Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced that SkyMiles members can purchase miles as gifts or for themselves online throughout the year.  Delta also re-launched its SkyRewards®  program online, which allows corporations to purchase miles to use as employee and customer incentives.  Created and powered by MilePoint, an online company that enhances customer relationships of loyalty and promotional program sponsors through customizable technologies, both SkyRewards and MilePoint features are available at delta.com/buymiles. 
“The capabilities of our new, online system allow SkyMiles members to give gift miles using personalized E-cards or printable certificates,” said Christine Pierce, Delta’s director of Partnership Marketing.  “Miles are a unique gift to give for graduations, birthdays, anniversaries or any other special occasion.”
Through SkyRewards, companies and organizations have the opportunity to purchase miles in any denomination over the minimum purchase of 60,000 miles.  Individuals interested in purchasing miles for themselves or as gifts for others have the opportunity to purchase miles in increments of 1,000. 
“MilePoint’s cutting-edge proprietary technology provides SkyMiles members and SkyRewards customers an efficient way to purchase miles by simply clicking a mouse,” said Mark Lacek, chief executive officer and co-founder of MilePoint.  “The Mileage Vending Programsm enables Delta to administer mileage sales completely online.”
The ability to purchase miles online further expands offerings available to SkyMiles members at delta.com, which gives customers greater control of the travel experience with flight research and purchase capabilities, as well as critical travel information and services.  At delta.com, SkyMiles members can also book Award Travel, view account balance and sign up to receive statements via e-mail.
Delta SkyMiles members earn mileage by flying Delta, the Delta Connection carriers, Delta Express, Delta Shuttle and Delta`s airline partners, including Delta`s SkyTeam partners.  The Delta SkyMiles program offers many other mileage-building opportunities, including the Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, MCI telecommunication services, Nextel wireless services, EarthLink internet services, participating hotels, car rental companies, restaurants, home buying and selling, cruise line and flower purchases.  The SkyMiles program received InsideFlyer’s Industry Impact Award for its industry-leading and customer-focused response to the tragic events of September 11.
Delta Air Lines, the world’s second largest carrier in terms of passengers carried and the leading U.S. airline across the Atlantic, offers 5,898 flights each day to 429 destinations in 76 countries on Delta, Delta Express, Delta Shuttle, Delta Connection and Delta’s worldwide partners.  Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services.  For more information, please go to delta.com.
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