Hyatt Ties Its Loyalty Future to Delta, Sunsetting American Airlines Partnership

Hyatt Hotels is shifting its primary U.S. airline loyalty partner from American Airlines to Delta Air Lines, announcing an exclusive long-term collaboration between World of Hyatt and Delta SkyMiles.

The move formally ends Hyatt’s enhanced partnership with American, which has been in place since 2019, and pairs two brands that are heavily focused on high-yielding, premium corporate and luxury leisure travelers.

Now, Delta and Hyatt will offer automatic reciprocal earning for elite status members. World of Hyatt Elites members will earn Hyatt points on Delta airfare purchases, in addition to standard SkyMiles. While Delta Medallions members will earn SkyMiles on qualifying stays at participating Hyatt properties, alongside standard Hyatt points.

Both brands confirmed that reciprocal recognition and deeper booking integration will roll out over the coming months.

The Hyatt and American Airlines partnership will wind down in early 2027. Advisors with clients using both programs should keep a few firm transition dates in mind:

November 15, 2026: The cutoff for members to link their AAdvantage and World of Hyatt accounts. Unlinked accounts after this deadline will lose access to crossover milestone choices.

December 31, 2026: the last day linked Hyatt elites can earn AAdvantage awards through Hyatt’s Milestone Rewards.

February 28, 2027: the last day linked American elites can earn World of Hyatt awards through AAdvantage Loyalty Point Rewards.

Current AAdvantage members will be sunsetted in and will still retain the option to elect 500 AAdvantage miles per eligible Hyatt stay after the broader partnership closes.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian and Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the deal was built around shared corporate demographics. Delta continues to aggressively expand its premium seating footprint, while Hyatt has grown its luxury, lifestyle, and inclusive collections.

Delta had been left without a big hotel partner ever since Marriott acquired Starwood, ending the iconic SPG and Delta Crossover Rewards program to align with United Airlines. The Hyatt deal changes that.

Advisors should make sure clients who currently use American and Hyatt have their accounts linked before November 15, 2026, to capture remaining benefits into early next year. Clients aiming for Delta benefits should hold off on shifting travel plans until official fare class rules, enrollment links, and launch dates go live later this year.