Delta Air Lines and WestJet will now offer elite reciprocal loyalty benefits and a seamless travel experience with increased alignment across products, policies and services. Delta is also expanding their network with nine new routes and more leisure destinations for summer.
On Thursday (March 18, 2021), Delta Air Lines announced an expansion of their partnership with WestJet including elite reciprocal loyalty benefits and an alignment across products, policies and services. Delta Medallion members and WestJet Rewards members can now enjoy reciprocal benefits when traveling on either carrier’s network. The reciprocal opportunity to earn miles has been available since 2014, and the ability to spend miles and WestJet Dollars was introduced in 2016. Now, depending on the member’s status or tier, loyalty customers will enjoy priority boarding and check-in, lounge access, preferred seats (with selection fee waived), additional checked baggage allowance with priority drop-off and priority security check, where available.
In Thursday’s announcement, Delta Air Lines’ EVP and President – International, Alain Bellemare, said,
“These enhanced customer benefits are the foundation for creating a more seamless travel experience for our joint customers as we work towards improving our products and services. Even though the transborder network is limited at present, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these improvements will be available as the network rebounds and customers are ready to travel again.”
Also commenting on the loyalty partnership expansion, WestJet’s Chief Commercial Officer, John Weatherill, added,
“Over the past decade, WestJet and Delta have been working together to serve the needs of our guests on both sides of the border. Once travel has safely resumed, these newly launched loyalty enhancements will be ready for frequent flyers of both airlines to enjoy anywhere in the world they travel with Delta and WestJet.”
In a separate announcement on Friday (March 19, 2021), Delta announced an expansion of their summer 2021 offer, connecting guests with over 20 mountain, beach and vacation destinations, including nine new routes and the resumption of service to four Caribbean markets. The additional services complement the carrier’s recently announced expansion in Alaska.
In Friday’s announcement, Delta Air Lines’ SVP – Network planning, Joe Esposito said,
“We’re looking forward to reconnecting more customers with their love of travel this summer, with more flights and convenient connections across Delta’s network. Our commitment to the health and safety of everyone on board always comes first, and those planning a summer getaway will also enjoy Delta’s unparalleled service across the journey from booking to baggage claim.”
Delta has taken numerous measures to ensure their guests can travel with peace of mind and confidence, including the permanent elimination of change fees, the creation of an interactive travel map with travel requirements and restrictions, and the deployment of a team of clean ambassadors, who ensure a safe and sanitized experience at over 55 airports. The airline also provides COVID-19 testing resources to customers, making it easier to understand the requirements and access to at-home or in-person testing.
Source: Delta Air Lines