Delta Delivers Loyalty Program For Small, Midsize Biz.

Delta Air Lines today introduced SkyBonus, a rewards program for small and medium-size businesses. Similar to competing programs at other carriers, SkyBonus customers--corporations with an annual spend on Delta between $5,000 and $500,000--earn reward points based on qualifying Delta revenue. Points are redeemable for free travel, upgrades, lounge memberships and elite frequent flyer status. Enrolled corporations earn points on flights booked through traditional or online travel agencies and delta.com, including Delta's MYOBTravel portal designed for smaller corporate clients.

The program includes around-the-clock online customer support and access to monthly reports. "Companies will find Delta's SkyBonus program highly competitive because, wherever the company chooses to purchase their tickets, we have designed a simple and effective way for their travel to be rewarded, including retroactive credit requests for travel commencing after enrollment," said Pam Elledge, Delta director of agency and corporate programs.

SkyBonus is available for U.S.-based companies booking domestic or U.S.-originating flights. SkyBonus Europe is available to companies in 13 European countries.

Delta, which said the new program is in response to customer demand, is not the first to craft a small business rewards system. Other such programs include American Airlines' BusinessExtra, Continental Airlines' RewardOne, Northwest Airlines' E-Biz Perks, United Airlines' PerksPlus and US Airways' Corporate Dividends.