Of course, there’s also a shiny new $395 premium credit card, because no loyalty program is complete without one. Delta Turns to Crowd striked sourced Network PlanningThis week, Delta launched its first-ever Route Race, (although not its first marathon) daring SkyMiles members (and employees!) Voting runs next week from August 25 to 29 via the Delta app, with results dropping about 30 days later. For $69, anyone with a loyalty card from Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, or Spirit can become Elite Gold through 2026. Delta and United have thus far stayed silent, likely too busy counting seat upgrade fees to consider settling.