Delta Completes Integration of Northwest Airport and Reservations Systems; Northwest Flight Numbers and nwa.com Retired

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) this weekend completed the integration of the Northwest Airlines reservation system, including the transition of all Northwest flights into the Delta schedule, migration of Northwest passenger reservations into the Delta system, and retirement of nwa.com.

Customers who booked Northwest for travel are now booked on identical Delta flights. Passengers can use the original confirmation numbers provided by Northwest to manage itineraries at delta.com and check in online or at the airport on the day of travel.

"Throughout the integration of Delta and Northwest, we've taken a phased, deliberate approach to make the transition simple and seamless for our customers," said Theresa Wise, Delta's senior vice president and Chief Information Officer. "In this spirit, customers previously booked on Northwest are able to check in using their original reservation information, even if they arrive at the airport with no prior knowledge of the switch. We continue to work around the clock to minimize any potential impact to our operations and to customers."

Delta has increased customer service agent staffing in airports and reservation call centers this week to ensure a smooth experience for customers.

The final regularly scheduled Northwest flight, NW2470, departed Los Angeles International Airport for Las Vegas Jan. 30 at 8:45 p.m. PT. On Jan. 31 at 3 a.m., nwa.com began redirecting customers to delta.com.

Integrating the Northwest reservation system into Delta's marks the completion of one of the final merger milestones. Delta began rebranding airports worldwide in December 2008. By March, customers at more than 100 airports served by Northwest - including the airline's U.S. hubs in Minneapolis, Detroit and Memphis - were checking in at Delta-branded counters and kiosks and departing from Delta-branded gates. The final airport, Philadelphia International Airport, was rebranded Jan. 18, 2010.

In March 2009, all customer-facing employees began wearing Delta's designer uniforms, and all airport lounges were renamed Delta Sky Clubs. Consistent onboard products also were introduced on all U.S. flights, including expanded food offerings in First and Economy class and new in-flight entertainment on many long-haul flights. The Delta and Northwest loyalty programs were merged in October 2009 into the world's largest frequent flyer program, Delta SkyMiles.

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Delta Offers Travel Assistance to Customers Affected by Winter Weather Across U.S. Midwest

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced travel options for customers whose flight plans may be affected by severe winter weather across the U.S. Midwest - including at Delta's Detroit and Minneapolis-St. Paul hubs - through Sunday.

Customers booked on flights operated by Delta, Northwest Airlines or Delta Connection carriers to, from or through the following states from Dec. 22-27 may make a one-time change to their travel schedule without fees if tickets are changed by Dec. 27, 2009.

-- Illinois
-- Indiana
-- Iowa
-- Kansas
-- Michigan
-- Minnesota
-- Nebraska
-- North Dakota
-- South Dakota
-- Wisconsin


Delta will proactively reduce flight schedules to and from affected airports to ensure delays are minimized during the storm. However, customers may wish to consider postponing or rerouting their trip without penalty to avoid possible inconvenience.

Travel for changed itineraries must begin by Jan. 1, 2010 and changes to origin and destination may result in a fare increase. Any fare difference between the original ticket and the new ticket will be collected at the time of rebooking. Customers whose flights are cancelled may request refunds.

Delta also has extended its winter travel waiver for customers whose travel plans were affected by last weekend's record-breaking snow storm on the U.S. East Coast. Delta customers who were booked on flights between Dec. 18 and Dec. 26 to, from or through Baltimore; Boston; Greensboro, N.C.; Lynchburg, Va.; Newark, N.J.; New York (LaGuardia and JFK); Philadelphia; Raleigh, N.C.; Richmond, Va.; Roanoke, Va.; and Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan National) may make a one-time change to their travel schedule without fees if tickets are changed and new travel begins by Jan. 1, 2010.

Complete details and the latest flight updates are available at delta.com and nwa.com.

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Southwest Airlines Announces Destinations, Fares for New Service at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) today announced it will begin offering nonstop flights to four destinations from the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport when it opens May 23, 2010.

The four destination cities are Baltimore, Houston, Nashville and Orlando. Southwest begins selling tickets for the new service today.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is the first international airport to be opened in the nation in more than a decade. The new airport, located in West Bay, will serve as a gateway to Northwest Florida and its world-famous beaches.

“We are very excited to join Southwest Airlines in announcing these four great destinations,” said Airport Authority Chairman Joe Tannehill. “This new service will open up our region to greater numbers of visitors and provide excellent travel opportunities for Northwest Florida residents. With this announcement, we are truly Northwest Florida’s low-cost airport.”

Southwest Airlines is the nation’s low-fare airline, currently serving 65 cities in 33 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates 3,300 flights a day and has more than 35,000 employees system-wide.

The new, $318 million, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport will feature a 10,000-foot runway. The terminal building will be 125,000 square feet and have 7 gates. The airport aims to have the first LEED certified Terminal Building in the nation, with a state-of-the art storm water management system, extensive use of sustainable materials and a landscaping plan that will not require supplemental irrigation.

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Delta Introduces New Account-Linking, Mileage-Transfer Capabilities for SkyMiles(R), WorldPerks(R) Members

/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced that Delta SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks members now have the ability to link frequent flyer accounts and transfer miles between both accounts at no charge. Members who link their accounts before March 15, 2009 will earn 500 bonus miles.

This new feature allows members who have SkyMiles and WorldPerks accounts to visit delta.com or nwa.com, link their accounts and transfer any amount of miles into either account on an unlimited basis. Both accounts will remain open and functioning until late 2009 when Delta plans to merge the two programs to deliver one best-in-class loyalty program for members in 2010.

"The mileage-transfer feature enables our frequent flyer members to immediately enjoy both SkyMiles and WorldPerks redemption opportunities, including Award Tickets, upgrades, merchandise and experiences. We encourage them to link their accounts today," said Jeff Robertson, Delta's vice president of Loyalty Programs. "This marks yet another step toward aligning the two programs and offering more value to our combined members."

The programs also recently announced that members may earn elite status by flying a designated number of flight segments on either Delta- or Northwest- operated flights. Additionally, SkyMiles and WorldPerks elite members continue to be eligible for complimentary First Class upgrades on both airlines' flights.

More information on the SkyMiles program is available at delta.com/skymiles. WorldPerks program information is available at nwa.com/worldperks.

The award-winning Delta SkyMiles(R) program offers members multiple mileage-earning opportunities when flying Delta, Delta Shuttle(R), the Delta Connection(R) carriers, Delta AirElite(R) and other SkyTeam(R) airlines. Additional mileage-building opportunities are offered through more than 100 partners such as the Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, participating hotels, car rental companies, the SkyMiles Store, restaurants, SkyMilesShopping.com, floral and gift retailers and more. Now in its 27th year, SkyMiles is one of the longest-running and most successful loyalty programs in the travel industry. It was named "Best Domestic Frequent Flyer program" for 2007 and 2008 by readers of Executive Traveler magazine and "Best Frequent Flyer Program" for 2006 and 2007 by Business Traveler magazine. The program also received top honors for "Best Bonus Promotion" from InsideFlyer magazine at the 2007 Freddie Awards.

Delta Air Lines is the world's largest airline. From its hubs in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita, Delta, its Northwest subsidiary and Delta Connection carriers offer service to 378 destinations in 66 countries and serve more than 170 million passengers each year. Delta's marketing alliances allow customers to earn and redeem either SkyMiles or WorldPerks on more than 16,000 daily flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta's more than 70,000 employees worldwide are reshaping the aviation industry as the only U.S. airline to offer a full global network. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and flight status at delta.com.

* Only SkyMiles and WorldPerks miles can be transferred between accounts. Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM), Medallion Qualification Segments, Elite Qualification Miles (EQM) and Elite Qualification Segments, which are used to qualify for elite status, will not be immediately affected by linking or transferring, but will be combined when linked accounts are merged later this year. Elite status is currently recognized on both Delta and Northwest.

Terms and Conditions

Complimentary upgrades are subject to availability and offered on most Delta and Northwest flights within or between the United States (excluding Hawaii), Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and northern South America. All SkyMiles program and WorldPerks program rules apply to SkyMiles and WorldPerks program membership, miles, offers, mile accrual, mile redemption and travel benefits, respectively. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide and nwa.com/worldperks.

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Delta Aligns Policies and Fees to Offer Consistency for Customers Traveling on Delta- and Northwest-Operated Flights

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announced the alignment of policies and fees for customers traveling on Delta- and Northwest-operated flights as the airline works to ensure a seamless and consistent customer experience during the integration of the two carriers.

Some of the changes to align Delta and Northwest’s policies and fees include:

Elimination of SkyMiles and WorldPerks award ticket fuel surcharges – Effective immediately, Delta will eliminate the $25-$100 fuel surcharges assessed for SkyMiles and WorldPerks award ticket travel originating from the U.S. and Canada. The surcharges were instituted earlier this year by both airlines in response to unprecedented fuel costs.

Reduction of Reservation Sales Direct Ticketing charges – Delta, effective Nov. 6, will reduce the fee assessed for tickets purchased over the phone from a reservations sales representative from $25 to $20 consistent with Northwest’s policy. Delta will also reduce the fee collected when customers redeem either SkyMiles or WorldPerks award travel over the phone with a reservations sales representative from $25 to $20. As always, there will continue to be no charge for customers who book tickets and redeem award travel online at either delta.com or nwa.com.

Elimination of curbside check-in administrative fees – Delta, effective Dec. 5, will discontinue the $3 curbside check-in administration fee. With this change, customers no longer will incur an administrative fee for checking bags via skycaps for Delta- and Northwest-operated flights at airport locations worldwide, consistent with Northwest’s policy.

Alignment of first and second checked bag fees – Effective immediately, for travel on or after Dec. 5, customers flying within the United States will be charged $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second checked bag when traveling domestically, consistent with Northwest’s existing policies. Customers who purchased Delta tickets on or before Nov. 5, 2008, and who are traveling on or after Dec. 5, 2008, will be charged $50 for a second bag, but will be permitted to check their first bag without charge pursuant to Delta’s previous policy. All customers flying in First or Business Class, including SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Elite members, will receive up to three checked bags, up to 70 pounds each, for free. SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Elite members flying in Coach Class will receive up to two checked bags, up to 70 pounds each, for free. All customers traveling in full fare (Y) Coach Class, as well as customers traveling internationally will receive up to two checked bags, up to 50 pounds each, for free. U. S. Military personnel on active duty with travel orders will continue to be able to check up to 10 pieces of luggage on Delta- and Northwest-operated mainline flights or up to four pieces of luggage on Delta Connection flights, up to a maximum of 100 pounds each, free of charge.

Addition of “Coach Choice Seats” on Delta flights – Last week, Delta began offering customers the opportunity to purchase “Coach Choice Seats” on select Delta and Delta Connection flights when they use self-service check-in within 24 hours of their scheduled departure time. A service currently offered at Northwest, the program offers “Coach Choice Seats” for $5-$25 based on distance traveled and seat location. Additionally, SkyMiles Medallion members, WorldPerks Elite members, SkyTeam Elite members and passengers confirmed in Y or B class may select a “Coach Choice” seat at no additional charge when checking in online or at a kiosk within 24 hours of departure. Coach Choice Seats represent less than 10 percent of all seat assignments available on Delta-operated flights. SkyMiles Medallion and WorldPerks Elite members will continue to enjoy access to preferred seating (i.e. select bulkhead, exit row and forward cabin-seating) without a charge at the time of booking.

Most other Northwest baggage policies and fees will be aligned to Delta’s structure, effective Dec. 5. Travel on Delta and Northwest tickets purchased prior to the announcement of these changes will continue to be governed by the prior Delta and Northwest policies. Additional details about Delta’s newly aligned policies and fees can be found at delta.com.

“The increase in bags being carried on board Delta aircraft this year tells us that customers are not differentiating Delta as the only major airline not charging for a first checked bag,” said Steve Gorman, Delta’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “As we align customer policies and fees to simplify the travel experience for our customers throughout the merger, Delta is adopting proven practices from both Delta and Northwest that have been broadly accepted in the marketplace.”

Although Delta and Northwest policies and fees are being aligned over the next 30 days, customers are reminded to continue checking in for flights and doing business directly with the airline operating their flights just as they did before the merger. Delta will continue operation of the airlines’ separate Web sites, www.delta.com and www.nwa.com, as well as the two airlines’ reservations systems and loyalty programs. The companies will be integrated through a thoughtful process with customer benefits continuing to roll out over the next 12-24 months.

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Delta and Northwest Merge, Creating Premier Global Airline

Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE: DAL) and Northwest Airlines, Inc. today merged, creating a premier global airline with service to nearly all of the world’s major travel markets.

The new airline, called Delta and headquartered in Atlanta, will begin its first day as a combined company with a commitment to delivering excellent service to customers in 66 countries and more than 375 worldwide cities – more than any other airline; with a dedicated base of approximately 75,000 worldwide employees; and with a best-in-class cost structure and strong liquidity balance that better positions the company to adapt to the weakening global economy.

“The airline industry faces a very difficult economic environment around the world and this merger gives Delta increased flexibility to adapt to the economic challenges ahead,” said Delta CEO Richard Anderson. “With much of the work to bring our airlines together well under way, the new Delta will be at the front of the pack in achieving the benefits of consolidation and is well positioned to navigate the tough waters ahead in a difficult economy.”

With the completion of the merger, Northwest Airlines is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta. Customers should continue to check-in and do business directly with the airline operating their flight just as they did before the merger. Delta will continue operation of the airlines’ separate Web sites, www.delta.com and www.nwa.com, as well as the two airlines’ reservations systems and loyalty programs.

The companies will be integrated through a thoughtful process with customer benefits rolled out over the next 12-24 months, including:

The addition of Delta’s code to nearly all of the Northwest system by the end of 2008, creating thousands of additional connecting opportunities.

Immediate complimentary upgrade reciprocity for elite members of both airlines’ loyalty programs, with airport lounge reciprocity continuing as usual.

The launch of a fully consolidated worldwide flight schedule in advance of summer 2009;

The introduction of elements of Delta’s brand throughout the Northwest system beginning in spring 2009, including Delta’s popular Richard Tyler designer uniforms, Delta’s livery, “signature cocktails,” enhanced in-flight entertainment and other onboard amenities.

The consolidation of the Delta and Northwest loyalty programs, ultimately including the ability to combine miles from SkyMiles and WorldPerks accounts at a one-to-one ratio.

The full integration of Delta and Northwest Web sites, kiosks, and customer-facing technology to ensure a consistent worldwide travel experience.

Delta has already invested significant resources to ensure a seamless transition for customers, including receiving clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the airline’s plan to achieve a Single Operating Certificate over the next 14-16 months; adding extra staffing and technology at check-in counters and kiosks to provide added customer assistance beginning today; and posting complete merger information at www.delta.com and www.nwa.com to provide customers added assistance.

Employees share in success of combined company with equity stake, platform for future growth
As a result of the merger, employees will share in the success of the new company through an expanded ownership share in the combined company. In the coming days, Delta will distribute an equity stake to substantially all U.S.-based employees with international employees participating through cash payments in lieu of stock.

"Ensuring our employees are able to share in the benefits of the merger from the beginning is a prime example of the Delta Difference," Anderson said. "By sharing ownership with Delta’s people, we are not only recognizing the critical role employees will play in successfully integrating two customer-focused companies, we are also making good on a longstanding commitment that our employees will share in the success of the company."

Delta also has completed other key steps to ensure that employees benefit from the merger and are protected as the two companies’ workforces are combined. Specifically, Delta:

Completed an unprecedented agreement with the Delta and Northwest units of the Air Line Pilots Association, Intl. (ALPA) on a joint contract that unifies both pilot groups under one pilot working agreement effective tomorrow. Additionally, the two pilot groups have agreed to a collaborative process that will achieve a combined seniority list;

Committed that no frontline employees will be involuntarily furloughed as a result of the merger and that no hubs will be closed; and

Implemented a seniority protection policy that ensures that frontline employees of both airlines will be provided seniority protection through a fair-and-equitable process.

Financial footing strengthened, providing increased flexibility to adapt to challenging global economic conditions

The closing of the Delta-Northwest merger brings together two of the industry’s most financially secure airlines to produce a best-in-class cost structure and an industry-leading balance sheet. The transaction is expected to generate $2 billion or more in annual revenue and cost synergies from more effective aircraft utilization, a more comprehensive and diversified route system, and cost synergies from reduced overhead and improved operational efficiency. The company expects to incur one-time cash costs not exceeding $600 million to integrate the two airlines. As approved by both companies’ stockholders earlier this year, Northwest stockholders will receive 1.25 Delta shares for each Northwest share they own. Based on Delta’s closing stock price on Oct. 29, 2008, this exchange ratio is the equivalent of $9.99 per Northwest common share.

“In today’s economic climate, this merger makes even more sense because we can capture $2 billion in annual synergies and build the foundation for profitable growth through improved revenues, a best-in-class cost structure and a strong liquidity position,” said Edward Bastian, Delta’s president and chief financial officer, and the new CEO and president of NWA. “As we have proven, this is a different type of merger for the industry thanks to the complementary nature of the two airlines and the caliber of the people who will make this the most successful merger in airline history,” Bastian continued.

Delta closed the merger after receiving notice from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) that it would not challenge the merger after reviewing its competitive impact. Earlier this year, the merger also received clearance from the European Commission.

Delta today also announced the members of its new Board of Directors, effective immediately. Delta Chairman of the Board Daniel Carp remains chairman while Northwest Chairman Roy Bostock becomes vice chairman. Other directors will include seven from Delta’s Board – Richard Anderson, John S. Brinzo, Eugene I. Davis, David R. Goode, Paula Rosput Reynolds, Kenneth C. Rogers, and Kenneth B. Woodrow, and four from Northwest’s Board – John M. Engler, Mickey P. Foret, Rodney E. Slater and former Northwest CEO Douglas Steenland. Delta had previously announced the structure of its new Board during the merger announcement last spring.
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