Programs: Flying Blue Gold / ST Elite Plus, UA MP, BA Exec Club
Posts: 71
Does anyone know when DL <-> NW mileage transfers will be allowed?
Ahoy all, I have two questions--one a quick info question, the other more of a question about mileage strategy:
1) Quick info: Does anyone have inside info on when transfers of miles between DL and NW accounts will be allowed? The rep from DL special member services today did not have any idea, other than "its coming..."
2) Mileage strategy: The reason I am asking is that I have moved from the US to east Africa. Delta was wonderful, but now I'm trying to get upgrades on KL and Kenya Airways flights, and SkyMiles doesn't work for upgrades despite the SkyTeam partnership.
What I would like to do is transfer my NW miles (a few) and DL miles (a lot) to my new FlyingBlue account. NW allows this when you move outside the US, due to their longstanding partnership with KLM. DL, confirmed by the agent today, does not.
So...what I would like to do when the option becomes available is move my DL miles to NW, then move the whole bundle from NW to FlyingBlue.
I realize that this assumes (1) we'll actually be able to transfer miles in the near future and (2) the NW to FB option will remain open after that date.
Other than those risks, any input on whether this will work?
It would, of course, be much simpler if Delta would just allow me to transfer miles to FB the same way NW does, but the agent on the phone today sounded pretty emphatic that such a transfer is not allowed.
"In February 2009, WorldPerks members who also have a SkyMiles account will be able to transfer miles between these two accounts. Elite Qualifying Miles cannot be pooled at this time but will be automatically combined at program integration in late 2009."
Programs: NW PE, MOVING to AA, BA, National Emerald
Posts: 153
Quote:
Originally Posted by gohoward
It would, of course, be much simpler if Delta would just allow me to transfer miles to FB the same way NW does, but the agent on the phone today sounded pretty emphatic that such a transfer is not allowed.
And now another reason for me as a NW person to to dislike this NW/DL merger! You better do the transfer fast as I am sure the DL policy will win when the merger FF program "officially" happens.
My ultimate question is why Delta doesn’t allow you to transfer, my goodness they do supposedly have a partnership with AF & ultimately Flying Blue one would THINK!
__________________
WP/SM = Best of what class? - thanks "NEW" Delta!
Actually, even if not official yet, we are able to transfer mileage from NW WP to DL SM. In order to do so, you must be missing mileage from your DL account to issue an award. Is pretty quick, only a form to fill (we fill the form) and the miles are in your SM account within a day or two.
Last edited by DlRes; Jan 5, 09 at 4:11 pm.
Reason: Typo
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold, IC Ambassador
Posts: 1,111
Quote:
Originally Posted by DlRes
Actually, even of not official yet, we are able to transfer mileage from NW WP to DL SM. In order to do so, you must be missing mileage from your DL account to issue an award. Is pretty quick, only a form to fill (we fill the form) and the miles are in your SM account within a day or two.
Actually, even if not official yet, we are able to transfer mileage from NW WP to DL SM. In order to do so, you must be missing mileage from your DL account to issue an award. Is pretty quick, only a form to fill (we fill the form) and the miles are in your SM account within a day or two.
Does this work the other direction as well (Delta->NW)?
Thanks DLRES - I called and go the ball rolling. Unfortunately, my WP account has a middle initial and my SM doesn't so I have to get that fixed before I can move the miles but I worked with a great res person who was extremely helpful. I'm hoping to have this worked out in the couple of days!!
Programs: DL PM (wife and son are FO); Hilton Gold; Marriott Silver; many other programs with no status
Posts: 982
Quote:
Originally Posted by DlRes
Actually, even if not official yet, we are able to transfer mileage from NW WP to DL SM. In order to do so, you must be missing mileage from your DL account to issue an award. Is pretty quick, only a form to fill (we fill the form) and the miles are in your SM account within a day or two.
I guess I won't be transfering my NW miles to DL anytime soon. Hard to be "missing miles for an award" with 700K SM in my account.
As the programs are going to be combined sometime later this year, would it be prudent for me to sign up for whatever the NW affinity card is?
Most airline cards have a front loaded bonus for pretty low spend for new users, so I imagine I could rack some up some WP miles cheaply and have them combined into my SM account later this year . Anyone here familiar with NW's credit card offerings?
I've never had the NW card, as I've only used my WP account to accrue miles on random foreign airlines which wouldnt accure to my SM account.
I did this last week without any problem. They will ask for a Confirmation number of the held reservation and I believe they will not yet let you tranfer MORE mileage than needed to cover the award tickets.
My Mileage was transferred within 1 - 2 days and then I went in and ticketed the awards. The process was a lot smoother than expected.
I think the only thing holding up the official millage transfer is implementing DL award rules over at NW. Otherwise all the SkyMiles holders would transfer miles to NW and book awards at lower rates (in terms of miles and fees). Once they "harmonize" the plans I would expect the process to automate.
(not me) hehe Reservations, I'm pretty sure they will need to contact CSD in order for CSD to fill up the form.
