Delta and SPG Crossover Rewards Explained

When the Crossover Rewards program offered to Starwood Preferred Guest and Delta SkyMiles elite members debuted last year, it was the only program of its kind. It offered elite members of both programs reciprocal benefits that took membership perks to a whole new level. The program is open to all Delta SkyMiles elite members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond) as well as Starwood Preferred Guest Gold and Platinum members, though benefits vary depending on membership level.

All Delta SkyMiles elite members are eligible to earn bonus miles per $1 spent at Starwood hotels. While it may not seem like much, this is in addition to the regular payout of two Starpoints per $1 earned by non-elite SPG members.

In addition to this perk, SkyMiles Platinum and Diamond get the following benefits when staying at a Starwood property:

• 4 p.m. late checkout
•  Access to the SPG elite check-in line
•  Complimentary in-room Internet access
•  Room upgrades at check-in, when available

Similarly, SPG Gold and Platinum members earn bonus Starpoints per $1 spent on eligible Delta flights. This is in addition to any Skymiles paid out based on distance flown. As top-tier elites, SPG Platinum members are eligible for additional benefits on their Delta flights, including:

•   Priority check-in
•   Priority boarding
•   Unlimited complimentary upgrades (when available)
•   First checked bag free

These perks can certainly make travel a bit less stressful while also saving members some cash on essentials like Internet and checked bags. While the additional bonus points/miles per $1 spent isn’t earth shattering, it’s a nice bonus considering there isn’t any cost involved in earning it.

If you don’t have status with either program, there are a couple of ways to become eligible for these benefits:

1) The Delta Reserve credit card:
Earn 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.

The Platinum Delta SkyMiles credit card:
Earn 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs)and 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. In addition, earn a $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.

If you’re aiming for Platinum or Diamond status, this method still gets you pretty far.

2) Pick up a Starwood Preferred Guest Business card from American Express. The card grants members Gold membership after spending required amount per calendar year.

3) Pick up both the Starwood Preferred Guest Business and personal cards from American Express. You’ll end up with a combined exceptionally huge amount of  Starpoints. Use the points to mattress run for Gold (10 stays/25 nights) or Platinum status (25 stays/50 nights) at Starwood’s bottom tier Category 1 hotels, which require just 2,000 points per night on weekends.

If you have yet to meet the elite membership requirements to qualify for the Crossover program, you can still register for it online. When you do meet the membership requirements, your perks will automatically kick in. I recommend you do this so that you don’t have to worry about going back and registering for Crossover Rewards once you’re eligible. On your next trip to the airport, you may find yourself getting a surprise upgrade or those pesky checked bag fees waived.