Delta announced a new upgrade policy and additional benefits for its SkyMiles Medallion members effective Jan. 1, 2004.

Platinum Medallion members will receive unlimited, complimentary 500-mile upgrades at the time of booking, based upon availability, when purchasing Y, B and M economy-fare class tickets. Gold and Silver Medallion members will receive unlimited, complimentary 500-mile upgrades, based upon availability, when purchasing Y and B economy-fare class tickets. Gold Medallion members will be eligible for this benefit 100 hours prior to departure. Silver Medallion members will be eligible 72 hours prior to departure.

In addition, Platinum Medallion members will earn the following new benefits at select status-mile thresholds: Two or four additional Platinum Medallion Upgrade certificates at 125,000 or 150,000 year-end status miles, respectively; the option to award Medallion status to a friend or apply status miles toward Medallion status for 2005; and Platinum Medallion Upgrades may be used to upgrade from select fares on worldwide itineraries, regardless of distance flown. These new Platinum Medallion Upgrades will be awarded in early 2004 and will be in addition to the six provided to Platinum Medallion members upon qualification.