Delta adds fuel surcharge on SkyMiles Award Tickets

In response to continued, unprecedented fuel costs, Delta Air Lines will add a fuel surcharge to SkyMiles Award Tickets originating from the U.S. and Canada.

Effective from August 15, 2008, the SkyMiles program will add:

- A $25 surcharge for Award Travel between the 50 states and Canada

- A $50 surcharge for Award Travel between the 50 states/Canada and all international destinations, including the Caribbean, Latin America, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific.

This fuel surcharge will not impact existing ticketed award itineraries or award tickets issued prior to Aug. 15, 2008, regardless of the date of travel.

“The price of fuel has nearly doubled in the last year, causing considerable financial stress to Delta’s business. As a result, Delta is implementing initiatives across all areas of the business to mitigate the extraordinary run up in fuel expense,” said Jeff Robertson, managing director of Delta’s SkyMiles Program.

“This was a difficult but essential decision in the face of record-high fuel costs. We hope this is temporary, and should fuel prices subside from current levels, we will reevaluate this surcharge.”

Delta remains committed to making SkyMiles the best frequent flyer program in the industry and providing members with the most benefits and rewards. Delta will continue to expand the destinations and opportunities for Award Travel and strengthen the program as the airline prepares for its proposed merger with Northwest Airlines. Additionally, Delta will launch a new multi-tiered award program and other key initiatives throughout the next 60 days.