Passengers no longer have to choose! Delta enters a 'double‑earn' era

Delta Air Lines, one of the United States' leading airlines, has signed a new partnership with Hyatt to expand the loyalty benefits offered to passengers.

Under the partnership that will link Delta SkyMiles and World of Hyatt programs, eligible elite members of both programs can earn two different rewards from the same trip.

Double Reward Period Begins

In the new system, Delta Medallion members can earn SkyMiles on eligible Hyatt hotel stays. Elite members of World of Hyatt can earn Hyatt points on eligible Delta flights.

Thus, passengers can benefit from both programs at the same time without having to choose a single loyalty program between flights and stays.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the partnership with Hyatt aims to create experiences that bring together different areas such as travel, dining, and entertainment.

Old System Back on the Agenda

The new partnership also recalled Delta's 2013 Crossover Rewards program launched with Starwood Hotels.

In the old system, Delta's frequent flyers and Starwood loyalty program members could obtain mutual advantages from airline and hotel spending.

The new agreement with Hyatt is also expected to link flight and hotel loyalty programs together.

What Will Passengers Gain?

The new program is intended to grant additional points and miles to passengers who actively use both Delta and Hyatt loyalty programs.

Delta Medallion members:You can earn SkyMiles from eligible Hyatt stays.World of Hyatt elite members:You can earn Hyatt points from eligible Delta flights.Those who are members of both programs:They can benefit from the advantages of both programs within the same travel.Future benefits:Delta and Hyatt plan to offer additional opportunities such as personalized travel experiences and access to exclusive events.

Details of the app and all eligibility conditions are expected to be disclosed as the launch date approaches.

Loyalty Programs in the Travel Sector Are Changing

Research in the travel sector shows that customers now use multiple loyalty programs together rather than sticking to a single airline or hotel brand.

According to a 2023 study by McKinsey with 3,200 U.S. travelers, members of airline, hotel, and cruise loyalty programs largely hold memberships in multiple programs. The study noted that the portion of customers' total spend directed toward their preferred brand averages 60% for airlines and 50% for accommodations.

According to OAG's annual loyalty study, 73% of passengers want to use airline loyalty points for hotel stays.

This trend is prompting airlines and hotel companies to merge their loyalty programs with those of other brands.

Delta's Loyalty Moves Continue

Delta has also been expanding its partnerships and digital services for passengers in recent months.

In its partnership with Starbucks, the airline offers members the chance to earn SkyMiles from daily coffee purchases, and it has also opened the Delta Concierge service in the Fly Delta app to all SkyMiles members.

The AI‑powered Concierge helps passengers manage flight cancellations, delays, and lost baggage through the app.

Delta-Hyatt partnership stands out as a new step toward combining airline and hotel loyalty programs into a single travel experience.