passengers traveling on most fare types, as well as to consumers who utilize Delta co-branded credit cards, which accumulate towards free awards such as airline tickets, business and first-class upgrades, and luxury products. [1] Created in 1981 [2] [3] as the "Delta Air Lines Frequent Flyer Program", its name was changed to SkyMiles in 1995. [4] Originally all airlines including Delta, only gave miles for airline travel and not credit card expenditures. [5] Delta claims to have been the first major U.S. airline without mileage expiration, so travelers can redeem awards at their leisure, but others have since followed. [6] The airline also has a separate SkyBonus program that provides small to mid-sized business owners with a way to earn points for trips taken by employees, good towards free flights, upgrades, Medallion status and other travel awards. [7] It has been ranked fairly high according to some independent news outlets. [8]

Contents

Partnerships

In addition to its Delta Connection, Delta Shuttle and SkyTeam alliance partnerships, Delta offers frequent flyer partnerships with the following airlines: [9] [10]

Former partnerships

In addition to the air miles, SkyMiles can be redeemed and even earned on SkyMiles cruises but that is actually a separate company. [19] Miles may be used and accrued on Delta Vacations but that is also a separate company although Delta is the parent company. [20] [21]

Medallion status

Delta offers four published tiers of elite status within the SkyMiles program. These are known as Medallion statuses and previously were achieved by flying a certain number of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQS) between January 1 and December 31 each year. Beginning in 2014, a certain number of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) was required for the US members in addition to either the MQM or the MQS requirement.[ citation needed ]

In September 2023, Delta announced a major change in how Medallion status would be earned beginning in 2024 (earning for status in 2025). MQM and MQS were abolished in favor of a simpler structure relying only on MQD to earn status, and new ways to earn MQD were created, including spending on the co-branded SkyMiles American Express credit cards. [22]

Tier nameMQD requiredAbbreviation
Silver Medallion$5,000FO
Gold Medallion$10,000GM
Platinum Medallion$15,000PM
Diamond Medallion$28,000DM

Delta Private Jets Card holders receive Diamond Medallion tier status. [23]

Medallion status entitles members to unlimited complimentary upgrades, subject to availability, on most published economy fares on Delta and certain Delta-designated codeshare flights in North America within or between the United States (excluding Hawaii) and Bermuda, Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Mexico. [24] In addition, preferred coach seating such as in the Economy Comfort section is set aside for medallion members for when first and business class upgrades are not available. [25] [26] Although not a published benefit, certain top tier members of the program have been transferred at Delta hubs by an automobile and chauffeur pick up service (see photograph). There is also a Delta 360 level of status which is awarded by invite only to their very best customers. How to earn this status has not been published. There have been further updates in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. [27]

Porsche transfer, SeaTac Airport Porsche Transfer SeaTac airport.jpg
Porsche transfer, SeaTac Airport
Porsche transfer, Detroit Airport for Delta Medallions Porsche transfer Detroit Airport.jpg
Porsche transfer, Detroit Airport for Delta Medallions

History

In 1991, Delta acquired most of the assets of Pan Am Airways, and in November 1991 all members of the Pan Am frequent flyer program, WorldPass, were transferred to Delta's FF program, with their accumulated miles. [28]

On July 31, 2008, Delta adjusted the cost of award tickets by implementing a four-tiered pricing system. For example, a domestic coach ticket cost 25,000, 32,500, 40,000, or 60,000 miles depending on availability. [29]

On July 27, 2009, Delta introduced "Rollover" for Delta Medallion members. Flyers who reach an elite tier in a program year are able to roll over any extra Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) above their earned tier to the next year. For example, a passenger who earned 65,000 MQM in 2010 will earn Gold Medallion status for reaching 50,000 MQMs and will begin 2011 with 15,000 MQMs rolled over from the previous year. [30] [31]

On October 1, 2009, Northwest Airlines' former frequent flyer program, WorldPerks, officially became SkyMiles. This remained until the reservation system and website became Delta on January 31, 2010. [32]

In January 2011, Delta eliminated its mileage expiration policy, making it at the time the only major U.S. carrier to have a non-expiring mileage policy. [33] [34] The announcement was made on 15 February 2011. (United Airlines matched their policy by 2019.) [35]

In January 2013, Delta announced that beginning in the 2014 program year qualifying for elite Medallion status will require meeting spending thresholds. Each tier of elite status will now require a certain amount of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), in addition to the existing mileage or segment requirements. 1 MQD is earned for every dollar spent on most Delta issued airline tickets and on Delta marketed flights on other tickets. Only the base fare and carrier imposed fees earn MQDs. Government fees and taxes, as well as ancillary services such as baggage fees, change fees, etc., do not earn MQDs. [36] Medallion members who spend at least $25,000 on a cobranded Delta American Express card annually are exempt from this new requirement. [37] On September 26, 2017 Delta announced that the Credit Card waiver for Diamond Medallions only, was being increased to $250,000 which effectively eliminates it for many travelers. [38]

In late February 2014 Delta announced significant changes to the SkyMiles program that shifts away from miles traveled to earning based on Medallion level and dollars spent, ceasing to be a frequent flyer program and becoming a spending program. [39] [40] Also announced was a new mileage redemption structure that will approve Award seat availability. The minimum number of miles earned per dollar is 5 and the maximum per dollar is 13. SkyMiles members that use one of Delta's branded credit cards from American Express will receive a bonus of 2-3 additional miles per dollar spent with Delta, depending on the tier of card used. [41] It was also announced that the maximum number of miles that can be earned on any ticket is 75,000. [42]

SkyMiles Program StatusMiles per dollarMiles earned with Delta AmExTotal miles per dollar
General SkyMiles member52 - 3, depending on card7 - 8
Silver Medallion72 - 3, depending on card9 - 10
Gold Medallion82 - 3, depending on card10 - 11
Platinum Medallion92 - 3, depending on card11 - 12
Diamond Medallion112 - 3, depending on card13 - 14

The updates to the 2015 SkyMiles program will not impact how one earns different Medallion levels from the 2014 MQD scheme. [43] Partnerships with Airbnb have also been announced. [44] [45]

COVID-19 pandemic effect

The Delta Skymiles program was valued at $6.5 billion. The program was in effect mortgaged to keep the airline afloat in view of the catastrophic drop in demand for air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Delta reported a 78% decline in miles redeemed in the first half of the 2020 year, resulting in a 60% drop in passenger revenue. However, frequent fliers continued to use their Delta SkyMiles credit cards, and cash from sales to American Express declined only 5% year-over-year to $1.9 billion. [46] Overall Delta raised 9 billion in this cashflow issue. [47] Most airlines, Delta included, instituted rollover of status and miles programs to keep its loyal customers in the wake of the pandemic. [48]

Related Research Articles

Delta Air Lines is a major airline in the United States headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It is the United States' oldest operating airline and the seventh-oldest operating worldwide. Delta, along with its subsidiaries and regional affiliates, including Delta Connection, operates over 5,400 flights daily and serves 325 destinations in 52 countries on six continents. Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. As of the end of 2023, it had 100,000 employees.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Airline alliance</span> Cooperation agreement between two or more airlines

An airline alliance is an aviation industry arrangement between two or more airlines agreeing to cooperate on a substantial level. Alliances may provide marketing branding to facilitate travelers making inter-airline codeshare connections within countries. This branding may involve unified aircraft liveries of member aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frequent-flyer program</span> Airline loyalty program

A frequent-flyer programme (FFP) is a loyalty program offered by an airline.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Star Alliance</span> Airline alliance

Star Alliance is an airline alliance headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Founded on 14 May 1997, it was the world's first global airline alliance. As of April 2024, it is also the world's largest airline alliance by market share, holding 17.4%, compared to 13.7% for SkyTeam and 11.9% for Oneworld.

AAdvantage is the frequent-flyer program of American Airlines. Launched May 1, 1981, it was the second such loyalty program in the world and remains the largest, with more than 115 million members as of April, 2021.

Aeroplan is the frequent-flyer program owned by Air Canada, Canada's flag carrier. The Aeroplan program was created in July 1984 by Air Canada as an incentive program for its frequent flyer customers. In 2002 it was spun off as a separate corporate entity and eventually sold to Aimia. On May 11, 2017, Air Canada announced it plans to launch a new loyalty program to replace the Aeroplan program in 2020. On August 21, 2018, Air Canada, along with TD, CIBC and Visa, agreed to acquire Aeroplan from Aimia for CA$450 million in cash. There are approximately 5 million active members in the program. On August 11, 2020, Air Canada released details about its new loyalty program, which was a relaunch of Aeroplan.

Shanghai Airlines is an airline headquartered in Shanghai and a wholly owned subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines. Shanghai Airlines operates domestic and international services. The logo is a white crane on a red vertical tail fin. The airline operates flights out of Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport both located in Shanghai. The airline is an affiliate member of the SkyTeam airline alliance with its parent company China Eastern Airlines which is a full member of the alliance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Airport lounge</span> Air travel amenity

An airport lounge is a facility operated at many airports. Airport lounges offer, for selected passengers, comforts beyond those afforded in the airport terminal, such as more comfortable seating, quieter environments, and better access to customer service representatives. Other accommodations may include private meeting rooms, telephones, wireless internet access and other business services, along with provisions to enhance passenger comfort, such as free drinks, snacks, magazines, and showers.

Miles & More is the frequent-flyer program owned and operated by the Lufthansa Group.

EuroBonus is the frequent-flyer program of Scandinavian Airlines. It was launched by SAS in 1992.

Asia Miles is a loyalty and frequent-flyer program launched by Cathay Pacific. Launched in February 1999, it allows members to earn miles by making different purchases with co-branded credit cards or on partnered flights, hotels, dining, financial services, retail, and technology products and services. Membership is free and open to individuals aged two or above.

MagsforMiles, a program run by CAP Systems, allows people to redeem frequent flyer miles for magazine subscriptions. Members of frequent flyer programs with an active, positive mileage balance may receive direct mail informing them of the opportunity to redeem their miles for magazines. Opportunities to redeem miles for magazines are also available on Airline websites.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mileage Plan</span> Frequent-flyer program of Alaska Airlines

Mileage Plan is the frequent-flyer program of Alaska Airlines. Members accrue program "miles" by flying Alaska Airlines and partner-operated flights, using co-branded credit cards, and booking vacation and hotel packages, among other methods. Mileage Plan miles can be redeemed for award flights on Alaska Airlines and partner carriers and provide eligibility for elite status with Mileage Plan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TrueBlue</span> Frequent-flyer program of JetBlue

TrueBlue is the frequent-flyer program of JetBlue that offers points to passengers traveling on most fare types, as well as to consumers who utilize JetBlue co-branded credit cards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MileagePlus</span> Frequent-flyer program of United Airlines

MileagePlus is the frequent-flyer program of United Airlines that offers rewards to passengers traveling on certain types of tickets. Following the 2010 merger agreement between United and Continental Airlines, United Mileage Plus was chosen to be the frequent-flyer program for the combined airline. The program was subsequently renamed to MileagePlus, and maintains its relationship with its Star Alliance partners, as well as other airline and travel enterprise agreements.

Delta Private Jets, Inc. was an airline of the United States. Its corporate headquarters was on the property of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Boone County, Kentucky. It operated business jet aircraft as a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. Its main base was Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smiles S.A.</span>

Smiles S.A. is a Brazilian company which manages Smiles loyalty program, the former frequent-flyer program of Varig, a Brazilian carrier, now switched to GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hotel loyalty program</span> Marketing strategy used by hotels to attract business at their properties

A hotel loyalty program or hotel reward program is a loyalty program typically run by a hotel chain. It is a marketing strategy used by hotel chains to attract and retain business at their properties. The program works to entice customers, especially business or other frequent hotel guests, to favour that particular brand or group of hotels over others when selecting a hotel by offering discounts or privileges, such as upgrades.

AwardWallet is frequent flyer miles and points tracking site. It is considered to be the first in the genre, founded in 2004, and tracked more than 400 sites as of 2011. AwardWallet is based out of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. As of 2021, it has 700,000 users, despite some airlines blocking access to the app citing privacy concerns.

References

  1. ↑ Kartashova, Anya (2019-12-11). "Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card 2020 Review". Forbes Advisor. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  2. ↑ "Airline Frequent Flyer Miles, 30 Years Later". ABC News. Retrieved 2021-02-10.
  3. ↑ "The First Frequent Flyer Programs". InsideFlyer.com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-22. Retrieved 2009-03-01.
  4. ↑ "Delta SkyMiles: Everything You Need to Know About the Frequent-flier Program". Travel + Leisure. Retrieved 2021-02-10.
  5. ↑ Tribune, Charles Lockwood, Special to the (27 January 2002). "Frequent-flier plans after 9/11". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2021-02-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ↑ "About SkyMiles". Delta.com. Retrieved 2013-01-22.
  7. ↑ "Learn more about the benefits of SkyBonus®". skybonus.delta.com. Retrieved 2013-01-21.
  8. ↑ "Travel USNews Rankings". Travel.
  9. ↑ Staff, Bankrate. "Frequent Flyer Guide to Delta SkyMiles | Bankrate.com". Bankrate. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  10. ↑ "Earn Miles with Delta Airline Partners : Delta Air Lines". www.delta.com. Retrieved 2017-11-09.
  11. ↑ Lifshitz-Klieger, Iris (2023-12-19). "El Al and Delta sign Codeshare agreements, streamlining 280 destinations". Ynetnews. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  12. ↑ "Hawaiian Airlines Partners". hawaiianair.custhelp.com. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  13. ↑ "Associated Airlines". www.latam.com. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  14. ↑ "system-unavailable". www.virginatlantic.com. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  15. ↑ "Virgin Australia's Airline Partners". Virgin Australia. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  16. ↑ "WestJet announces reciprocal frequent flyer agreement with Delta Air Lines - Yahoo Finance Canada". Archived from the original on 2014-12-16. Retrieved 2014-12-12.
  17. ↑ "| oneworld". www.oneworld.com. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  18. ↑ "Delta Air to end codeshare deal with Alaska Air". Reuters. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
  19. ↑ "SkyMiles Cruises". www.skymilescruises.com. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  20. ↑ "Packaged Vacation Deals | Delta Vacations". www.deltavacations.com. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
  21. ↑ "WorldAgent Direct - Travel Agent Tools & Resources". www.worldagentdirect.com. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
  22. ↑ "Site Maintenance".
  23. ↑ "Delta Private Jets Card". Archived from the original on 2014-06-25.
  24. ↑ "Unlimited Complimentary Medallion® Upgrades" . Retrieved 2013-01-21.
  25. ↑ "Reservation Benefits" . Retrieved 2013-01-21.
  26. ↑ "The 13 Best Ways to Earn Delta SkyMiles in 2021" . Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  27. ↑ Ben (2021-02-07). "The Real Reason Delta Keeps Devaluing SkyMiles". One Mile at a Time. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  28. ↑ By (1991-09-05). "AIRLINES TO COMBINE BONUS PLAN PAN AM FREQUENT FLIERS CAN EARN DELTA AWARDS". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  29. ↑ Maynard, Micheline (2008-07-31). "Delta Redoes Mileage Plan for Its Fliers". NY Times. Retrieved 2012-01-16.
  30. ↑ "Gulliver". The Economist. ISSN   0013-0613 . Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  31. ↑ "Medallion® Benefits Terms and Conditions : Delta Air Lines". www.delta.com. Retrieved 2017-11-09.
  32. ↑ "Northwest's WorldPerks -- R.I.P." SmarterTravel. 2009-10-13. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  33. ↑ "Delta says loyalty program miles now won't expire". Reuters. 2011-02-15. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  34. ↑ "Delta Air Lines ends expiration of SkyMiles - Feb. 15, 2011". money.cnn.com. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  35. ↑ "Delta Eliminates SkyMiles Expiration (Delta Air Lines Inc.)". News.delta.com. Retrieved 2012-01-16.
  36. ↑ "Delta Changes SkyMiles to Require Minimum Spend". ABC News. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  37. ↑ "SkyMiles News & Updates". delta.com. Retrieved 2013-01-19.
  38. ↑ "Delta increasing Diamond MQD Waiver to $250,000 - FlyerTalk Forums". www.flyertalk.com. Retrieved 2017-11-08.
  39. ↑ Ben (2014-02-26). "Delta SkyMiles Going Fully Revenue Based". One Mile at a Time. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  40. ↑ "DELTA INTRODUCES 2015 SKYMILES PROGRAM WITH NEW MILEAGE EARNING STRUCTURE AND MORE REDEMPTION OPTIONS". Delta.com. Retrieved 2014-02-26.
  41. ↑ Hurd, Aaron (2024-03-01). "Delta Air Lines credit cards complete guide: All Delta credit cards compared" . Retrieved 2024-09-08.
  42. ↑ Yamanouchi, Kelly; Journal-Constitution, The Atlanta. "Delta to boost top frequent flier threshold". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  43. ↑ "2015 SKYMILES PROGRAM". Delta.com. Retrieved 2014-02-26.
  44. ↑ "Delta | Airbnb". Delta. 2016-09-21. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  45. ↑ "Delta SkyMiles® Airbnb partnership program - Airbnb Help Center". Airbnb. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  46. ↑ Manfredi, Lucas (2020-09-16). "Delta takes a 'mortgage' out on frequent flier SkyMiles for $6.5B". FOXBusiness. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  47. ↑ "Flitch Ratings Structured Finance". www.fitchratings.com. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  48. ↑ Markwat, Christian (2020-04-12). "Delta extends Medallion Status with 12 months". InsideFlyer. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
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