Delta, Northwest merge frequent flyer programs

With the recent merger of Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines having received governemnt approval, the carriers have begun to merge their frequent flyer programs. Both airlines maintain that all members will retain their current mileage balances in the new program.

Last week, Delta announced elite and reward changes to both the Delta SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks programs to better align member benefits. Beginning in 2009, the programs will offer segment qualification, currently a WorldPerks benefit, to allow members to reach elite status by flying a designated number of flight segments on either Delta or Northwest flights. Additionally, SkyMiles and WorldPerks members will continue to earn a minimum of 500 Elite Qualifying Miles and base miles per flight, making Delta the only major airline to maintain this minimum for all customers.

SkyMiles and WorldPerks elite members now have the ability to receive complimentary upgrades on both airlines. Complimentary upgrades are subject to availability and offered on most Delta and Northwest flights within or between the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and northern South America.

In an effort to closely align the two loyalty programs’ benefits, Northwest WorldPerks will introduce three-tiered award availability and SkyMiles and WorldPerks members will have the ability to transfer miles between their respective accounts in early 2009. Delta plans to merge both programs in late 2009.