# Hyatt Ends American Airlines Partnership, Pivots to Delta
Hyatt Hotels has terminated its loyalty partnership with American Airlines and signed a new deal with Delta Air Lines, reshaping how elite frequent travelers earn and redeem rewards across both brands.
The shift marks a significant change in the hotel and airline loyalty landscape. Hyatt elite members previously earned bonus miles with American Airlines when booking stays. That arrangement ends. Starting now, Hyatt elite status holders earn accelerated miles with Delta instead, creating a new incentive structure for travelers who split time between hotels and flights.
Here's what changes for existing members:
Hyatt members with elite status in the World of Hyatt program now receive bonus Delta SkyMiles when staying at Hyatt properties. The specific bonus tiers depend on your elite level. Diamond, Platinum, Gold, and Silver members each unlock different earning rates. American Airlines elite members lose those Hyatt perks they previously enjoyed, though existing award bookings remain valid.
The partnership benefits both airlines and hoteliers differently. Delta gains access to millions of Hyatt loyalty members and can offer them premium miles rates, driving future bookings. Hyatt secures more attractive terms from Delta, likely including higher mile payouts per room night and better co-branded credit card benefits. American Airlines loses a valuable source of elite travelers, particularly in the business segment where these partnerships matter most.
For everyday travelers, the impact depends on which airline you fly. If you preferred American Airlines, you'll need to reassess whether the Hyatt partnership remains valuable. If you fly Delta, the new Hyatt pairing strengthens that ecosystem and makes consolidating your loyalty spending with both brands more rewarding.
The World of Hyatt program itself remains unchanged. Members still earn points from stays at any Hyatt property, from budget-focused Hyatt House locations to luxury Park Hyatt resorts. Elite night achievements and point earning structures stay intact. Only the airline partnership component shifts to Delta.
This follows a broader trend in the loyalty industry. Airlines and hotels compete fiercely for elite traveler attention. When one partnership deteriorates, brands redirect partnerships to competitors. American Airlines maintains partnerships with other hotel chains, and Hyatt worked with other airlines before formalizing the Delta arrangement.
Elite status seekers should review their current spending patterns. If your travel splits between Hyatt stays and airline flights, this partnership change either strengthens your loyalty strategy with Delta or necessitates finding alternative ways to earn Delta miles through stays at competing hotels or other cards. Some travelers benefit from multiple partnerships across different hotel brands and airlines, allowing flexibility rather than locking into single partnerships.
Credit card holders should watch for updated co-branded products. Hyatt and Delta may launch a joint credit card offering accelerated earning on both airlines and hotel stays. American Airlines and Hyatt card holders should monitor their benefits and understand whether their accounts receive grandfathering protections.
The partnership swap becomes effective immediately for new bookings, though existing reservations and miles remain honored under old terms.