As mentioned in our last issue, Delta has joined the movement to offer frequent flyer program members better online award redemption. SkyMiles members can now quickly view how many award seats are available through the Web site’s award calendar that displays award availability for roundtrip or one-way flights on Delta routes for each day of the month. Members can mix and match award types; first, business, coach, SkySaver and SkyChoice awards; and if you login as an elite member, you will have greater access to award seats than non-Medallion members (the airline sets more seats aside for these members). Members can redeem miles for flights from 331 days out until departure; and the new calendar will make it easier for you to check back often to see if the award seat you want has become available. It is also now possible to cancel wholly unused past date award tickets, as well as future date award tickets and members can now use eCredits, including Delta Travel Vouchers (DTV) and Electronic Miscellaneous Charge Orders (EMCO), to pay for award ticket taxes and fees. Members of SkyMiles in more than 45 countries can now redeem their miles for award flights online and can access the service in several languages including Spanish, French, German, Italian or Portuguese. Other enhancements planned in 2007 include searching for award flights by miles or flight schedule; viewing departing or return calendars side-by-side; viewing award ticket availability without being logged into your account as well as having access to Northwest, Continental and Air France award seats. Delta redeemed more than nine million award tickets over the last three years.

Editor’s note: Word from the SkyMiles members we’ve heard from about the new calendar are almost all positive with most showing a strong interest in seeing the partner award flight functionality added.