Delta and WestJet have just rolled out reciprocal elite benefits for frequent flyers, which is exciting.
The relationship between Delta & WestJet
Delta and WestJet have had a partnership that goes back many years, and several years now the two airlines have offered reciprocal mileage earning and redemptions.
The plan was for Delta and WestJet to form a transborder joint venture, whereby the two airlines would essentially coordinate schedules and fares between the US and Canada. That never ended up happening though, as the two airlines withdrew their joint venture application in late 2020.
Why was it called off? Because the US Department of Transportation was only willing to approve of the deal with certain concessions (so that consumers would benefit from it), and the airlines ended up deciding that the concessions were too much.
Delta SkyMiles & WestJet Rewards benefits
Delta SkyMiles and WestJet Rewards members will start to enjoy reciprocal elite perks effective immediately. As it’s described, these changes are “part of a shared goal to improve and deepen the advantages for customers when traveling between the carriers.”
Let’s take a look at what reciprocal benefits you can expect.
WestJet Rewards perks when flying Delta
WestJet Rewards Silver, Gold, and Platinum members can expect the following perks when flying with Delta:
- Preferred seats, including exit rows, bulkhead window and aisle seats, and window and aisle seats in the front of Main Cabin; Comfort+ seating is excluded
- Complimentary bags — two for Silver and Gold members, three for Platinum members
- Priority check-in
- Priority security (only for Gold members and above)
- Delta Sky Club® access when flying Delta or WestJet (only for Gold members and above)
- Priority boarding
- Priority baggage handling
WestJet Rewards elite members can get Delta Sky Club access
Delta SkyMiles perks when flying WestJet
Delta SkyMiles Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond members can expect the following perks when flying with WestJet:
- Seat selection fee waiver (only for Gold members and above)
- Complimentary bags — one for Silver members, two for Gold members, three for Platinum and Diamond members
- Priority check-in
- Priority security (only for Gold members and above)
- WestJet Elevation Lounge access when flying Delta or WestJet (only for Gold members and above)
- Priority boarding
- Priority baggage handling
Delta SkyMiles elite members can get WestJet lounge access
Bottom line
It’s fantastic to see Delta and WestJet roll out reciprocal elite benefits. This should be of great benefit to anyone flying transborder on either airline, especially given that the two airlines codeshare on many routes.
Ultimately these are solid reciprocal benefits, especially when you consider that the airlines don’t even have a joint venture.
Will you benefit from the new reciprocal elite perks between Delta and WestJet?
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