Delta SkyMiles offers new redemption options

Based on customer feedback, Delta Air Lines is launching new initiatives to give its SkyMiles members the most redemption options available in the industry and more control over how they redeem their miles.

SkyMiles members will have access to several new ways to redeem miles as part of Delta’s efforts to ensure its loyalty program remains one of the industry’s most valuable and rewarding programs.

“We’ve heard our customers loud and clear – they want more ways to redeem their miles and we are ecstatic to launch several industry-leading initiatives while building on popular, existing SkyMiles features,” said Jeff Robertson, managing director of Delta’s SkyMiles program.

“We want our customers to use their miles, because they’ve worked hard to earn them. We believe Delta’s overall rewards now give our customers the most value for their SkyMiles membership and offer the most complete and comprehensive benefits in the industry.”

Delta, in partnership with American Express, now offers customers who have a Gold or Platinum SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express the ability to use a new “Pay with Miles” feature.

“Pay with Miles” allows those American Express cardmembers to log on to delta.com, search for travel, and choose to pay for Delta tickets with miles, their Gold or Platinum SkyMiles Credit Card or a combination of both.

Delta also has extended access to its Medallion Marketplace – an online marketplace at delta.com – to all of its elite members. Previously available only to Platinum Medallion members, the Marketplace provides a place for customers to use miles (or a combination of miles and money) to purchase TVs, DVD players, hotel stays, golf outings, gift cards and more.

Additionally, Delta is:

- Growing its SkyMiles Online Auction program, where members may bid miles for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, exclusive merchandise and VIP access to special events. SkyMiles members can access the online auction at delta.com/skymilesauction.

- Expanding its Online Award Calendar that allows SkyMiles members to search quickly for Award Travel availability at delta.com. The calendar was recently upgraded to include Award availability for travel on Delta SkyTeam partners Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines. Air France and Alaska Airlines Award Travel availability are next to be added on delta.com.

- Revamping its Award Ticket program later this year by introducing three new redemption tiers and more flexibility for members.

These changes and additions are part of Delta’s ongoing effort to build the best frequent flyer program in the world. The airline continues to lead the industry in Award Travel redemption, with a total of 3.3 million Award tickets redeemed in 2006.
The award-winning Delta SkyMiles program offers members multiple mileage-earning opportunities when flying Delta, Delta Shuttle, the Delta Connection carriers, Delta AirElite and other SkyTeam airlines.

Additional mileage-building opportunities are offered through more than 100 partners such as the Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, SkyMilesShopping.com, participating hotels, car rental companies, telecommunication services, restaurants, retailers and more.

Now in its 27th year, SkyMiles is one of the longest-running and most successful loyalty programs in the travel industry and was named “Best Frequent Flyer Program” for 2006 and 2007 by Business Traveler magazine.

For more information, visit Delta.com.