A change of direction for Hyatt's loyalty programme. The American group has just announced a long-term partnership with Delta Air Lines, which will allow members of both programmes to earn both World of Hyatt points and Delta SkyMiles. At the same time, this new alliance brings to an end the enhanced partnership that Hyatt had maintained with American Airlines since January 2025. While these two players had already offered their respective members the opportunity to exchange points and recognition for several years, they had, as of that date, added extra benefits for travellers who had linked their World of Hyatt and AAdvantage accounts.
This final curtain call is a joint decision by the two groups, who stated that they « mutually agreed not to proceed » this strengthened relationship. Why this new romance between Hyatt and the Skyteam member airline and Air France-KLM transatlantic partner? According to Mark Hoplamazian, CEO of the hotel group, Hyatt and Delta share « a shared vision: to deliver premium, thoughtful experiences that put members first », Mark Hoplamazian considering that’ An exceptional journey goes far beyond a hotel stay – it is about creating memorable experiences »from take-off to check-out.
" Premium has never just been a question of a seat at Delta, but of a service standard that manifests itself throughout the journey », underlined Ed Bastian, the CEO of Delta, highlighting that Hyatt's premium approach « from travel and catering to entertainment and accommodation »made the hotelier a« natural partner » of his company.
This collaboration is to take effect in the coming months, with further details to be communicated at a later date regarding the launch schedule, eligibility conditions or benefits offered. One thing is certain, however: a principle of double accrual. Elite members of both programmes will indeed be able to earn both World of Hyatt points and Delta miles on eligible travel and stays.
In the meantime, travellers loyal to American Airlines and Hyatt will be able to continue earning points and enjoying programme benefits until the end of each programme's current earning year. As part of this, AAdvantage members who linked their accounts before 16 November will be able to continue earning World of Hyatt rewards via Loyalty Point Rewards until 28 February 2027, whilst concurrently, World of Hyatt members will be able to enjoy AAdvantage rewards via Milestone Rewards until 31 December 2026. Furthermore, AAdvantage members will still be able to choose to earn 500 AAdvantage miles instead of World of Hyatt points during their stays, by providing their AAdvantage number when checking in at the hotel.
