When DL adopted the unlimited segment upgrade program that is applicable to all published fares, the use of segment upgrade points for travel to/from Hawaii was eliminated. To compensate for this, DL expanded the number of fares eligible for use of mileage upgrades (Y/B/M/H/Q/K) to/from Hawaii.

Hawaii-resident PMs/GMs/FOs were given a one-time allocation of 8/6/4 special points, respectively. Each point is valid for a one-way segment between Hawaii and a mainland gateway on any published fare, including the cheapest L/U/T fares. The use of each special point was deducted from the point total in the member's account.

According to a HNL DL CRC agent, DL is currently contemplating reconsideration of this "one-time" exception and may give Hawaii elites additional points based on elite tier qualifications, e.g. 8/6/4 every year. A final decision is expected by the end of the year, when all remaining points are set to expire.