In 2013, Delta Airlines and Starwood introduced a groundbreaking joint loyalty venture called Delta Crossover Rewards. The goal of this program was not only to let Delta SkyMiles Medallion members and SPG elite members share program benefits, but to foster a broader sense of loyalty among frequent travelers.
With the program, Delta Medallion members started earning a bonus mile for each dollar spent at SPG properties. Diamond and Platinum Medallion members also earned perks like 4 p.m. late check-in, access to the SPG check-in line, and complimentary internet access. On the flying side, SPG Platinum and Gold Members would earn a starpoint for each dollar spent on eligible Delta flights, along with priority check-in, priority boarding and free checked bags.
Now that Marriott and SPG have begun merging programs, loyalty benefits from the Delta crossover program may leave elite travelers even better off. Why? Delta has begun offering lucrative upgrades to top-tier Starwood and Marriott Elites on top of other existing benefits.
Per the Delta updates website:
"Now, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Platinum Preferred Members enrolled in the Crossover Rewards program traveling on Delta flights will clear for Complimentary Upgrades to both First Class and Delta Comfort+ based on their SPG tier level on paid tickets."
Delta Crossover Expands Benefits. Now What?
What does this mean? For the average traveler, not a lot. But for Starwood and Marriott elites who don't have airline status, it means gaining lucrative benefits without the work.
Keep in mind that earning airline status usually takes loyalty and a lot of flying. To reach Delta Medallion Platinum the hard way, for example, consumers normally need to rack up 75,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or 100 Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) with at least $9,000 of spending on Delta and partner flights. To reach Delta Medallion Diamond, on the other hand, the bar is raised to either 125,000 MQMs or 140 MQSs and $15,000 spent.
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No matter how you cut it, earning Delta status requires a real commitment. But if you have elite status with Starwood Preferred Guest or Marriott Rewards, you can bypass these requirements and earn many of the same benefits for free.
This is great news for Marriott and Starwood Preferred Guest elites, but pretty "meh" for everyone else - unless, of course, you're a Delta Medallion member. Why? Because existing Delta loyalists will probably face steeper competition for those comfy upgraded seats.
How to Sign Up for Delta Crossover Rewards
If you have elite status with Delta, Starwood Preferred Guest, or Marriott, there's no reason not to sign up for Delta Crossover Rewards. At best, you'll get some cool new benefits when you stay at SPG properties or fly Delta Air Lines. At worst, you'll find your status isn't high enough on either side to gain any tangible benefits. Either way, you have nothing to lose since the program is free.
Signing up is quick and easy. Simply visit the Delta Crossover Rewards landing page and enter your SPG member details. If you're not a Delta loyalty member already, you can sign up for an account here.
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