Today, Delta has announced the launch of Delta Business Traveler, described as the first time that a US airline has launched a dedicated program for all business travelers, regardless of the company’s size or relationship with Delta.
Sounds exciting, eh? When I first heard about this, I was intrigued. While most US airlines have business rewards programs, they generally have some minimum size and revenue requirements. Well, unfortunately you’re going to want to manage your expectations here…
How the Delta Business Traveler program works
Delta Business Traveler is described as a program providing even more added value for SkyMiles members, whether traveling for business or leisure. It’s free to join, though as of now is only open to residents of the United States.
So, what are the perks of joining Delta Business Traveler?
- You can enroll to receive six months of complimentary Hertz Five Star status, plus have a fast track to President’s Circle status
- You can receive a free trial and discounted $99 monthly rate from Industrious, to use the company’s coworking spaces around the world
- You receive an additional three bonus miles per dollar spent when booking hotels and rental cars through Delta’s platform, assuming they’re completed by December 31, 2024
That’s the extent of the Delta Business Traveler program, at least in its current form. Here’s how Delta’s General Manager of Loyalty Partnerships and SMB Strategy, describes this development:
“Business travelers of all kinds have come to depend on Delta for not only our service and reliability, but also for the in-flight experience and award-winning service. Now they can unlock even more value when they’re traveling for business, leisure or the perfect combination of both. If you’ve ever traveled for business, Delta Business Traveler is for you.”
This program is run separately from the SkyMiles for Business program, which offers additional rewards for eligible travelers. The tier of the program that offers bonus rewards requires having at least five travelers and at least $5,000 in annual Delta spending.
Is anyone impressed by this “program?”
To Delta’s credit, joining the program is free, and nothing is being taken away from anyone. I also kind of respect the fact that Delta is continuing to try to signal the importance of business travel, given the mess American has gotten itself into with its hostile approach to business travel.
However, that’s honestly the only good thing I can say here. This program essentially offers three perks, none of which are unique, compelling, or will have wide appeal:
- Great, you can earn more bonus miles when booking hotels and rentals cars through Delta’s platforms, but that’s rarely the most efficient way to book anyway; on top of that, this is only valid through the end of the year
- There are endless opportunities to get status with Hertz, and if you’re a frequent traveler, odds are that you already have access to many of these
- If you’re looking for a coworking space, perhaps the Industrious membership will interest some, but this is more a cross-marketing opportunity than anything else
Like I said, nothing is being taken away here, though it seems a bit much to launch a program around these few benefits, and claim that this has “tailored offers for every kind of business flier,” and heck, that this is “a dedicated program for all business travelers.”
Bottom line
Delta Business Traveler is marketed as the first program of any US airline targeted at all business travelers. However, there’s not much to this program at all. You can temporarily earn bonus miles when (inefficiently) booking hotels and rental cars through Delta, you can get Hertz status for a limited time, and you can get a discounted coworking membership.
What do you make of Delta Business Traveler?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.