Delta Launches SkyMiles Partnership with Starbucks
The joint loyalty program gives customers greater opportunities to earn miles
by Fergus Cole
October 13, 2022
Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines has teamed up with coffee giant Starbucks to create a joint loyalty program.
The new partnership will allow Delta’s SkyMiles members to gain miles for shopping in any Starbucks store across the country. From Wednesday, October 12, members of the airline’s frequent flyer program will be rewarded with one mile for each dollar spent on eligible items at the coffee chain.
The airline’s CEO, Ed Bastian, shared on his Instagram account a photo holding a Starbucks cup with his name on it. “Starting my day off right with a delicious cup of Starbucks coffee after we announced that Delta SkyMiles members and Starbucks Reward Members can link loyalty accounts to earn more rewards,” he wrote.
To take advantage of the new partnerships, customers must first link their Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards accounts, which can easily be done by logging on to deltastarbucks.com or starbucksdelta.com.
Other perks include a reward of 500 SkyMiles and 150 Stars just for linking your accounts before December 31, and double Stars for purchasing at certain Starbucks stores on the same day as a scheduled Delta flight.
Starbucks announced its Reward Together program earlier this year, in which the company teams up with some of the world’s most recognized brands to combine loyalty programs. The partnerships grant customers extra benefits and greater chances of earning Stars, which can be redeemed in any Starbucks store. Delta is the first U.S. company with which Starbucks has partnered for the program.
The partnership will give Delta’s frequent flyers even greater opportunities to accrue SkyMiles without flying. Members can already earn miles through affiliated companies and stores, including numerous car rental firms, retailers like Gap and Macy’s, and even on Lyft rides and Airbnb stays.
“We’re continuing to evolve Delta’s SkyMiles program to give our customers valuable, premium experiences not just on the days they travel but in their everyday lives as well,” said Prashant Sharma, vice president of loyalty at Delta. “Through this new partnership with Starbucks, we can deliver more moments and interactions that matter, both in the air and on the ground.”
Ryan Butz, vice president of loyalty strategy and marketing at Starbucks, was equally optimistic about the opportunities this deal will bring to customers. “Starbucks Rewards and Delta SkyMiles are centered on creating moments of meaningful connection, and by bringing together two of the country’s most celebrated loyalty programs, we are able to reward our members with more of what they love,” he said.
