The Delta-GOL partnership is in its 3rd year and Delta SkyMiles members now have another benefit when flying GOL in South America. The partnership with GOL and Delta was first launched in July 2010 when Delta and Gol announced the ability to earn frequent flyer miles on each other’s airlines, and then in December 2010 they announced the ability to redeem miles on each other’s airlines to all destinations. There was no stopping Delta and GOL’s continual partnership, because in December of 2011 Delta invested 100 million dollars for a 3% stake in Brazil’s low cost carrier. Furthermore, at the time of announcement Delta also announced that they would work with GOL to align their frequent flyer program and benefits. Yet until this week, we’ve seen zero alignment besides what was in place before the investment by Delta.
Now, Delta has announced that Delta Medallions traveling on GOL and GOL Elites traveling on Delta will gain mutual benefits.
Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion® members will enjoy more perks when flying with GOL, our airline partner in Brazil. Be sure to enter your SkyMiles number when booking your flight to enjoy benefits, such as:
- Complimentary Preferred Seats*
- Bag fee waivers*
- Priority check-in
- Priority Boarding
- Accrual of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs)
In addition to these new benefits, those flying on GOL will be granted access to the VIP GOL Smiles lounge in the São Paulo (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG) airports.
Live in Brazil or South America and not a SkyMiles member? No worries, Delta is giving Diamond SMILES members SkyPriority at most airports and even access to SkyClubs in JFK, Atlanta, and Detroit (the three airports that link the Delta network to Brazil.)
Delta’s partnership with GOL allows Delta to offer access to more interior Brazil points than any other U.S. airline. Delta customers can travel to 21 cities through Brazil, covering 99 percent of the destinations passengers traveling from the U.S. want to visit. Delta operates 35 nonstop weekly flights between Brazil and the U.S., including from Atlanta, Detroit and New York-JFK to Sao Paulo, as well as from Atlanta to Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia.
This is just one example of many of how Delta is investing and improving their Elite loyalty program.
