Delta Air Lines Inc. said Tuesday that it is eliminating the expiration of miles accumulated under its SkyMiles loyalty program.
Previously, accrued miles under the program lapsed 24 months after a traveler’s last qualifying activity.
Delta said the change would make it the only major U.S. carrier for which loyalty program miles do not expire.
The change, effective as of Jan. 1, 2011, is the latest enhancement to the 30-year-old SkyMiles program as Delta looks to woo new passengers.
Last year, it launched a fourth, Diamond, status level to the loyalty program including benefits such as priority boarding and complimentary membership in Delta airport lounges.
The carrier said 8.3 percent of revenue miles flown on Delta in 2010 were for award travel.
Delta shares were off 1 percent, to $11.70, in morning trading.
Yup, a nice move on Delta’s part. But you ever try redeeming those air miles? Riiiiiidiculous!
I concur with the nice move comment, and I’ve never had a problem redeeming miles.
Yes, redeemed some for my mother in law to fly to Texas to see her brother before he passed away. Had no problem and mom got to fly first class.