Delta and Hyatt launch new exclusive loyalty
Delta Air Lines and Hyatt have announced a new partnership linking their SkyMiles and World of Hyatt programs, enabling members to earn in both programs
Delta Air Lines and Hyatt have announced a new exclusive loyalty partnership. The collaboration, set to launch in the coming months, will closely link the Delta SkyMiles and World of Hyatt programs.
This partnership allows members to simultaneously earn points and miles in both programs. SkyMiles members will earn miles based on spending on eligible Hyatt stays. World of Hyatt members will earn points when booking Delta flights in qualifying fare classes.
The announcement comes just hours after American Airlines and Hyatt revealed they are ending their yearslong relationship. The dual-earning benefit was a popular feature of that previous partnership before it was scaled back last year.
Expected Benefits and Elite Perks
The partnership also suggests reciprocal status benefits for elite members. While specific perks are not yet detailed, the previous American-Hyatt model provides a potential blueprint. American Airlines elites could previously unlock Hyatt hotel status and free night certificates. Hyatt elites could earn on-board benefits like preferred and extra legroom seat coupons.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian stated the companies share a premium approach to travel. "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," Bastian said.
Program Valuations and Context
Delta SkyMiles is a major U.S. Airline loyalty program, bolstered by its credit card deal with American Express. World of Hyatt is consistently highly rated among hotel programs. According to The Points Guy's valuations, Hyatt points hold significant value compared to competitors.
| Loyalty Program | Point Valuation (Cents) |
|---|---|
| World of Hyatt | 1.65 |
| Marriott Bonvoy | ~0.83 |
| Hilton Honors | ~0.41 |
Impact on Frequent Travelers
For travelers loyal to both Delta and Hyatt, the return of the double-earning capability is significant. This feature allows customers to stack earnings from flights and hotel stays into both programs, a benefit that disappeared with the end of the American-Hyatt partnership at the close of 2024.
The companies expect to share more concrete details on earning rates and specific elite benefits within the next few months. The partnership positions Delta to capture loyalty from travelers who valued the previous Hyatt link with American Airlines.
