As we come to the end of the calendar year, we’ll be sending out emails this week to tell you about some upcoming changes to the SkyMiles program – many of which will begin at the start of the new Medallion program year on March 1, 2014.

Changes to Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs):
We are always looking for opportunities to fine-tune the Medallion program and we’ve received a lot of valuable feedback about the SWUs component of our Medallion benefits.

On March 1, 2014, we’re replacing SWUs with two new certificate types: Global Upgrades and Regional Upgrades. Global Upgrades will be available on all routes and Regional Upgrades will be available on the same routes as Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, but have a higher priority.

Both Global and Regional Upgrades will be valid on Delta flights for all paid Economy class fares except for E, providing you even more options and convenience.

• Diamond Medallion members can choose either four Global Upgrades or eight Regional Upgrades as one of their Choice Benefits selections
  
  
• Platinum Medallion members can choose four Regional Upgrades

The current SWUs will still be available as Choice Benefits selections through February 28, 2014 and all the terms and conditions of the existing certificates continue to apply.

Added Choice Benefits:
There will also be two new Choice Benefits options available for selection beginning March 1, 2014:

• Global Entry application vouchers – Diamond Medallion members can select 2 and Platinum Medallion members can select one

• Tiffany & Co. Diamond Medallion premium luggage tags (2 for Diamond Medallions only)

Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades:
Starting with the new Medallion program year on March 1, 2014, Medallion members will enjoy Complimentary Upgrades on flights between Hawaii and Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, or Seattle. However, in light of significant investments in our coast-to-coast BusinessElite experience - including premium amenities like fully flat-bed seats, Westin Heavenly In-Flight Bedding, on-demand entertainment, and premium dining - we will no longer offer Medallion Complimentary Upgrades on flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle beginning March 1, 2014.

More information about the program changes for the 2014 Medallion year are available on the SkyMiles News and Updates section of delta.com. We’ll be following your comments here and look forward to reading your feedback.