An official announcement from Hilton Honors introduced new earning rates for points — amongst other changes in the frequent guest loyalty program — two days ago while simultaneously pronouncing the demise of the Double Dip benefit through which you could choose to earn both Hilton Honors points and frequent flier loyalty program miles.
…And Now, Airlines Announce the End of Double Dip From Hilton Honors
I checked my e-mail account and found an e-mail message which contained this notice from Sandeep Dube, who is the vice president of customer engagement and loyalty of Delta Air Lines:
CHANGE TO THE HILTON HONORS PROGRAM:
EARNING MILES WITH HILTON HOTELS WILL END MARCH 31st, 2018.Dear Brian,
On January 8th, SkyMiles® partner, Hilton, announced changes to its Honors loyalty program that impact all airline partners. Starting April 1st, 2018, Hilton will remove their Double Dip®Earning Style. This means that moving forward, SkyMiles Members will not be able to earn miles for stays at any hotel in the Hilton portfolio.
Your miles earned to-date through the Hilton Honors program will not be affected, and you can continue to earn miles for qualifying Hilton stays completed through March 31st, 2018. Stays completed on or after April 1st will not be eligible to earn miles regardless of booking date or check-in date. Click here to learn more details about this Hilton Honors program change.
We remain committed to ensuring that SkyMiles Members enjoy a rewarding loyalty program. From earning miles with more than thirty non-air partners, including top-rated global travel brands and everyday activities, to twenty-six airline partners—we are constantly working to improve your SkyMiles experience and find new ways for you to earn miles. For a complete list of ways to earn miles, including opportunities to earn with our partners, visit delta.com/earnmiles.
Thank you for your loyalty.
Summary
For those who will lament the end of the Double Dip benefit as it heads on off into the sunset, this announcement could serve as a painful reminder of the loss of what was a unique benefit in frequent guest loyalty programs — similar to rubbing salt in a wound, I suppose — although one of the clarifications from Hilton Honors does state that there are still two ways you can earn frequent flier loyalty program miles with Hilton Honors.
In the meantime: if you are a member of multiple frequent flier loyalty programs which has partnered with Hilton Honors, expect to receive more of these announcements in your e-mail account.
Photograph ©2015 by Brian Cohen.
