Delta Air Hints on Skymiles Program 2015

Delta Air Line, in a bid to maintain its leading role in passenger satisfaction, has disclosed plans for Skymile Program 2015.

The Airline disclosed this to the cheering of travel agencies representatives during its one-day Forum in Lagos.

ET Sefia, GSA manager for Delta Air Line (Nigeria), said the Forum was imperative, owing to the cordial relationship the Airline has been enjoying working with Travel Agencies in the country and the need to lead them into several loyalty packages the Airline has for both the Agencies and it numerous customers.

Delta Air Lines, a major American airline operates extensive domestic and international network serving six continents. SkyMiles is one of Delta Air’s loyalty programs.

Speaking at the Forum, Tomi Vaughan, sales executive for Delta Air, said the plan was part of the Airline’s ongoing efforts to improve both the customers’ and travel agencies’ travel experience on Delta.

“We are making updates to the SkyMiles program. Starting January 1, 2015, miles will be earned based on ticket price to better reward customers who spend more with Delta. We are also creating more redemption options and increasing Award Seat availability at the lowest price points,” she said.

Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Airways launched their new immunised joint venture between the UK and USA on 1 January, 2014.

The alliance covers all of their respective flights between the two countries, including the much-coveted New York-London Heathrow market where they will offer a combined nine daily flights from JFK International and Newark Liberty International airports.

She explained that Miles for Delta flights will be earned based on ticket price instead of distance flown.

“So when you pay a higher price, you will be rewarded with more miles up to 75,000 per ticket. This update will take effect for flights flown on or after January 1, 2015,” Vaughan added.

Meanwhile, U.S. and select international Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Members will continue to earn up to an additional 2 miles per dollar or corresponding earning rate on Delta purchases with the Card.

Although, redeemable miles differ from Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), which are based on distance flown, but the way customers earn Medallion status is not changing.

“You said it should be easier to redeem miles. We heard you, so we are making Award Travel more flexible and giving you more options than ever for flights booked on or after January 1, 2015,” the Sales Executive added.

According to the Airline, for Delta-marketed, flight numbers that include the “DL” airline code or Delta-ticketed featuring a ticket number beginning with “006” flights, SkyMiles members will earn miles based on ticket price, at the rate of 5 miles per U.S. Dollar (USD) spent.

“Ticket price eligible for mileage accrual includes base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, but excludes government-imposed taxes and fees. Members with earned Medallion status will earn an additional Medallion mileage bonus per USD spent based on their status at the time of travel”, among other terms and conditions.

Sefia added that the gathering achieved its purpose as participants are better equipped with information that will enable customer satisfaction and exposure to Delta’s packages for them.
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