From expedited access at some of the festival’s most popular events to an exquisite members’ lounge in the center of the action, Delta is rolling out the red carpet for SkyMiles Members as the official airline partner of SXSW this year.
Delta customers attending SXSW in Austin, Texas, next month will have a chance to experience firsthand the benefits of being a SkyMiles Member – and not just when they’re in the air.
As the official airline partner of this year’s annual festival, Delta will deliver exclusive experiences, premium rewards, and much more as it continues to reimagine and elevate the meaning of SkyMiles membership – introducing benefits with relevance surrounding and beyond the customer’s travel journey.
“Delta’s presence at SXSW is our latest opportunity to extend our SkyMiles program benefits and connect directly with our members,” said Delta’s Chief Marketing Officer Alicia Tillman. “We want our SkyMiles program to deliver value to customers in ways that connect them throughout their travel journey to exclusive moments spanning special-access opportunities, community engagement, content experiences, and unique epicurean and musical adventures.”
If you’re a Delta SkyMiles member planning to attend SXSW, read on for details on what your membership will unlock for you in Austin:
- A uniquely Delta welcome: Delta customers arriving at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport should look for Delta’s welcome outside of gate 10 from Thursday, March 7, through Wednesday, March 13. While you’re there, grab a copy of our curated guide to SXSW, which will include some unexpected delights.
- Speedy badge pick-up: Once at the Austin Convention Center, Delta SkyMiles members can take advantage of exclusive badge pick-up access just for them – making the journey into Austin as swift and seamless as possible. Keep an eye out for Delta team members who will be on site to assist.
- Transportation around downtown Austin: Electric Delta-branded hoppers will be available to members looking for a ride throughout downtown Austin. Available from Friday, March 8, through Monday, March 11, between 2-5 p.m. and 8-10 p.m., members who spot a hopper can take a ride to The Delta Lounge, the Austin Convention Center or another downtown destination of choice for free.
- 4. A memorable mainstage moment: CEO Ed Bastian will be joined on Sunday, March 10, by Fortune’s Editor-In-Chief Alyson Shontell and Chef José Andrés, CEO, José Andrés Group, in a featured session about building connection and community. Several other Delta leaders will appear on additional stages throughout the festival;
- The Delta Lounge: Delta’s lounge at SXSW is the ultimate respite for members to relax, recharge, and reconnect. Open daily from Friday, March 8, through Tuesday, March 12, the lounge will feature fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi and a designated Delta Sync space within, which will provide quieter moments for members to focus and immerse themselves in locally curated content. Starbucks will offer members delicious, fan-favorite beverages exclusively available at Starbucks stores around the world, including drinks from Latin America, the United Kingdom and the Asia Pacific. Members should keep an eye out for a new beverage to enjoy each day. And custom limited-edition Delta x SXSW merchandise will be available while supplies last.
- A Medallion Member speakeasy: For Medallion members by reservation only, a speakeasy within the lounge will open nightly and feature local live music from up-and-coming artists as well as truly exclusive experiences like an opening-night party hosted by creator and entrepreneur Issa Rae, an evening BBQ tasting experience from world-renowned Austin pit master Aaron Franklin of Franklin BBQ, a wine experience with NBA legend and entrepreneur Carmelo Anthony and co-founder Asani Swann of VII(N)-The Seventh Estate, and more.
- An entrepreneur & artist market at Waterloo Park: For SXSW attendees and community members alike, Delta is partnering with Waterloo Greenway and Future Front Texas to host a pop-up market featuring more than 20 local artists and entrepreneurs on Sunday, March 10, at Meredith Heritage Tree Deck in Waterloo Park from 2-5 p.m. A custom mural, co-designed by Delta and East End Eclectic, will also be revealed during the market and will live in Waterloo Park through this summer.
- A VIP experience at Billboard Presents THE STAGE at SXSW: From Thursday, March 14, through Saturday, March 16, ticket- or SXSW badge-holding SkyMiles members can enjoy expedited entry into the concert presented by Billboard. They can also take advantage of a preferred viewing area on the lawn and a member lounge to enjoy light bites, drinks, and limited-edition apparel during the concert.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
