Working hard to stay ahead of the game, Delta Air LInes has announced a bevy of benefits extensions well into 2021 for SkyMiles members, and SkyMiles AMEX cardholders. The carrier has also improved flexibility for its most valued customers who are contemplating making plans for the resumption of travel next year.
Of course, all of the changes detailed in this article are the result of the COVID19 pandemic which has literally decimated the airline industry this year. With tens of thousands of elite SkyMiles members residing in Minnesota and surrounding states who utilize Delta’s MSP hub as their primary departure point, the extension of benefits is designed to keep its Medallion frequent fliers happy while everyone waits for some sort of return to normalcy. Whenever that is, and whatever it looks like, is anyone’s guess.
Specific SkyMiles changes are as follows:
- ALL SkyMiles members: No fees for domestic award ticket changes or cancellations
- ALL SkyMiles members: The 72-hour requirement for changes or to cancel a domestic award ticket is waived
- Delta SkyMiles Gold AMEX cardholders: Earned $100 flight credits will now expire Dec., 31, 2021
- Delta Skymiles Platinum and Reserve AMEX cardholders: Unused companion certificates will also receive a further extension to make use of this benefit
- Delta SkyClub Members: If you hold a membership that was active on Mar., 1, 2020, it will be extended to June 30, 2021 at no additional cost. (other benefit enhancements may apply, so check with the airline for details)
- ALL : SkyMiles members: The $150 fee to re-deposit or re-issue an award ticket has been removed for all fare classes, excluding Basic Economy
- ALL SkyMiles members: Changes or cancellation to award tickets made within 72-hours of departure will no longer result in the loss of miles on domestic tickets, excluding Basic Economy
- ALL Delta customers: Change fees for all tickets purchased from March of this year have been waived, even if the travel has been moved into 2021
- ALL Delta customers: Travel credits for tickets purchased prior to Apr., 17, 2020 for travel originally planned to depart before Mar. 31, 2021 have now been extended through December of 2022
And last, but certainly not least, social distancing will continue aboard all flights to entice potential air travelers to return to the skies. Delta has committed to blocking middle seats through Jan. 6, 2021.
While all of these dates are moving targets and may be extended again down the road, planning for a possible vacation or business trip is being made much easier by Delta’s industry leading flexibility.
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