For frequent flyers in the SkyMiles program, understanding airline partnerships is key to maximizing rewards. While you might be wondering “Are Delta And Alaska Partners?”, and how that affects your miles, this article focuses on another valuable partnership within the Delta Air Lines network: Cape Air. If you’re a SkyMiles member, flying on select Cape Air routes can help you earn both miles and progress towards Medallion Status. Here’s a breakdown of how this partnership benefits you.
Earning SkyMiles and Medallion Status with Cape Air
Delta Air Lines has established a partnership that allows SkyMiles members to accrue rewards when flying on specific Cape Air flights. This applies to Cape Air flights arriving at or departing from key locations including Boston Logan International (BOS), San Juan, PR (SJU), St. Thomas, USVI (STT), St. Croix, USVI (STX), and Billings, MT (BIL). The crucial factor is that these flights must be purchased through Delta channels to qualify. This means even though Cape Air operates and markets the flight, and the ticket is issued by Delta, you can still earn SkyMiles just as you would on Delta-marketed flights.
How Mileage Accrual Works
When you fly on Cape Air flights that are marketed by Cape Air (flight numbers with the “9K” airline code) but ticketed through Delta (ticket number starting with “006”), you’ll earn miles based on the ticket price. The earning rate is 5 miles per U.S. Dollar spent on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, excluding government taxes and fees. This mirrors the standard mileage earning structure for Delta-marketed flights, ensuring consistency for SkyMiles members.
Furthermore, your Medallion Status elevates your earning potential. Silver Medallion members receive a bonus of two additional miles per dollar, bringing their total to seven. Gold members earn an extra three miles (totaling eight), Platinum members get four bonus miles (totaling nine), and Diamond Medallion members enjoy a significant six extra miles per dollar spent, accumulating to eleven miles per dollar. These Medallion bonuses are calculated based on your status at the time of travel, rewarding loyalty within the SkyMiles program.
Earning Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs)
Beyond just miles, these eligible Cape Air flights also contribute to your Medallion Status qualification. SkyMiles members earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) on these Cape Air flights just like they do on Delta-marketed flights. MQDs are calculated based on your spending on Delta-ticketed flights, including the base fare and carrier surcharges, but excluding government-imposed taxes and fees. This consistent MQD earning structure ensures that flights with partner airlines like Cape Air genuinely help you achieve higher Medallion Status within the SkyMiles program.
Booking and Ensuring Mileage Credit
To make sure you receive your miles and MQDs, it’s essential to add your SkyMiles number to your reservation before you travel. This ensures automatic credit after your journey is complete. You must book these eligible Cape Air flights through delta.com or any Delta authorized sales channel. The electronic ticket must be issued on Delta (006) ticket stock. During booking, include your SkyMiles account number in Delta’s reservation record.
If you happen to forget to add your SkyMiles number before traveling, you can still request retroactive credit within 9 months of completing your flight. However, adding it beforehand is the easiest way to guarantee automatic mileage credit. Remember, mileage is credited to the traveler’s SkyMiles account, regardless of who purchased the ticket. Mileage cannot be pooled or combined between accounts; each member earns their own credit.
Flights Not Eligible for Mileage Accrual
It’s important to note that certain types of tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual on Cape Air flights. These include bulk fares, consolidator vacation or tour package fares, Award Tickets, and Pay with Miles tickets. Always ensure your ticket falls under eligible categories to maximize your SkyMiles earning. Delta Air Lines holds the final authority on interpreting these rules, so it’s always best to book through official Delta channels and confirm eligibility when in doubt.
Conclusion
While the question “are delta and alaska partners” might lead you down a path of exploring various airline alliances, understanding specific partnerships like Delta and Cape Air is crucial for SkyMiles members. This collaboration provides a valuable opportunity to earn miles and MQDs on select Cape Air flights, enhancing the overall value of the SkyMiles program for travelers on these routes. Always remember to book through Delta channels and include your SkyMiles number to take full advantage of these earning opportunities.
