Delta is aligning benefits and rewards for elite-status customers in the Delta SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks loyalty programs.
Beginning in 2009, the programs will offer segment qualification, currently a WorldPerks benefit. Segment qualification allows members to reach elite status by flying a designated number of flight segments.
Silver elite flyers must reach 25,000 elite-qualifying miles or 30 qualifying segments; gold elite, 25,000 miles or 60 segments; and platinum elite, 75,000 miles or 100 segments.
SkyMiles and WorldPerks members will continue to earn a minimum of 500 elite-qualifying bonus miles per flight, Delta said.
Customers attaining elite status receive complimentary upgrades, mileage bonuses, priority boarding and preferred seating. In 2009, customers will be able to receive complimentary upgrades on Northwest and Delta for eligible flights, subject to availability.
Also, SkyMiles and WorldPerks members will be able to transfer miles between accounts in early 2009, Delta said.
Delta plans to finish merging the loyalty programs in late 2009.