DL announces buddy pass changes - October 19, 2004 - NewsLine


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Delta and its SkyTeam and codeshare partner airlines have agreed to alter their respective buddy pass programs and allow travel only on the issuing carrier's network. The change will go into effect Jan. 1.  Delta Family and Friends guests will be permitted to fly on Delta, Song, Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA), Chautauqua, Comair and SkyWest flights only. Delta Buddy pass travel will not be permitted on either SkyTeam or other codeshare partner airlines.

"For some time now several of the partners have expressed concerns about their respective buddy pass programs, which include both the economics and logistics of the programs," said Rob Kight, managing director-Global Benefits and Health Resources. "Because our relationship with our partners is one of mutual benefit and reciprocity, we have agreed to similarly adjust our Family and Friends certificate program to permit travel only on Delta and Delta Connection carriers."

All Family and Friends travel on SkyTeam and any other codeshare partners must be completed by Dec. 31. Completely unused tickets may be exchanged for tickets on Delta, Song or Delta Connection flights. The $25 reissue fee will be waived in this instance. Unused and partially used tickets may be refunded according to standard corporate refund policies.

Pass privileges on other carriers for employees and their eligible family members are not affected by this change. For more information on employee pass privileges on other airlines, go to the Pass/Travel section on the Employee Connection, or call the Employee Service Center at 1-800-MY DELTA.

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FULL MEMO

Internal Memorandum

Delta and its SkyTeam and codeshare partners have recently agreed to discontinue allowing each partner's "buddy pass" riders to travel on other partner carrier's flights. This decision will take effect January 1, 2005.

Representatives from Delta and our SkyTeam and codeshare partner airlines meet regularly to exchange ideas, share effective practices and discuss a wide variety of issues common to each partner. For some time now several of the partners have expressed concerns about their respective buddy pass programs, which include both the economics and logistics of the programs. Because of these concerns, the partners have decided to change their programs so that:

                - Buddy pass travelers of OALs (including SkyTeam partners) are no longer                         allowed to travel on their flights, and

                - Their own employees' buddy pass travelers may fly only on their own                                 flights.

Because our relationship with our partners is one of mutual benefit and reciprocity, we have agreed to similarly adjust our Family & Friends certificate program to permit travel only on Delta and Delta Connection carriers.

Effective January 1, 2005, Delta Family & Friends certificate travel will no longer be permitted on SkyTeam and codeshare partner flights, even if that flight carries a Delta code. Family and Friends tickets will be valid for travel only on Delta, Song, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Chautauqua, Comair and SkyWest flights. This action does not apply to Delta or Delta Connection employees and their eligible pass riders, including travel companions.

All Family & Friends travel on SkyTeam and any other codeshare partners must be completed by December 31, 2004. Completely unused tickets may be exchanged for tickets on Delta or Delta Connection flights, and the $25 reissue fee will be waived in this instance. Unused tickets and partially used tickets may be refunded according to Delta's corporate refund policies.

Thank you for your cooperation with these changes. If you have questions, please call the Employee Service Center at
1-800-MY DELTA.

Questions & Answers

Q1. Can my designated travel companion listed in my Primary Pass Rider file still travel with me on a SkyTeam or codeshare flight?

A1. This depends on the policy of the operating carrier and must be verified for each airline. Some carriers allow travel companions while others do not. The information is available on the Employee Connection site under Pass/Travel. Click on "Other Airlines & Codeshares" and "Airline Index" to check on individual airline policies, or call the Employee Service Center at 1-800-MY DELTA.

Q2. I'm planning to fly with a friend from New York-JFK to Paris on our codeshare flight with Air France. My friend will be using a buddy pass. Because I will be traveling as well, will my friend be able to fly with me?

A2. Beginning Jan. 1, 2005, your friend will not be allowed to travel on the Air France flight, even though it is a Delta codeshare flight. However, if space is available you and your friend would be able to travel together on a Delta flight to Paris from JFK.

Q3. Who are Delta's SkyTeam and codeshare partners?

A3. Delta's SkyTeam partners are: AeroMexico, Air France, Alitalia, Continental, CSA Czech Airlines, KLM, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines. Other codeshare partners are: AeroLitoral, AirJamaica, Avianca, Brit Air, China Airlines, China Southern, El Al, Emirates, Flybe, Royal Air Maroc, and South African Airways.

Q4. How can I determine whether a flight is operated by Delta or is a SkyTeam partner flight that is Delta-coded?

A4. When checking flight availability or listing in TravelNet, there is a column that indicates the marketing carrier for the flight (shown as "Mkt Carrier"). If the listing shows Delta but has an asterisk (DELTA*) it is a codeshare or SkyTeam partner flight. You can determine the carrier by clicking on the flight number. Unless the flight is operated by Delta, Song, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Chautauqua, Comair or SkyWest, it is not eligible for buddy pass travel on or after Jan. 1, 2005.

Q5. Is buddy pass travel permitted on Delta's newest SkyTeam partners, Continental and Northwest Airlines?

A5. No. Buddy pass travel is not permitted on either domestic or international flights operated by Continental or Northwest Airlines.

Rob Kight, Managing Director - Global Benefits & Health Resources