The travel and points blogosphere is abuzz with speculation that Delta SkyMiles will no longer be an American Express® Membership Rewards® points transfer partner.
The theoretical change would go into effect on August 31 — about a month and a half from now.
Fear not.
An American Express corporate representative confirmed to me that Delta SkyMiles will continue to be an airline point transfer partner for the Membership Rewards program.
The updated terms were in regards to the Platinum Private Jet benefit.
But it’s very easy to see how the misunderstanding came about.
The Rates and Fees link for The Platinum Card® from American Express displays an e-document that states
SkyMiles Program
This benefit will end on 8/31/21. All Delta SkyMiles® program rules apply to SkyMiles program membership, miles, offers, mile accrual, mile redemption and travel benefits. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Taxes and fees for Award Travel are the responsibility of the passenger and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked. Award Travel seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. Partners airline benefits subject to change and subject to the terms and conditions of each partner. All Delta Sky Club rules apply to Delta Sky Club use. To review the rules visit Delta.com/skyclub. Offer, rules and benefits subject to change.
I took a screenshot.
That makes it look like Amex is dropping SkyMiles, doesn’t it?
The same document also says:
Delta Private Jets 20% Discount on Commercial Flights
This benefit will end on 8/31/21. For air transportation provided by Delta, a Card Member who purchases a Delta Private Jet Card is entitled to a 20% discount off published fares for select fare classes in effect when booked.
So it looks like two different subjects are being talked about — when, in fact, it’s only one. The SkyMiles verbiage seems to appear in error.
Or there’s a fracture between Delta and Amex — but I highly doubt that.
Final Approach
Delta SkyMiles will remain an American Express® Membership Rewards® points transfer partner. The benefit in question is actually a private jet discount. It seems the SkyMiles mention was a clerical error.
To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this link. Terms apply.
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