Integration update and Q&As
Sep 9, 2009 | 5:55 pm
#1
Original Poster
Company Representative - Delta Air Lines
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: SkyMiles
Posts: 351
Integration update and Q&As
Hello! We’ve been monitoring various threads and posts on the upcoming WorldPerks/SkyMiles integration and want to address some of your questions and concerns. Please also be sure to regularly visit delta.com for updated information on the integration and more FAQs.
Why did some WorldPerks members receive bonus miles and others did not?
These bonus miles were provided to our most frequent WorldPerks passengers – WorldPerks Platinum and Gold Elites – to thank them for their loyalty and patience as we merge the two programs. Specifically, these members may experience the most inconvenience as we merge our two programs together – WorldPerks Platinum Elites will experience a reduced Companion clearance window, and both WorldPerks Platinum and Gold Elites will be unable to upgrade on an Award Ticket until sometime in 2010, when it will be reinstated in the SkyMiles program. All other members, including SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Silver Elites, will not lose and may, in fact, enjoy new benefits as a result of the integration.
What’s happening with Elite Companion Upgrades?
First, we are NOT taking away companion upgrades for Platinum Elites. We’re modifying the Platinum Elite upgrade clearance window to mirror the existing SkyMiles window and adding unlimited, complimentary companion upgrades for Silver and Gold WorldPerks Elites. These companion upgrades will be available on Delta and Northwest flights and will clear for Elite members within 12 hours of departure, if available, after all Elites traveling alone have been cleared. In other words, upgrades for both the Elite member and the companion will clear within 12 hours if they are booked in the same passenger record and an upgrade is available. More information is available at delta.com.
Why was PerkChoice eliminated? Will it be reinstated?
Due to the significant challenges and resources required to integrate two programs on very different platforms, we are not able to develop this functionality for Delta at this time; however, a similar Pay with Miles program for eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Cardmembers is available to purchase tickets with a combination of miles and money. Once total integration of the two airlines is completed, we will revisit the program and development of this option.
What happens to existing DL/NW/SkyTeam reservations? Do those that have a WorldPerks number attached get updated with the SkyMiles number?
In early October, we will replace WorldPerks numbers with SkyMiles numbers in the Delta reservations. Northwest and airline partner reservations will keep the WorldPerks numbers in the passenger record, but you will receive the benefits and earn miles, as appropriate.
I’m a WorldPerks member who doesn’t have a SkyMiles account. Should I create a SkyMiles account? Do I need to do anything?
It is not necessary to open a SkyMiles account. In October, SkyMiles and WorldPerks accounts will be combined into one program. You will be notified by e-mail or U.S. postal mail as soon as your WorldPerks account has been transitioned into your new SkyMiles account and is ready for use. You will receive your new number and credentials in October. Until then, you can continue using your WorldPerks number without any issues.
What happens if I already have a SkyMiles account but did not link accounts?
If you have more than one SkyMiles account after the two programs merge in October, you will be able to request to consolidate your SkyMiles accounts via delta.com.
Are my miles (redeemable, Elite qualifying and lifetime), upgrades, status and other WorldPerks account details safe?
Yes, they are safe and secure. There will be no change to your WorldPerks account details or miles. You may continue to earn and redeem miles with WorldPerks as usual, and no miles, upgrades or other account information will be misplaced or lost during the October integration.
What will be the expiration policy of my WorldPerks miles once they are transferred to my SkyMiles account?
The mileage deposit of your WorldPerks miles into your new SkyMiles account (which will happen in October) will be considered qualifying activity and extend your mileage expiration date for 24 months. Moving forward, as long as you have any qualifying earning or redemption activity in your SkyMiles account within a 24-month period, your miles will never expire.
We hope this information is beneficial. We also recognize that you have other integration questions that we haven’t answered yet. Please stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks and months. Thanks!
Why did some WorldPerks members receive bonus miles and others did not?
These bonus miles were provided to our most frequent WorldPerks passengers – WorldPerks Platinum and Gold Elites – to thank them for their loyalty and patience as we merge the two programs. Specifically, these members may experience the most inconvenience as we merge our two programs together – WorldPerks Platinum Elites will experience a reduced Companion clearance window, and both WorldPerks Platinum and Gold Elites will be unable to upgrade on an Award Ticket until sometime in 2010, when it will be reinstated in the SkyMiles program. All other members, including SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Silver Elites, will not lose and may, in fact, enjoy new benefits as a result of the integration.
What’s happening with Elite Companion Upgrades?
First, we are NOT taking away companion upgrades for Platinum Elites. We’re modifying the Platinum Elite upgrade clearance window to mirror the existing SkyMiles window and adding unlimited, complimentary companion upgrades for Silver and Gold WorldPerks Elites. These companion upgrades will be available on Delta and Northwest flights and will clear for Elite members within 12 hours of departure, if available, after all Elites traveling alone have been cleared. In other words, upgrades for both the Elite member and the companion will clear within 12 hours if they are booked in the same passenger record and an upgrade is available. More information is available at delta.com.
Why was PerkChoice eliminated? Will it be reinstated?
Due to the significant challenges and resources required to integrate two programs on very different platforms, we are not able to develop this functionality for Delta at this time; however, a similar Pay with Miles program for eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Cardmembers is available to purchase tickets with a combination of miles and money. Once total integration of the two airlines is completed, we will revisit the program and development of this option.
What happens to existing DL/NW/SkyTeam reservations? Do those that have a WorldPerks number attached get updated with the SkyMiles number?
In early October, we will replace WorldPerks numbers with SkyMiles numbers in the Delta reservations. Northwest and airline partner reservations will keep the WorldPerks numbers in the passenger record, but you will receive the benefits and earn miles, as appropriate.
I’m a WorldPerks member who doesn’t have a SkyMiles account. Should I create a SkyMiles account? Do I need to do anything?
It is not necessary to open a SkyMiles account. In October, SkyMiles and WorldPerks accounts will be combined into one program. You will be notified by e-mail or U.S. postal mail as soon as your WorldPerks account has been transitioned into your new SkyMiles account and is ready for use. You will receive your new number and credentials in October. Until then, you can continue using your WorldPerks number without any issues.
What happens if I already have a SkyMiles account but did not link accounts?
If you have more than one SkyMiles account after the two programs merge in October, you will be able to request to consolidate your SkyMiles accounts via delta.com.
Are my miles (redeemable, Elite qualifying and lifetime), upgrades, status and other WorldPerks account details safe?
Yes, they are safe and secure. There will be no change to your WorldPerks account details or miles. You may continue to earn and redeem miles with WorldPerks as usual, and no miles, upgrades or other account information will be misplaced or lost during the October integration.
What will be the expiration policy of my WorldPerks miles once they are transferred to my SkyMiles account?
The mileage deposit of your WorldPerks miles into your new SkyMiles account (which will happen in October) will be considered qualifying activity and extend your mileage expiration date for 24 months. Moving forward, as long as you have any qualifying earning or redemption activity in your SkyMiles account within a 24-month period, your miles will never expire.
We hope this information is beneficial. We also recognize that you have other integration questions that we haven’t answered yet. Please stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks and months. Thanks!
Last edited by DLCorpTeam; Sep 10, 2009 at 12:17 pm Reason: Updated DL/NW/SkyTeam reservation answer
Sep 9, 2009 | 6:10 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Programs: DL DM/2MM, UA 1K, Marriott Platinum, Avis Preferred Plus, National Exec Elite, Hertz Gold Plus
Posts: 84
Hello! Weve been monitoring various threads and posts on the upcoming WorldPerks/SkyMiles integration and want to address some of your questions and concerns. Please also be sure to regularly visit delta.com for updated information on the integration and more FAQs.
Why did some WorldPerks members receive bonus miles and others did not?
These bonus miles were provided to our most frequent WorldPerks passengers WorldPerks Platinum and Gold Elites to thank them for their loyalty and patience as we merge the two programs. Specifically, these members may experience the most inconvenience as we merge our two programs together WorldPerks Platinum Elites will experience a reduced Companion clearance window, and both WorldPerks Platinum and Gold Elites will be unable to upgrade on an Award Ticket until sometime in 2010, when it will be reinstated in the SkyMiles program. All other members, including SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Silver Elites, will not lose and may, in fact, enjoy new benefits as a result of the integration.
Whats happening with Elite Companion Upgrades?
First, we are NOT taking away companion upgrades for Platinum Elites. Were modifying the Platinum Elite upgrade clearance window to mirror the existing SkyMiles window and adding unlimited, complimentary companion upgrades for Silver and Gold WorldPerks Elites. These companion upgrades will be available on Delta and Northwest flights and will clear for Elite members within 12 hours of departure, if available, after all Elites traveling alone have been cleared. In other words, upgrades for both the Elite member and the companion will clear within 12 hours if they are booked in the same passenger record and an upgrade is available. More information is available at delta.com.
Why was PerkChoice eliminated? Will it be reinstated?
Due to the significant challenges and resources required to integrate two programs on very different platforms, we are not able to develop this functionality for Delta at this time; however, a similar Pay with Miles program for eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Cardmembers is available to purchase tickets with a combination of miles and money. Once total integration of the two airlines is completed, we will revisit the program and development of this option.
What happens to existing DL/NW/SkyTeam reservations? Do those that have a WorldPerks number attached get updated with the SkyMiles number?
Yes, Delta, Northwest and partner systems will replace your WorldPerks number with your SkyMiles number, and you receive Elite benefits and earn miles, as appropriate.
Im a WorldPerks member who doesnt have a SkyMiles account. Should I create a SkyMiles account? Do I need to do anything?
It is not necessary to open a SkyMiles account. In October, SkyMiles and WorldPerks accounts will be combined into one program. You will be notified by e-mail or U.S. postal mail as soon as your WorldPerks account has been transitioned into your new SkyMiles account and is ready for use. You will receive your new number and credentials in October. Until then, you can continue using your WorldPerks number without any issues.
What happens if I already have a SkyMiles account but did not link accounts?
If you have more than one SkyMiles account after the two programs merge in October, you will be able to request to consolidate your SkyMiles accounts via delta.com.
Are my miles (redeemable, Elite qualifying and lifetime), upgrades, status and other WorldPerks account details safe?
Yes, they are safe and secure. There will be no change to your WorldPerks account details or miles. You may continue to earn and redeem miles with WorldPerks as usual, and no miles, upgrades or other account information will be misplaced or lost during the October integration.
What will be the expiration policy of my WorldPerks miles once they are transferred to my SkyMiles account?
The mileage deposit of your WorldPerks miles into your new SkyMiles account (which will happen in October) will be considered qualifying activity and extend your mileage expiration date for 24 months. Moving forward, as long as you have any qualifying earning or redemption activity in your SkyMiles account within a 24-month period, your miles will never expire.
We hope this information is beneficial. We also recognize that you have other integration questions that we havent answered yet. Please stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks and months. Thanks!
Why did some WorldPerks members receive bonus miles and others did not?
These bonus miles were provided to our most frequent WorldPerks passengers WorldPerks Platinum and Gold Elites to thank them for their loyalty and patience as we merge the two programs. Specifically, these members may experience the most inconvenience as we merge our two programs together WorldPerks Platinum Elites will experience a reduced Companion clearance window, and both WorldPerks Platinum and Gold Elites will be unable to upgrade on an Award Ticket until sometime in 2010, when it will be reinstated in the SkyMiles program. All other members, including SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Silver Elites, will not lose and may, in fact, enjoy new benefits as a result of the integration.
Whats happening with Elite Companion Upgrades?
First, we are NOT taking away companion upgrades for Platinum Elites. Were modifying the Platinum Elite upgrade clearance window to mirror the existing SkyMiles window and adding unlimited, complimentary companion upgrades for Silver and Gold WorldPerks Elites. These companion upgrades will be available on Delta and Northwest flights and will clear for Elite members within 12 hours of departure, if available, after all Elites traveling alone have been cleared. In other words, upgrades for both the Elite member and the companion will clear within 12 hours if they are booked in the same passenger record and an upgrade is available. More information is available at delta.com.
Why was PerkChoice eliminated? Will it be reinstated?
Due to the significant challenges and resources required to integrate two programs on very different platforms, we are not able to develop this functionality for Delta at this time; however, a similar Pay with Miles program for eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Cardmembers is available to purchase tickets with a combination of miles and money. Once total integration of the two airlines is completed, we will revisit the program and development of this option.
What happens to existing DL/NW/SkyTeam reservations? Do those that have a WorldPerks number attached get updated with the SkyMiles number?
Yes, Delta, Northwest and partner systems will replace your WorldPerks number with your SkyMiles number, and you receive Elite benefits and earn miles, as appropriate.
Im a WorldPerks member who doesnt have a SkyMiles account. Should I create a SkyMiles account? Do I need to do anything?
It is not necessary to open a SkyMiles account. In October, SkyMiles and WorldPerks accounts will be combined into one program. You will be notified by e-mail or U.S. postal mail as soon as your WorldPerks account has been transitioned into your new SkyMiles account and is ready for use. You will receive your new number and credentials in October. Until then, you can continue using your WorldPerks number without any issues.
What happens if I already have a SkyMiles account but did not link accounts?
If you have more than one SkyMiles account after the two programs merge in October, you will be able to request to consolidate your SkyMiles accounts via delta.com.
Are my miles (redeemable, Elite qualifying and lifetime), upgrades, status and other WorldPerks account details safe?
Yes, they are safe and secure. There will be no change to your WorldPerks account details or miles. You may continue to earn and redeem miles with WorldPerks as usual, and no miles, upgrades or other account information will be misplaced or lost during the October integration.
What will be the expiration policy of my WorldPerks miles once they are transferred to my SkyMiles account?
The mileage deposit of your WorldPerks miles into your new SkyMiles account (which will happen in October) will be considered qualifying activity and extend your mileage expiration date for 24 months. Moving forward, as long as you have any qualifying earning or redemption activity in your SkyMiles account within a 24-month period, your miles will never expire.
We hope this information is beneficial. We also recognize that you have other integration questions that we havent answered yet. Please stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks and months. Thanks!
Sep 9, 2009 | 7:51 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: EAU
Programs: UA 1K, CO Plat, NW Plat, Marriott Premiere Plat, SPG Plat, Priority Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,761
I went into this in detail on the DL forum thread, but:
- Perkchoice is being COMPLETELY ELIMINATED. DL's Pay With Miles is a CREDIT CARD benefit and is the inferior imitation for the NW's credit card benefit where $100 off certificates could be purchased for 10,000 miles each and redeemed for tickets that earned full RDM, EQM and were upgrade eligible. DL's Pay With Miles requires up to 25,000 miles for $100 off, and tickets receive no RDM, no EQM, and no upgrades, even if only $100 of a $500 ticket is purchased with PWM.
- Plat Companion Upgrades are being COMPLETELY ELIMINATED. DL's 12-hour upgrade window is the equivalent of NW's Plat/Gold at-airport upgrade benefit, except it's available to Silvers, but not on the three lowest fare classes while NW's Plat/Gold benefit was good on any fare class.
- Perkchoice is being COMPLETELY ELIMINATED. DL's Pay With Miles is a CREDIT CARD benefit and is the inferior imitation for the NW's credit card benefit where $100 off certificates could be purchased for 10,000 miles each and redeemed for tickets that earned full RDM, EQM and were upgrade eligible. DL's Pay With Miles requires up to 25,000 miles for $100 off, and tickets receive no RDM, no EQM, and no upgrades, even if only $100 of a $500 ticket is purchased with PWM.
- Plat Companion Upgrades are being COMPLETELY ELIMINATED. DL's 12-hour upgrade window is the equivalent of NW's Plat/Gold at-airport upgrade benefit, except it's available to Silvers, but not on the three lowest fare classes while NW's Plat/Gold benefit was good on any fare class.
Sep 9, 2009 | 8:13 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Plat, 1 MM; SPG LT Plat (RIP); Marriott LT Titanium; Fairmont Plat (RIP), DL Kryptonium Medallion
Posts: 1,859
The very definition of a best-in-class program is that it actually incorporates, well, the best of the individual programs. Thanks for finally admitting that the term is meaningless.
Sep 9, 2009 | 8:31 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: EAU
Programs: UA 1K, CO Plat, NW Plat, Marriott Premiere Plat, SPG Plat, Priority Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,761
In all fairness, that would be 'best-of-both'. 'Best-in-class' just requires that it be the best of all remaining options.
Sep 9, 2009 | 10:02 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Plat, 1 MM; SPG LT Plat (RIP); Marriott LT Titanium; Fairmont Plat (RIP), DL Kryptonium Medallion
Posts: 1,859
You are correct -- I should have made this even stronger point.
Sep 9, 2009 | 11:12 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2009
Programs: IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold, United Silver, Garuda Silver, Delta Silver
Posts: 70
Agreed, these copy and pasted FAQs are a pathetic attempt at acting like they care about any of the issues.
Could Delta please explain to me ANY tangible benefits that outweigh the gutting of worldperks.
If not, please do me a favor and admit your full of it. Just stick up your middle finger because at least then I wouldn't have to read anymore bogus emails and FAQs.
Could Delta please explain to me ANY tangible benefits that outweigh the gutting of worldperks.
If not, please do me a favor and admit your full of it. Just stick up your middle finger because at least then I wouldn't have to read anymore bogus emails and FAQs.
Sep 9, 2009 | 11:40 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: DL MM Plat, PC&HH Gold
Posts: 2,602
Please answer the question on what happens with our Platinum PMU e-certs. Will we get paper certs in the mail on October 1 to replace them?
Sep 9, 2009 | 11:43 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: EAU
Programs: UA 1K, CO Plat, NW Plat, Marriott Premiere Plat, SPG Plat, Priority Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,761
Sep 10, 2009 | 12:20 am
#10
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: MBS
Programs: SM PM, HH Gold, CO Plat, MR Silver
Posts: 120
What’s happening with Elite Companion Upgrades?
First, we are NOT taking away companion upgrades for Platinum Elites. We’re modifying the Platinum Elite upgrade clearance window to mirror the existing SkyMiles window and adding unlimited, complimentary companion upgrades for Silver and Gold WorldPerks Elites. These companion upgrades will be available on Delta and Northwest flights and will clear for Elite members within 12 hours of departure, if available, after all Elites traveling alone have been cleared. In other words, upgrades for both the Elite member and the companion will clear within 12 hours if they are booked in the same passenger record and an upgrade is available. More information is available at delta.com.
First, we are NOT taking away companion upgrades for Platinum Elites. We’re modifying the Platinum Elite upgrade clearance window to mirror the existing SkyMiles window and adding unlimited, complimentary companion upgrades for Silver and Gold WorldPerks Elites. These companion upgrades will be available on Delta and Northwest flights and will clear for Elite members within 12 hours of departure, if available, after all Elites traveling alone have been cleared. In other words, upgrades for both the Elite member and the companion will clear within 12 hours if they are booked in the same passenger record and an upgrade is available. More information is available at delta.com.
What happens to existing DL/NW/SkyTeam reservations? Do those that have a WorldPerks number attached get updated with the SkyMiles number?
Yes, Delta, Northwest and partner systems will replace your WorldPerks number with your SkyMiles number, and you receive Elite benefits and earn miles, as appropriate.
Yes, Delta, Northwest and partner systems will replace your WorldPerks number with your SkyMiles number, and you receive Elite benefits and earn miles, as appropriate.
What if I booked a ticket on Air France in November (A class)? I would earn 100% RDM/EQM in WorldPerks, but I would earn 0% RDM/EQM in Skymiles. Even the lowest fares (G, L, N) would earn 25% RDM/EQM with WP, but NOTHING in SkyMiles.
Air France and KLM are at least consistent with earning RDM/EQM with Northwest and Delta (from a NW perspective). Shouldn't Delta be consistent? Isn't Air France-KLM-Delta a JV? Why are there mileage earning differences between the two airline partners?
Sep 10, 2009 | 1:13 am
#11
Join Date: May 2004
Location: formerly Gold now Diamond, formerly MSY, now LAX, formerly NW, now DL
Programs: Hyatt Plat, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold, Delta Diamond/1MM
Posts: 4,731
Thumbs down big time....those 5,000 miles sure makes up for all that is lost....NOT
Sep 10, 2009 | 1:37 am
#12
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: DL DM MM (fmr NW Plat), BA GGL/CCR, Aegean Gold, WorldClubs Life, SPG Plat, Hyatt Plat, HHonors Dmnd
Posts: 1,409
Not to mention that it doesn't all make up for the loss of platinum companion upgrades, which are now totally eliminated (what is being retained is the at-airport upgrades, which was separate on NW)
Sep 10, 2009 | 6:32 am
#13
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MEL
Programs: DL, QF, QR Silver, Bonvoy Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,315
Leaving all the "DL is great, AMEX is awesome, best-in-class this and that" mumbo-jumbo aside... I gather SkyMilesInsider is basically saying "don't worry, everything's cool".
I appreciate the fact that SkyMilesInsider has jumped in to throw us a bone.^ More details on various scenarios involving would be appreciated. As highlighted in another thread, we still have some "what if?" questions.
I appreciate the fact that SkyMilesInsider has jumped in to throw us a bone.^ More details on various scenarios involving would be appreciated. As highlighted in another thread, we still have some "what if?" questions.
Sep 10, 2009 | 7:04 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: US
Programs: DL GE
Posts: 1,654
To make all ex-NWA flier happy, DL should bring each of us over one step up.
Silvers become Golds, Golds become Plats, Plats become Diamonds.
^
Silvers become Golds, Golds become Plats, Plats become Diamonds.
^
Sep 10, 2009 | 7:13 am
#15
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: DL DM MM (fmr NW Plat), BA GGL/CCR, Aegean Gold, WorldClubs Life, SPG Plat, Hyatt Plat, HHonors Dmnd
Posts: 1,409
Uhm, sorry, but no way. DL has already been responsible for swelling the ranks of plats and diamonds with all of their double EQM promos. As someone who flies 250k EQM annually, I've had enough of losing out on upgrades to someone who flew one DTW-NRT-SIN and is now platinum elite due to massive EQM-splurging orgies that Delta has had. Enough is enough.