When Delta Air Lines and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide announced a comprehensive new partnership earlier this month, it marked an industry first. The new program, called Crossover Rewards, launches March 1 and offers elite members of both loyalty programs reciprocal benefits.
For Starwood members, Gold and Platinum elites will be eligible to earn points based on the price of their flights on Delta; the rate is one Starpoint per dollar of fare, excluding taxes and fees. Platinum elites will be permitted to check one bag for free, use the SkyPriority lines at the airport, and board as part of Group 1, some of the earlier passengers to get on board. They will also be eligible for complimentary upgrades on most Delta flights. This grants them most of the same benefits as a Silver Medallion member on the day of travel.
For Delta members, they can receive reciprocal rewards for visits at Starwood hotels at the rate of one point per dollar of the room rate; additional services at the hotel will not earn SkyMiles. For Delta Platinum and Diamond members, the benefits for staying at Starwood hotels will be even better. They will be treated the same as Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Gold elites when at the hotel, including access to upgraded rooms, late checkout, and complimentary Internet access.
Delta spokesperson Chris Kelly spoke about the new Crossover Rewards program with Loyalty 360.
Why did these two programs merge?
Crossover Rewards creates a unique opportunity for Starwood and Delta to award our best customers throughout their travel experience. We decided to partner together based on our mutual goal of bringing more rewards to elite members of both programs around the world, and ensuring that these members have an enhanced experience while traveling on Delta and staying with Starwood.
Why is this a valuable loyalty program now?
Elite members have the opportunity to earn more miles and Starpoints for their hotel stays and flights. SPG elite members will receive Starpoints in addition to miles for eligible Delta flights and Delta Medallion members will receive miles in addition to Starpoints for their SPG eligible stays. In addition, Diamond and Platinum Medallion members receive benefits such as free in-room internet when they stay Starwood while SPG Platinum members will receive a first checked bag free among other benefits when flying Delta.
Were customers asking for this type of program?
Customers are interested in unique ways to earn points and we are always exploring ways to reward our best customers for their loyalty.
What is unique about this merged program?
This is the first time customers will have the opportunity to earn a hotel currency in addition to miles for their Delta flights. Select members will receive benefits at Delta or Starwood because of their loyalty to the partner organization.