News

Delta eliminates fees for last-minute redemptions

3 Jun 2010 by BusinessTraveller

Members of Delta’s Skymiles loyalty scheme will no longer have to pay fees of up to US$150 to redeem miles within 20 days of departure.

Until now the airline charged US$75 for redemptions eight to 20 days before travel, US$100 for travel within four to seven days, and US$150 for travel within three days. These fees have now been removed, effective immediately.

Said Jeff Robertson, Delta's vice president – SkyMiles:

"We want members to be able to redeem their miles – whether it's for a last-minute trip or a vacation of a lifetime – and eliminating this fee for our loyal travellers makes doing so significantly easier. We are actively listening to customers' concerns about the SkyMiles program and are responding." 

Delta says that the elimination of redemption fees follows other recent changes to the Skymiles programme, including:

  • the introduction of a Diamond Medallion tier and the industry’s first rollover Madallion Qualification Miles for 2010
  • a first checked bag free benefit for customers with a Consumer or Business Gold, Platinum, or Reserve Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express (from June 1)
  • An increase in the allocation of preferred Economy seats to ensure the most frequent travelers are guaranteed the best seats on all Delta and Delta Connection flights by August 2010
  • Allowing Delta's most loyal customers – Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallions – flying on domestic award redemptions to be eligible for complimentary upgrades by September 2010
  • Re-engineering the online award calendar at delta.com to make it easier to find and redeem award seats

Fees for award ticket redeposit and reissue have increased from US$100 to US$150 to make them consistent with fees for non-award tickets. These fees will continue to be waived for SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion members.

For more information visit delta.com.

Report by Mark Caswell

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