Northwest WorldPerks and Delta SkyMiles are continuing the gradual process of combining their two programs and Northwest recently announced policy changes to the WorldPerks program that will put the program in closer alignment with Delta SkyMiles.

As of Jan. 1, 2009, WorldPerks members are able to reach elite status with Elite Qualifying Segments (EQS), in addition to Elite Qualifying Miles (EQM). Members flying 100 EQS (or 75,000 EQM) will receive Platinum Elite status. Gold status will be achieved with 60 EQS (or 50,000 EQM) and Silver with 30 EQS (or 25,000 EQM).

WorldPerks and SkyMiles members will be able to transfer miles between their two accounts in February but they won’t yet be able to pool EQMs at that time. Elite qualifying miles will automatically be combined when the two programs complete their integration into a single program in late 2009.