Execs at the “new” Delta (now the world’s largest airline, thanks to its merger with Northwest) are tinkering with the two frequent flier programs. By late 2009, the programs will merge.

In the meantime, some changes: beginning next year, Delta and Northwest fliers can combine or transfer miles between programs. And, members in both programs can rise to “elite status” by flying a certain number of segments on Delta or Northwest flights — or reach that status simply by following the current mileage requirements.

And, Delta brags that it is alone among major carriers to allow all miles customers to earn the minimum 500 miles, no matter how short a flight is — and that will not change.

Get more information — on Delta’s website.