• by Tanya Gazdik , February 10, 2013

Delta Air Lines and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide are linking their loyalty initiatives in Crossover Rewards program.

Beginning March 1, travelers enrolled in the two loyalty programs no longer have to choose between hotel points and frequent flyer miles, as they will now earn both, along with a host of other crossover perks. The new program provides elite members of both loyalty programs with reciprocal benefits.

Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum Members and Ambassadors will be treated as Delta Elites at the terminal with priority check-in, priority boarding and one free checked bag. Delta Diamond and Platinum Members will receive benefits on par with SPG Gold members, including SPG check-in, late check-out and free high speed internet.

SPG Elites will earn incremental Starpoints when they fly Delta and Delta Medallions earn incremental SkyMiles when they stay with Starwood. This is in addition to the current Starpoints and miles earned as a member of each program.

The companies’ global alignment was key to uniting the two organizations for the creation of Crossover Rewards. With flights to more than 300 destinations and hubs in markets like Tokyo, Paris, New York City and Atlanta, Delta’s global reach complements Starwood’s worldwide hotel footprint, including nine hotel brands in 100 countries around the world.

“SPG continues to invest in one-of-a-kind benefits to truly reward those who reward us with their unwavering loyalty and business,” said Mark Vondrasek, senior vice president of distribution, loyalty and partnership for Starwood, in a release.“More and more we look to extend our relationship with our guests beyond the four walls of our hotels, which we believe is a way to cultivate ‘loyalty beyond reason.’”

Beginning March 1, customers can register for Crossover Rewards by linking their Delta SkyMiles and SPG accounts at delta.com/crossoverrewards or spg.com/crossoverrewards. Benefits will begin once Delta Medallion or SPG elite status is reached.