AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. Terms Apply to the offers listed on this page. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers.
UPDATE: As of 07/15/2018, Delta and SPG have terminated the Crossover Rewards partnership. See the full details here.
One of the main but often under-utilized benefits of Elite status of many loyalty programs is the tie-in rewards with other partners. Delta has confirmed that SPG® Platinum Preferred members are eligible for complimentary upgrades to Delta Comfort+.
Historically SPG Platinums enrolled in the Crossover Rewards program have been entitled to the following benefits when flying Delta:
- Free first checked bag
- Priority check-in
- Priority boarding—using Zone 1
- Unlimited complimentary upgrades—although the SPG Platinums are at the bottom of the upgrade list behind Delta Elite members.
Delta is now extending the upgrade policy to include upgrades to Comfort+ seats. The airline reported on its news page that
“Now, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Platinum Preferred Members enrolled in the Crossover Rewards program traveling on Delta flights will clear for Complimentary Upgrades to both First Class and Delta Comfort+ based on their SPG tier level on paid tickets. For more information on how to opt-in for Delta Comfort+ upgrades, visit Complimentary Delta Comfort+ Upgrades.”
Comfort+ Upgrade Details
Delta’s Comfort+ has some nice perks, including improved snacks on most of Delta’s flights, a free alcoholic beverage, and—crucially for taller passengers—seats that have extra legroom.
The upgrades will only apply to paid tickets, and will only be done on the day of departure. To make the most out of this new perk, SPG Platinum Preferred Guests have to link their account with Delta through Crossover Rewards. This can be done either at on the SPG website or the Delta website. Overall this is another great step for SPG Platinum Preferred Guests to leverage benefits from their Elite status.
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
I never realized this. I avoid the Delta FF program whenever I can due to their continual/annual reductions in value but this is a good work around when flying Delta.
This is a good benefit. I wish some of the other hotel chains had similar tie ups with airlines.
It’s good to see hotel partnership benefits on airlines.
This is great information
The likelihood of getting an upgrade based on SPG status is close to null.
The Delta comfort plus at first seemed like a rip off at $99 on a trans pacific flight, but when I actually saw the seats on the plane I was jealous. They give you about as much leg room as an emergency exit seat. The only thing I forgot to check for was if you’d be fighting for the middle armrest or if you get your own.
I am not a Delta flier but always admired this tie up. I am a United guy and I’ve always thought the United-Marriott partnership just felt weak. now that Marriott owns SPG I am curious to see where this goes.