In travel news for July 21, 2023 we talk about Delta Air Lines revamps their small business loyalty program.
Delta Airlines is stepping up its game by introducing changes to its loyalty program designed specifically for small businesses. In a move aimed at simplifying the process and offering better benefits, Delta's SkyBonus program is all set for a revamp this fall, transitioning to a new name - SkyMiles for Business.
Delta's managing director of sales development sheds light on the simplification of the miles redemption process, one of the key changes coming with the new SkyMiles for Business program. Along with a more streamlined process, businesses will no longer need to cross a minimum spending threshold to join the program. Immediate access to travel management tools and personalized offers will be granted right from the start.
As explained by the managing director, the SkyMiles for Business program is structured as a three-tier loyalty system, designed to cater to businesses at varying scales. Companies reach Plus status, kickstarting their miles earning process, upon accruing annual Delta expenditures of $5,000 with at least five traveling employees. Elite status, which unlocks faster SkyMiles accrual rates, is achieved once companies spend $300,000 in a year.
Interestingly, these figures are identical to the existing SkyBonus program. Companies currently enjoying SkyBonus status will retain their status as the program transitions to SkyMiles for Business.
One of the significant changes with the new program is the inclusion of companies that haven't met the Plus spending threshold. As members of the SkyMiles for Business program, Delta will track their employees' travel, providing organized access to the travel data and expenditure for company managers.
Delta will also use this information to provide personalized offers to the company. These could include offers not just from Delta but also from Delta loyalty partners such as Lyft.
The second major shift involves the miles redemption process. Under the current SkyBonus program, companies earn SkyBonus points, different from the SkyMiles points earned by individual Delta loyalty program members. These points have unique redemption menus and cannot be directly transferred to SkyMiles points.
However, with the introduction of SkyMiles for Business, members will accrue SkyMiles instead, which can be redeemed just like all other SkyMiles. This change allows companies to conveniently transfer SkyMiles from their own account to their employees' individual accounts, adding another dimension to employee perks.
The revamp in Delta's loyalty program opens a new chapter in their service, with the SkyMiles for Business program aiming to offer a more simplified, accessible, and rewarding experience for businesses of all scales. As the fall season approaches, many will eagerly anticipate the roll-out of these changes.
