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Delta favours business travellers in SkyMiles revamp

27 Feb 2014 by GrahamSmith

Delta Air Lines is revamping its frequent flyer programme to reward passengers who buy the most expensive tickets.

The airline's SkyMiles programme will from January 1 next year shift away from the current model in which members earn airmiles based on distrance travelled.

Instead, it is moving to a system where passengers will be awarded miles based on the price of their ticket.

This will benefit the business traveller, who is more likely to leave booking a ticket to the last minute and will often travel in a class other than economy, and therefore pays a premium.

Members will earn between five and 11 miles per US dollar spent, depending on their SkyMiles status — general members will earn five; Silver Medallion members, seven; Gold Medallion members, eight; Platinum Medallion members, nine; and Diamond Medallion members, 11.

Jeff Robertson, Delta's vice president of SkyMiles, said: "The introduction of a new model for earning miles will increase rewards for those who spend more as well as differentiate the SkyMiles frequent flyer programme for our premium travellers."

Other changes to SkyMiles will include a "new mileage redemption structure that will improve award seat availability at the lowest mileage requirement levels, offer one-way awards at half the price of round-trip, and provide additional Miles + Cash Award options".

Last week, it was announced that Delta will launch a direct Chicago to London Heathrow service in October (see news, February 17).

delta.com

Graham Smith

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