Following a notoriously turbulent year, Wheels Up has revamped its product portfolio in a bid to make access to private aviation simpler than ever and boost its membership numbers.
Offering new options for both members and pay-as-you-go fliers, the newly launched program both improves choice and accessibility (two ongoing gripes in the charter market) and pulls on the rewards-based model typically favored by commercial airlines – a scheme that marks the first of its kind in the private aviation industry.
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Harnessing its strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines, which was part of a multi-million-dollar bailout program for Wheels Up last year, the aviation company now offers members the unique opportunity to earn Delta Diamond Medallion Status based on their qualifying private spend.
One of Delta’s most premium membership bands, Diamond Medallion Status includes priority airport services, unlimited complimentary upgrades, waived checked baggage fees and a choice of customizable benefits.
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Members can now also use Wheels Up deposit funds to towards commercial Delta flights, as well as receive a 20% discount on select commercial Delta routes. Wheels Up also promises to cap costs on high-demand days and reduce rates during non-peak times to help improve savings across the board.
“We are introducing the marketplace to a new way of flying private, one that further delivers choice to customers and adds to the value of Wheels Up’s premium travel experience by capitalizing on our global aviation network, competitive pricing model, and unique capacity to offer guaranteed availability and recovery to our members in areas where they travel most,” said Wheels Up CEO George Mattson.
While the bulk of new benefits are geared toward Wheels Up members, pay-as-you-go charter customers are also privy to a host of new incentives, including 2% flight credit for every $50,000 flown and Delta Diamond Medallion Status after achieving qualifying flight spend.
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