Hyatt Hotels Corporation is switching allegance with its airline partners, dropping American Airlines to pursue a new partnership with Delta Air Lines.
The new “long-term strategic loyalty collaboration” with Delta aims to “shape the future of loyalty by creating a connected, personalised and rewarding experience for World of Hyatt and Delta SkyMiles members,” the airline said.
When the collaboration launches, eligible elite members of both programs will be able to earn both World of Hyatt points and Delta miles on qualifying travel, delivering one of the most requested loyalty benefits and rewarding members across flights and stays. The dual-earn benefit will offer eligible World of Hyatt elite members the opportunity to earn World of Hyatt points on qualifying Delta airfare purchases within qualifying fare classes. Delta SkyMiles Medallion members will also be eligible to earn miles for qualifying stays at participating Hyatt properties.
Hyatt and Delta will share additional details on launch timing and eligibility soon.
The change comes after Hyatt and American Airlines said after “careful consideration” they plan to wind back their seven year marriage.
For the remainder of each program’s current earning year, AAdvantage® and World of Hyatt members will see no interruption in earning, selecting and redeeming their eligible benefits. AAdvantage® members who have linked their AAdvantage® and World of Hyatt accounts by 11:59:59 p.m. CT on 15 November can continue earning World of Hyatt awards through Loyalty Point Rewards through 28 February 2027. World of Hyatt members who have linked their accounts by 15 November can continue earning AAdvantage® awards through Milestone Rewards through 31 December 2026.
“Throughout the transition, we are committed to preserving the benefits members can earn through the current earning year in each program (including providing the standard time to select an award after it has been earned),” the parties said.
New alliance with Delta
“Exceptional travel extends far beyond a hotel stay – it’s about creating memorable experiences throughout throughout the full travel journey,” said Mark Hoplamazian, Chairman, President and CEO, Hyatt. “That’s what will make our collaboration with Delta so exciting.
“We share a vision for delivering thoughtful, premium experiences that put our members first and create tremendous value wherever their travels take them.
“By bringing together two brands with a shared commitment to care and exceptional hospitality, we will make it easier for our members to enjoy a connected and rewarding experience, from takeoff to check out.”
The program, focused on transforming travel loyalty from end-to-end, will also offer exclusive benefits, extraordinary experiences, and more, many of which will be unveiled later this year.
“At Delta, premium has never been about just a seat – it’s a standard of care that shows up throughout the journey,” said Ed Bastian, Chief Executive Officer of Delta Air Lines. “Flying Delta creates experiences and opportunities that can’t be found anywhere else. Hyatt shares that same premium approach to everything from travel and dining to entertainment and accommodations, and it’s what makes them such a natural fit.”ˆ
Lead image courtesy of World of Hyatt.
