Overview
Delta is one of the most popular airlines in the US, which, in turn, makes its SkyMiles system equally attractive. In fact, with over 120 million members, it’s the largest loyalty program in the world. But those with some experience know SkyMiles is also the most polarizing program out there.
With so many Delta co-branded cards to choose from, as well as the ability to transfer points from American Express, SkyMiles are ludicrously easy to earn. But redeeming SkyMiles for maximum value is complicated and has become representative of the growing frustrations of the points and miles space.
But just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Knowledge unlocks all, and that’s why we’re giving you a top-down guide to Delta’s SkyMiles program. Once you’ve read this, take a look at our guide highlighting detailed walkthroughs of the best ways to use them.
Let’s take a look at Delta SkyMiles.
The Bottom Line
SkyMiles is Delta’s loyalty program and redemption currency, offering customers the chance to fly for almost nothing in return for spending with the airline or on a co-branded card. While it’s a complicated system that’s hampered by dynamic pricing, there is still value to be found.
What is Delta SkyMiles?
Delta SkyMiles is the loyalty program for Delta Air Lines. This is generally split into two parts: its elite flyer Medallion program and its redeemable currency, SkyMiles.
The Medallion-based elite status program unlocks perks and special experiences based on how much a customer flies with Delta and its partners or how much they spend on one of its co-branded cards. Its SkyMiles currency is earned in the same way but is instead redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other experiences or products.
It’s currently the largest airline loyalty program in the world.
What are Delta SkyMiles?
It’s important to note the distinction between the Delta SkyMiles program and the earnable currency SkyMiles. The former is the umbrella term for the whole program, encompassing the elite status program and the earnable miles. The latter is the currency that can be earned and redeemed with the airline. In this section, we’re referring solely to the miles.
There are two primary ways to earn SkyMiles: flying with Delta or one of its partners and spending on specific credit cards. Delta has an impressive list of co-branded credit cards, which makes it incredibly easy to amass large volumes of SkyMiles. On top of this, American Express Membership Rewards Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio, offering even more scope. It’s also possible to earn by shopping on Delta’s different portals for things like travel and dining, although these are less popular than the other methods. We’ll go into detail on earning below.
Once earned, SkyMiles can only be redeemed on Delta’s booking sites, in the form of free travel, upgrades, and other in-flight or lounge-based experiences.
How to Earn SkyMiles
There are multiple ways to earn redeemable SkyMiles, with some being easier than others. Importantly, you don’t need to be a regular Delta customer to earn them, but it does help.
Earn SkyMiles by Flying
The most straightforward (and traditional) way to earn SkyMiles is to fly with Delta or one of its airline partners. Booking directly with Delta boasts the highest earning rates, with elite members grabbing more per dollar.
When booking a Delta or partner flight using the Delta booking platform, you’ll earn the following per dollar:
General – 5 SkyMiles
Silver – 7 SkyMiles
Gold – 8 SkyMiles
Platinum – 9 SkyMiles
Diamond – 11 SkyMiles
These rates apply even if booking a partner flight on Delta’s website.
It’s also possible to earn SkyMiles when booking via a partner’s platform. However, the rates for these are based on mileage and other factors, and vary between carriers. Check the website for specific carrier policies.
We’ll look at Delta’s partners later in the article.
Earn SkyMiles with Credit Card Spending
The most accessible way for most customers to earn SkyMiles is by spending on a Delta co-branded credit card. Delta has, arguably, the strongest lineup of cards of any airline, offering a product for almost every kind of traveler at every price point. The cards make it possible to earn plenty of SkyMiles without ever stepping foot on a plane.
All Delta cards, barring one, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, offer free baggage on Delta flights as well as a 20% discount on in-flight purchases and a 15% discount on award redemptions.
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is the easiest introduction, but each card has its pros and cons. Each card has its own earning rates and perks, with the more expensive cards offering the most in any given situation. They all boast some outstanding introductory offers, making this the fastest way to get a sizable injection of SkyMiles.
- Best for: Delta Airline Lovers
- Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150
- APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
- Reward Rate: 1X - 2X
- Recommended Credit: Good to Excellent
Delta Skymiles® Gold American Express Card
80,000 Bonus Miles
Offer Details:
Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Why we like it
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card isn’t a showstopper, but it’s an excellent example of an airline card that’s easy to keep in your wallet. Its annual fee is $0 for the first year and then $150 the years after, but if you and a partner fly one roundtrip a year with Delta, its free checked bag benefit already makes up for that fee. Throw in a solid 80,000-point intro bonus and simple rewards-earning categories, and it’s almost a no-brainer for anyone with even a little domestic US travel on the horizon.
Reward details
2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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The 80,000-mile intro bonus is earned by spending an extremely achievable $3,000 in six months—well within a realistic budget for many.
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The free first-checked bag for everyone on the booking more than validates the $150 annual fee.
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A simple 2X miles on dining at restaurants (including U.S. takeout and delivery), and U.S. supermarket transactions make earning points simple.
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$200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 annually is a nice reward that shouldn’t be too hard to meet
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Card members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. The discount is not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Cons
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SkyMiles award redemption rates on Delta’s partners can be pricey
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Its 2X miles on Delta purchases is lower than what its sister cards earn
Transfer from Credit Card Partners
Delta currently only allows customers to transfer points from American Express. But that’s not a bad thing—Amex has an impressive number of cards with strong earning rates and high intro bonuses, making it a reliable way to get SkyMiles. In many cases, using American Express can be faster than earning with a Delta card, as earning rates can be favorable, and the transfer ratio is 1:1.
Earn on Delta Shopping Portals
The final way to earn SkyMiles is by using Delta’s shopping portal. Here, you’ll find hundreds of outlets offering different SkyMiles deals in return for purchasing through this avenue. For example, you might be looking for a new pair of Nikes. Instead of grabbing a pair at your local store or going straight to the Nike website, you’ll visit Delta’s shopping portal, click the Nike deal, then purchase on Nike’s Delta landing page. You might earn a bonus 6 miles per dollar on this purchase.
This method won’t necessarily skyrocket your miles, but it’s good practice to include it in your internet shopping habits.
How to Redeem Delta SkyMiles
Earning SkyMiles is simple. Redeeming them is where things get a little complicated.
Back in 2015, Delta became the first airline to switch from an award chart pricing system to a dynamic one, effectively destroying any true sweetspots in its program. The new system is notorious for heavy fluctuations based on whatever metric the airline or its algorithm sees fit. It’s not uncommon to find a flight to Europe soaring over 300,000 SkyMiles one day and dropping back to 100,000 the next.
The erratic nature of SkyMiles is one of the reasons we strongly recommend a varied credit card strategy. Having a large pool of transferable points allows you to use the best airline in any given situation, instead of forcing you into a bad redemption.
Maximizing SkyMiles requires patience and understanding of the broader system, so it’s important not to rush in and blow your miles on the first redemption you find. We go into detail on the best ways to use SkyMiles in this article. It’s also helpful to remember that Delta co-branded credit card holders get a 15% discount on award redemptions, which can help a little.
How to Search for Delta Award Flights
For all its pitfalls, Delta’s booking portal is one of the best around. It makes things super easy and doesn’t glitch as much as other airline platforms.
To search for a flight, log in and head to the Delta homepage. You’ll see a simple search bar where you’ll input your desired search parameters (departure and arrival airport, dates, one-way vs round-trip, ticket class, etc). You’ll need to select the “Shop with Miles” checkbox before hitting search. We’d recommend being as flexible as possible, so if you’re not bound to a specific date, also hit the “My dates are flexible” check box.
Once you’ve searched, you’ll be shown a selection of flights. If you prefer, you can switch to calendar view, where you’ll see the lowest miles rates on each day for an entire month. This is an easy way to find the best value option. The rate will also list any taxes and fees associated with the flight.
As well as the rates and times, you’ll also be able to see if the flight is operated by Delta or one of its partners.
Once you’ve found your desired flight, follow the instructions to check out. Remember, if you have a Delta credit card, you’ll have a 15% discount on the rate. At this point, the miles will leave your account, and you’re good to go.
Booking Tips
As mentioned earlier, it can be tough to find superior high-value Delta flights. This article goes into detail about how to maximize your SkyMiles, but for now, try and use these tips.
Hone in on domestic flights. Delta’s US routes are generally their most consistent in terms of value.
Check in on the SkyDeals sale page. These monthly deals can sometimes offer tremendous redemptions that beat out the regular rates by a long way. Make it a regular stop-off when searching for flights.
Be patient and have a varied points arsenal. Having transferable points will allow you to check partner rates first to ensure you’re getting the best deal in any given situation.
Delta Partners
Delta has a range of partner airlines that allow you to earn SkyMiles when you fly with them or redeem flights with them through the Delta booking platform.
The airline is a member of SkyTeam, which includes the following airlines:
Aerolinas Argentinas
Aeromexico
Air Europa
Air France
China Airlines
China Eastern Airlines
Garuda Indonesia
ITA Airways
Kenya Airways
KLM
Korean Air
Middle East Airlines
Saudia
Scandinavian Airlines
TAROM
Vietnam Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
Xiamen Airlines
It’s also built separate relationships with other carriers around the world as follows:
Air Tahiti Nui
Cape Air
China Southern Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
LATAM
Mandarin Airlines
Shanghai Airlines
WestJet
Remember to list your Delta SkyMiles account number if you ever find yourself flying with one of these airlines.
- Best for: Luxury Perks
- Annual Fee: $695
- APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
- Reward Rate: 1X-3X
- Recommended Credit: Good to Excellent
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
90,000 Bonus Miles
Offer Details:
Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Why we like it
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is an excellent choice for frequent Delta travelers who want to maximize their flying experience and earn rewards. It offers valuable perks such as a free checked bag on Delta flights, priority boarding and an annual companion certificate which allows cardholders to bring a guest on a domestic flight (and some international destinations) for just the cost of taxes and fees.
Additionally, cardholders can earn miles not only on Delta purchases but also on everyday spending, which can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, or vacation packages. Plus, if you’re chasing elite status, you can earn a $2,500 MQD head start just for holding the card in addition to the ability to earn more MQD while spending. While it does come with an annual fee, the benefits can easily outweigh the cost for those who fly frequently with Delta.
Reward details
3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets
1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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The 90,000-mile intro bonus is earned by spending an extremely achievable $4,000 in six months—well within a realistic budget for many.
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The card’s annual companion pass can be a huge money saver if maximized correctly.
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Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
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$120 Resy Credit: Get up to $10 in statement credits each month after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases.
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$120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
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You can earn up to $150 as a statement credit each year after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals with your card through Delta Stays on delta.com.
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You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
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A simple 2X miles on dining at restaurants (including U.S. takeout and delivery), and U.S. supermarket transactions make earning points simple.
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Card members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. The discount is not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
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Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
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Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Cons
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$350 annual fee
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Mileage earning rates for spending aren’t amazing
What is Delta SkyMiles Elite Status?
Delta SkyMiles elite status is a loyalty program regular customers can use to gain free perks like upgrades, early boarding, and free checked baggage.
Customers earn MQDs or Medallion Qualification Dollars to progress through the program’s four tiers—Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion. Each tier unlocks specific benefits, with Diamond boasting the strongest perks.
MQDs are earned similarly to regular SkyMiles, with Delta flights, partner flights, Delta vacations, and co-branded card spending all earning at different rates. Recent years have seen a shift towards higher spending being rewarded as opposed to regular flyers.
Should You Be Trying to Earn Delta Elite Status?
Chasing elite status is a tough decision to make. On the one hand, the benefits can be amazing—who doesn’t want to get an upgrade or lounge access? But on the other hand, by committing to one airline’s rules, you’re probably forgoing the opportunity to earn far more valuable points and miles elsewhere.
These days, you need to spend a lot of money to hit the upper echelons of Delta’s program. Even regular flyers struggle now, an immense change from the past, where frequent business flyers were the main target for these programs.
If you’re able to comfortably, definitely go for it. But lower spending and flying customers should focus on earning SkyMiles or other points and miles to let them fly free.
Delta’s Elite Status Tiers
Delta SkyMiles has four distinct elite status tiers, each offering different benefits. Here is a breakdown of each, along with the required MQDs to get there. Note that although each category technically gets “complimentary upgrades”, you’ll be in line behind higher-tier members. For a Silver Medallion member to receive an upgrade, there would need to be no Gold, Platinum, or Diamond members ahead of them.
Silver Medallion
Perks:
Complimentary upgrades from 24 hours before departure
Free checked bags
Priority check-in
Priority boarding
MQD Requirement:
$5,000 MQDs
Gold Medallion
Perks:
Complimentary upgrades from 3 days before departure
SkyPriority access
Same-day change fee waivers
MQD Requirement
$10,000 MQDs
Platinum Medallion
Perks:
Complimentary upgrades from 5 days before departure
Comfort+ upgrades at booking
Chosen Choice Benefit
MQD Requirement
$15,000 MQDs
Diamond Medallion
Perks:
Everything previously mentioned in relation to upgrades, SkyPriority, and Choice Benefits
An extra Choice Benefit
Upgrade priority
MQD Requirement
$28,000 MQDs
- Best for: Delta Loyalists
- Annual Fee: $650
- APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
- Reward Rate: 1X-3X
- Recommended Credit: Good to Excellent
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
100,000 Bonus Miles
Offer Details:
Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Why we like it
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is built for frequent Delta fliers who want the most return from their loyalty. Regular business travelers will make the most from the card.
Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. You’ll also receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card. Plus, there’s a bevy of other benefits, like up to $240 in statement credits for U.S. Resy restaurants, and up to $120 in statements credits for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
Reward details
3X Miles on Delta purchases.
1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
You’ll receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
First checked bag free on Delta flights
No foreign transaction fees
Up to $120 in statement credits for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
Up to $240 in statement credits at U.S. Resy restaurants.
Cons
The high $650 annual fee is only worth it for very frequent Delta travelers or high spenders
Its miles-earning potential is relatively low for a high-end card; the only bonus spend category is 3X miles per dollar on Delta purchases
How to Earn MQDs
Earning MQDs is similar to earning SkyMiles, albeit with different rates. You’ll earn by flying with the airline and its partners, spending on Delta co-branded cards, or spending on Delta vacations. You’ll get the following rates:
1 MQD per dollar on Delta and partner flights
Credit cards:
1 MQD per $10 spent on Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
1 MQD per $20 spent on Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
1 MQD per dollar spent on Delta Vacations
The Point
Delta SkyMiles is the most popular loyalty program in the world, owing mainly to the airline’s customer base. While its miles can be frustrating to maximize, they’re still worth having and can be a useful tool for any points and miles enthusiast.
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
