Ask a QuestionNorthwest - Delta Merger Frequently Asked Questions
Customers will benefit from a more complete route network. The combination will also improve worldwide connections to small communities across the U.S.
This merger is driven by an expanded route network, better fleet utilization and operational efficiencies. There are very few markets where the two carriers currently overlap.
The new carrier will continue to compete in an aggressively competitive pricing marketplace, both domestically and internationally.
2. Can I fly Delta with my Northwest ticket?
Until the merger closes, it will be business as usual at both airlines, with no changes in operations or service. Once the merger is completed, any operational changes will be clearly communicated to all customers.
3. Do customers who have a future travel reservation with Northwest need to rebook with Delta?
No, you can keep your Northwest reservation. There will be no need to rebook confirmed travel.
4. Will this transaction impact lounge memberships or access?
Delta and Northwest customers already enjoy reciprocal lounge access across our worldwide networks through the SkyTeam alliance.
5. What changes can WorldPerks members expect as a result of this transaction?
During the regulatory review period, it is business as usual - with no changes to the WorldPerks program. After the merger closes, customers will be able to fly to more destinations, have more flight scheduling choices and have greater ability to earn and redeem their WorldPerks miles around the world.
6. Will the merger impact my WorldPerks mileage balance or elite customer status?
No. This transaction will have no impact on WorldPerks miles or elite status.
7. Will my Northwest WorldPerks miles be redeemable on the combined airline?
Yes.
8. If a company has negotiated a business rate with Delta or Northwest, will it still be valid after the merger?
Yes. The combined company will maintain its agreements with valued corporate partners of both airlines.
9. Will you respect existing sales agreements, including fares, commissions and terms and conditions as established with our travel agencies and other major customers?
All existing sales agreements will continue to be honored according to their terms and conditions.
10. What are the terms of the merger agreement?
Delta and Northwest have agreed to combine in an all-stock transaction, creating a premier global airline with a more complete route network.
Under the terms of the transaction, Northwest shareholders will receive 1.25 Delta shares for each Northwest share they own.
The combined airline will be called Delta Air Lines.
11. Where will the headquarters be located?
The combined airline will have its world headquarters in Atlanta.
Delta will have domestic executive offices in Atlanta, New York and Minneapolis/St. Paul. International executive offices will be in Tokyo, Amsterdam, London and Paris.
12. What about Minnesota - and the other hub locations?
No hubs will be closed.
Delta intends to retain significant airline jobs, operations and facilities in Minnesota.
13. Will any stations be closed, or cities be removed from the network, as a result of the merger?
No.
14. Who will lead the combined carrier?
Delta CEO Richard Anderson will become chief executive officer of the combined company and serve on the Board of Directors. Northwest CEO Doug Steenland will also serve on the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will be made up of 7 directors from Delta, 5 from Northwest, and one director from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). Roy Bostock, NWA's current Board Chairman, will be Vice Chairman of the combined airline.
15. Why merge with Delta Air Lines?
Combining the two carriers makes strategic sense for both carriers. Delta-Northwest is a merger by addition. The combination of two route systems, with virtually no overlap, results in a more complete network - thereby offering more choices for customers and more stable service for the communities we serve.
The strengthened combined carrier also creates long-term stability and growth opportunities for our employees.
16. Now that the deal is announced, what happens next?
The merger is subject to the approval of both Delta's and Northwest's shareholders as well as regulatory approvals.
17. When will the merger be approved?
Regulatory approval is expected to take 6-8 months and be completed by year-end.
18. What will happen during the regulatory approval period?
During the regulatory review process, Northwest and Delta will continue to conduct operations, planning and strategic functions as independent, competitive carriers.
19. What happens after regulatory approval is granted?
After regulatory approval is granted, the transaction closes and the two airlines begin the process of integrating operations and employee groups.
Immediately following closing, Delta and Northwest will each continue to operate under their separate operating certificates. While the two fleets will then be scheduled in a coordinated manner, and pricing and marketing will also be coordinated, from a legal and corporate standpoint the individual Companies will each continue to exist until a single operating certificate is in place.
Each Company will also continue to operate its own maintenance program, utilizing its own mechanics and related personnel, until the operating certificates are merged.
20. What is the timeline for integrating the two airlines?
Delta and Northwest will not begin integrating until after the transaction closes. During the regulatory review process, a transition committee that will include Delta CEO Richard Anderson and Northwest CEO Doug Steenland, along with leaders from both companies, will begin integration planning.
