Delta, Northwest to merge frequent flier programs

Delta Air Lines said Thursday that members of Delta’s and merger partner Northwest Airlines’ frequent flier programs will be able to combine or transfer miles between their accounts in early 2009, and it is making other changes to match the two programs’ benefits.

Also starting in 2009, Delta will borrow from Northwest’s system and allow frequent flier members in both programs to reach elite status by flying a certain number of segments on Delta or Northwest flights, as an option to the current mileage requirement.

Delta will allow frequent fliers to reach silver elite status by flying either 30 qualifying segments or 25,000 qualifying miles, for example. Gold and platinum elite status require more miles or more segments.

Elite status grants benefits such as complimentary upgrades, priority boarding and better seats. Delta said elite members on both Delta and Northwest can now get complimentary upgrades on both airlines when available.

Meanwhile, Northwest’s program is adopting Delta’s three-tiered award system in its program.

Delta and Northwest closed their merger in October. Delta said it plans to merge the two airlines’ frequent flier programs in late 2009.