Delta Air Lines has removed a per-flight earnings cap in its SkyMiles loyalty program and will allow the accrual of loyalty points on award flights, the company announced Thursday.
The carrier has removed the 75,000-mileage earning cap per flight, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2022. Beginning March 31, SkyMiles members have the ability to earn toward the program's Medallion Status levels on Delta-marketed award travel. The company claims it is the only U.S. airline that allows members to earn elite-qualifying points on revenue tickets as well as on flights booked with miles.
For the latter change, members can earn Medallion Qualification Miles equal to the distance flown for award tickets in Main Cabin and Comfort-Plus seats. Delta Premium Select, First Class and Delta One award tickets earn 150 percent of the distance flown, according to Delta. Additionally, members can earn one Medallion Qualification Segment for each segment flown, and Medallion Qualification Dollars based on the miles redeemed for the flight divided by 100.
Delta to Begin A321neo Flights
Meanwhile, Delta took delivery of its first narrowbody Airbus A321neo aircraft last week, and Friday announced it would begin operating it on its Boston-San Francisco route on May 20. The company plans to debut the aircraft on Boston-Seattle flights on Aug. 11, and Boston-San Diego and Boston-Denver flights on Aug. 20.
The cabin configuration will include a new domestic First Class seat design with larger privacy space, a sturdier tray table and more stowage space for personal items, as well as enhanced memory-foam seat cushions in all cabins, according to the company.
Delta expects to receive 26 A321neos this year, with purchase commitments for 155 through 2027.