Delta Air Lines frequently expands travel opportunities for its SkyMiles members through strategic codeshare partnerships. These collaborations allow passengers to reach more destinations and accrue valuable miles and Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) even when flying with partner airlines. One such beneficial partnership is with Cape Air, offering SkyMiles members a chance to enhance their rewards on select flights. This article delves into the details of the Delta and Cape Air codeshare partnership, outlining how you can maximize your SkyMiles earnings and progress towards Medallion Status when flying with these partner airlines.
Understanding Delta Codeshare Partnerships
Codeshare agreements are common in the airline industry, enabling airlines to sell seats on flights operated by their partners. For passengers, this expands travel options and often provides seamless booking experiences through a single airline’s channels. Delta’s codeshare partners are carefully selected to extend their network and offer customers broader access to destinations, often including smaller or regional airports. These partnerships are particularly advantageous for loyalty program members, as they often allow for earning miles and status benefits on partner flights, just as they would on flights operated directly by Delta.
Delta and Cape Air: A Partnership for SkyMiles Members
The collaboration between Delta Air Lines and Cape Air provides SkyMiles members with a valuable opportunity to earn rewards on specific Cape Air flights. This partnership applies to select Cape Air flights arriving at or departing from key airports such as Boston Logan International (BOS), San Juan, PR (SJU), St. Thomas, USVI (STT), St. Croix, USVI (STX), and Billings, MT (BIL). To be eligible for SkyMiles benefits, these flights must be purchased through Delta channels, meaning they are marketed and operated by Cape Air but ticketed by Delta. This ensures that your SkyMiles account is properly credited for your travel.
Earning SkyMiles on Cape Air Flights
When flying on Cape Air flights booked through Delta, SkyMiles members earn miles as they would on Delta-marketed flights. For Cape Air-marketed (flight numbers including the “9K” airline code) and Delta-ticketed (ticket number starting with “006”) flights, mileage accrual is based on the ticket price. Members earn 5 miles per U.S. Dollar spent on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, excluding government taxes and fees. Furthermore, Medallion members receive bonus miles based on their status: Silver members earn a total of 7 miles per dollar, Gold members earn 8, Platinum members earn 9, and Diamond members earn an impressive 11 miles per dollar. These bonus miles significantly boost your SkyMiles balance, helping you reach award travel faster.
Earning Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs)
In addition to SkyMiles, flights with Delta Codeshare Partners like Cape Air also contribute to your Medallion Status qualification. SkyMiles members earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) on eligible Cape Air flights, just as they do on Delta-marketed flights. MQDs are earned based on your spending on Delta-ticketed flights, including the base fare and carrier surcharges, but not government-imposed taxes and fees. This means that choosing Cape Air flights booked via Delta not only increases your SkyMiles balance but also helps you progress towards or maintain your desired Medallion Status, unlocking further benefits within the SkyMiles program.
Booking and Eligibility for Delta Codeshare Partner Benefits
To ensure you receive SkyMiles and MQDs for your Cape Air flights, it is crucial to book your travel through delta.com or any Delta-authorized sales channel. The qualifying electronic ticket for eligible Cape Air flights must be issued on Delta (006) ticket stock. During the booking process, ensure you include your SkyMiles account number in the Delta reservation record. This will allow for automatic crediting of miles after you travel. If you forget to add your SkyMiles number before your flight, you can request retroactive credit within 9 months of completing your travel.
It’s important to note that certain tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual on Cape Air flights, including bulk fares, consolidator vacation packages, tour packages, Award Tickets, and Pay with Miles tickets. Always verify the fare rules when booking to confirm mileage eligibility.
Maximizing Your Miles and Status with Delta Codeshare Partners
Taking advantage of Delta codeshare partners like Cape Air is a smart strategy for SkyMiles members looking to maximize their rewards. By choosing eligible Cape Air flights and booking through Delta channels, you can earn miles and MQDs on routes that might not be directly served by Delta. Always remember to add your SkyMiles number to your reservation to ensure automatic credit and to check the fare rules for mileage eligibility. Understanding and utilizing these partnerships is key to getting the most out of your SkyMiles membership and reaching your travel goals faster.
Conclusion
The Delta and Cape Air codeshare partnership offers a valuable avenue for SkyMiles members to accrue miles and MQDs on select routes. By booking Cape Air flights through Delta channels and ensuring your SkyMiles number is included in your reservation, you can seamlessly earn rewards and progress towards Medallion Status. This partnership exemplifies how Delta expands its network and enhances benefits for its loyalty members through strategic collaborations, making travel more rewarding and accessible.
