Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines have announced that the two airlines are ceasing their partnership on May 1, 2017, meaning you’ll no longer be able to earn/redeem miles on the other carrier nor will you receive any elite benefits.

Per Delta Air Lines,

Delta will continue its commitment of investment and growth in the Pacific Northwest following a decision by Delta and Alaska Airlines to end their partnership. The decision is a positive milestone for both airlines as Alaska focuses on its merger integration with Virgin America and Delta focuses on creating more customer choice at its Seattle-Tacoma International Airport hub, where it now operates more than 150 peak-day flights to more than 40 destinations.

Effective May 1, 2017, Delta and Alaska will no longer have a codeshare agreement, and sales of flights under DL- and AS-coded flight numbers flown on Alaska and Delta aircraft respectively will cease. Additionally, customers of each airline will no longer be able to earn and redeem Delta miles or Mileage Plan miles on flights operated by the other carrier. The carriers will retain an interline agreement, allowing them to continue offering customers ticketing and baggage connectivity. Delta and Alaska today codeshare on only a small number of flights as Delta’s growth in Seattle has reduced the need for codeshare flying.

Delta SkyMiles Members will be able to earn and redeem miles on flights operated by Alaska Airlines through April 30, 2017. SkyMiles Medallion Members will continue to receive their benefits when flying with Alaska Airlines through April 30, 2017.

Beginning May 1, 2017, SkyMiles Members will not be able to earn and redeem miles on flights operated by Alaska Airlines unless a ticket was purchased before Dec. 19, 2016. Medallion Benefits will not be available on flights operated by Alaska Airlines.

Bottom Line

With the recent merger of Alaska Airlines and Virgin America complete, this latest announcement doesn’t come as a shock at all. Specifically, Delta and Alaska have been heavily completing the past few years, especially with their Seattle service, and I think with the partnership ending, Delta is going to continue to increase their Seattle service.

In addition, Alaska Airlines is moving to a distance based redemption system, with award tickets starting at 5,000 miles each-way. If you’re a an Alaska loyalist, this is great news as you’re coming up ahead when it comes to award redemptions.

Any Delta Medallions or Alaska MVP members want to weigh in with their thoughts? Feel free to share below!