The latest from Delta Airlines

My pretty former student, Anne Chan-Climaco of Delta Airlines Cebu office, gave me some interesting updates from one of America’s biggest airlines. This should be helpful to those who are SkyMiles members out there. I am one, although I always ended up with expired miles. Nonetheless, I got me a SkyMiles membership coz I used to go to the U.S. yearly; there was even a year when I was there twice or thrice. Usually, I would fly domestic routes and would buy a Delta ticket.

Well, as of January 1, 2011, Delta has eliminated the expiration of SkyMiles mileage, the only major American carrier to do so. Before – like all the other airlines – you must avail of your accumulate miles within one year, otherwise they expire. That is no longer the case now! Jeff Robertson, Delta Vice President-SkyMiles, was happy to announce formally the latest company innovation, further stating — “We know how much customers value their miles, so eliminating mileage expiration is a major win for them. (INDEED!) This is yet another benefit that sets us apart from the pack, making Delta a clear leader in loyalty program benefits.”

Delta has installed several enhancements in the frequent flyer program in the past year: new Diamond Medallion tier with free access to the airline lounge, as well as the Rollover Medallion Qualification Miles. There are no more award redemption fees, and the first checked bags on all Delta flights for Gold, Platinum and Reserve Delta SkyMiles credit card holders from American Express will be free. (Passengers can check in, print boarding pass, check in bags, and review flight status at delta.com) 

This year, delta.com will be custom-fitted for an upgraded award travel calendar, as well as more convenient bookings and flight information announcements. What’s more enticing is the fact that better benefits will also be available with alliance partner airlines – Air France, KLM, Alitalia and Alaska Airlines. For details: delta.com/memberguide or delta.com/skymiles.

SkyMiles is now 30 years running – the longest and most appreciated frequent flyers program in the US. Delta has many redemption choices – airline tickets, mileage upgrades, car rentals, hotel bookings, Delta Sky Club memberships, select shopping items and over 30 varieties of gift cards. With over 160 million passengers annually, Delta and Delta Connection through its mainline fleet of over 700 aircraft serve 357destinations in 66 countries on six continents. Investing US$2 billion through 2013, Delta focuses on upgrade of airport facilities, various services and technology, for utmost customer comfort.

With such a sterling track record, it is no wonder that SkyMiles holds the title of “Best Domestic Frequent Flyer Program” 2007 – 2010, voted by readers of Executive Travel magazine and “Best Frequent Flyer Program” 2006 – 2010 by Business Travel magazine.

The latest feather to Delta’s cap is topping FortuneMagazine’s 2011 Most Admired Companies – Airline Industry. Delta started as #10 in 2007, then #6 in 2008 and 2009. It made #3 last year. And #1 this year! The 2011 list 2nd through 10th are: Singapore Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Lufthansa Group, Air France-KLM Group, Cathay Pacific Airways, United Continental, Qantas Airways, British Airways, All Nippon Airways, US Airways Group and AMR.

This annual award is a result of a worldwide survey among airline top honchos and analysts who rate colleagues in the airline industry based on 9 criteria: “people management, quality of management, innovation, long-term investment, use of corporate assets, financial soundness, social responsibility, quality of product and services, and global competitiveness.”

Congratulations, Delta! Well done, indeed!