Wheels Up Partners with Delta SkyMiles and Waldorf Astoria
Partnerships show robust possibilities when adding perks and rewards to flying privately
Wheels Up, a leading brand in private aviation, has teamed up with Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles program to allow members of both rewards affiliations to gain benefits across the two channels of products and services. Non-members who want to book a private flight through their SkyMiles may do so through the Wheels Up app. The New York-based private flights company says it intends to construct a rewards program of its own by year’s end.
According to a 751-page S-4 filing by Aspirational Consumer Lifestyle Corp. and as reported originally in Private Jet Comparisons, non-member flyers can now sign up, ask questions, and shop and book charter flights completely digitally using the Wheels Up App. They are not required to purchase a membership but may pay additional transaction fees not applicable to members. On the downside, non-members do not have membership benefits, nor do they have the same aircraft availability guarantees as members, and flights are priced dynamically. Over time, PJC reports, plans call for adding additional features for non-members, including flight-sharing features and a by-the-seat scheduled shuttle product.
As for Delta’s part, the companies expect to fortify their ties with the “creation of an array of new products and valuable features,” including “introduction of exclusive Wheels Up partner benefits and product offerings to Delta’s 360, Diamond and Platinum Medallion members.”
Customers of both companies will see “targeted integrations of our respective technology platforms to streamline and drive cross-program engagement,” PJC notes. SkyMiles members will be able to redeem miles earned flying Delta for Wheels Up products and services. It is also possible that because American Express Membership Rewards points are convertible to SkyMiles, conceivably, high-spending Centurion and Platinum cardmembers will be able to use those points on Wheels Up.
Meanwhile, in a further move toward enticing the higher end business traveler, Wheels Up is linking up with Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s legendary luxury hotel brand, to offer Wheels Up members exclusive benefits at ten Waldorf Astoria properties across North America. While it is not yet clear what private flight benefits might be available moving forward for Hilton Honors members, an exploration of possibilities is in process.
“We’re thrilled to be launching this new program with Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to provide memorable travel experiences for our Wheels Up Members,” said Mark Krolick, Senior Vice President at Wheels Up. “Our two brands are aligned and committed to an impeccable standard of service that has inspired this program, and we look forward to future collaborations on the ground and in the air.”
Wheels Up members, however, can now further indulge in the effortless luxury and sense of place though Waldorf Astoria hotels, from star-studded Beverly Hills to the shores of Maui and beyond. Creating a seamless transition from plane to hotel, the experience begins as soon as the passengers land at their destination of choice where they will receive luxury ground transportation provided by Waldorf Astoria. Once on property, these guests will have access to a dedicated concierge at the hotel, personalized service, room upgrades based on availability, complimentary breakfast, complimentary premium wi-fi, and a guaranteed late checkout.
Wheels Up members have access to these benefits at ten select North American properties including Waldorf Astoria Atlanta; Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club; Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills; Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort; Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort; Waldorf Astoria Park City; Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal; Waldorf Astoria Orlando; Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas and Waldorf Astoria Chicago.
