MILES&POINTS: New Starwood + Delta Crossover Rewards Program

Earlier this past week, Starwood hotels announced a brand new partnership with Delta Airlines, where Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) members can now order “crossover rewards” when they fly with Delta, and Delta SkyMiles members earn miles whenever they stay at Starwood hotels! Here’s the lowdown on the benefits to this new Crossover Rewards program:

“SPG Platinum and Gold members earn 1 Starpoint for every dollar spent on eligible Delta flights. Plus, SPG Platinum members enjoy elite benefits when traveling with Delta, such as priority check-in, Priority Boarding and first checked bag free.

SkyMiles Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion^® members earn 1 mile for every dollar spent on eligible room rates at over 1,100 Starwood hotels and resorts globally. Plus, SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion members receive additional SPG benefits at Starwood hotels and resorts — 4 p.m. late checkout, access to the SPG elite check-in line, complimentary in-room Internet access and an upgrade to an enhanced room at check-in, when available.”

This new Crossover Rewards program starts March 1, 2013. There will undoubtedly be somewhere to register your membership numbers, but for now that’s not available yet. (I will blog about it later.)

Just know that starting in March, SPG and Delta paid bookings just got twice as more valuable for elite members! And for those of you who are not elite status for either Starwood or Delta, it’s still pretty easy to obtain. Keep in mind the American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card for example will automatically get you 2 stays or 5 nights towards Gold status. I will elaborate more on the process later this month.

For more information, visit the SPG Crossover Rewards promotion page.