Overview
Delta SkyMiles is the most popular loyalty program in the world, with over 150 million members in the system. You might think that’s a good sign, and the program offers a ton of value, but in reality, SkyMiles can be one of the toughest programs to maximize miles with.
But that doesn’t mean it’s useless.
While its dynamic award system is notorious among points and miles enthusiasts, there are a few hidden sweet spots that can turn a few thousand SkyMiles into thousands of dollars worth of travel. All you need is a little patience and some know-how.
Here are the best ways to use Delta SkyMiles for free travel.
But First…Why is SkyMiles Notorious?
SkyMiles’ popularity can be mainly attributed to the airline’s success. It may have 150 million people registered, but a fraction of them use their miles, and an even smaller number of those use them effectively.
However, even those who are capable of maximizing their miles find SkyMiles limiting, and that’s due to its dynamic award system.
Delta was the first American airline to ditch its award charts and go fully dynamic. Instead of assigning the award rate based on a predetermined metric like distance or geographic zones, rates could now fluctuate based on whatever data the airline had. It made booking award flights spectacularly unpredictable, with literally hundreds of thousands of miles separating identical flights on different days.
Just take a look at the main cabin search for JFK to LAX. The rates are often double the day after, and far lower options.
That’s why you should broach SkyMiles with caution, flexibility, and a little patience. It’s not an easy program to commit fully to, as you can’t always rely on it. But while rates can soar, it does mean they can occasionally hit rock bottom, too. Our tips in this article will help you find those moments and capitalize on them to maximize those hard-earned miles.
Delta’s SkyMiles Award Deals
Without a doubt, the most reliable way to maximize SkyMiles is through the Delta SkyMiles Award Deals page. The airline regularly updates its deal list, offering some outstanding rates on specific routes. That’s not as limiting as it sounds—check out the page on any given day to see the routes from your nearest airport.
At the time of writing, I found a JFK to Fort Lauderdale roundtrip for 8,400 miles plus $12, a JFK to Barbados roundtrip for 14,000 miles plus $132, a roundtrip from LAX to London in Delta Comfort for 58,000 miles, a roundtrip from LAX to Rome in Delta One for 200,000 miles, and much more.
These are ideal if you have the flexibility to go within stated periods. Generally, this is what I do with my SkyMiles—I wait until I have the chance to use them on one of these. Make checking this page a regular part of your points and miles strategy, especially with miles that are as easy to earn as SkyMiles.
Domestic Flights
Long-haul routes are generally the most temperamental on Delta’s portal. Its domestic offerings are usually far better value and unlikely to fluctuate quite as much. You do still need to be careful, but there are some strong rates to be found regularly.
You can see from the examples above that even in peak summer season, there are still some solid rates to be found. A long-distance domestic flight like NY to LA can be as low as 12,000, while short-haul flights like Vegas to LA can drop as low as 2,500 on the right day.
Here are just a few I found today:
Seattle to Vegas in Basic Main—5,400 + $6
Miami to Nashville in Basic Main—7,100 miles +$6
Chicago to Austin in First class for 35,000 miles + $6 or 8,100 in basic Main
Opting for Basic Main is generally worth it. The major difference between that and the regular main cabin is the cancellation and flexibility. If you’re set on your dates, I’d generally risk it for the discount.
Again, first class and Delta One can be more awkward to find, but they’re generally still priced better than most of the international routes. Just don’t expect good rates on popular weekends.
Delta Partner Redemptions Outside the US
Delta has a strong list of partner airlines around the world, which lends to some decent redemption options. Generally speaking, you’ll need to use these outside of the US for the most impressive rates, perfect for a longer trip or building a multi-flight trip to save on miles.
Delta has the following partners:
SkyTeam partners
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
Non-alliance partners
Air Tahiti Nui
Cape Air
China Southern Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
LATAM
Mandarin Airlines
Shanghai Airlines
WestJet
As with the rest of the SkyMiles program, there isn’t an award chart for these airlines. That means things can and do fluctuate similarly.
But when you find the strong rates, they’re pretty damn good. You can take a flight from Tokyo to Singapore for just 40,000 SkyMiles in business class—that’s a seven-hour flight. For double that plus 160 euros, you can fly from Paris to Singapore in business class—a hefty 13-hour flight this time. I found a similar flight from Kuala Lumpur to London in business class for 80,000 miles—I’ll be using that one later in the year.
Obviously, these routes are frequented less than US routes, but the value offered makes them worth adapting into a broad strategy. For example, grabbing a cheap flight to London or Paris, then getting one of those business-class flights, might work out cheaper than flying direct in some cases. Not always, but it’s worth a shot.
Air France Business Class for 42,000 SkyMiles
This one technically falls under the previous heading, but it’s such a good one that it deserves its own segment. Air France’s business class product is solid and not always a great value on its own site. But it’s possible to book a flight using Delta’s booking platform from Paris to Dubai for just 42,000 SkyMiles plus around $30 in taxes.
That’s an epic rate for a flight of about seven hours.
Again, this is one you could try and combine with other airline sweet spots to make the most of your travel day.
Upgrading with SkyMiles
One of the most common ways to use SkyMiles is for class upgrades. While this is a cheaper alternative than paying cash outright, it’s important to remember you’ll only be getting around 1 cent per mile. Considering most of the redemptions above can pull far more value, consider holding onto your miles until you get the opportunity to use them. Remember, SkyMiles don’t expire, so you’re not on the clock as long as your account still exists.
How to Earn SkyMiles
Earning SkyMiles is remarkably easy. While flying with the airline is the most obvious way to earn, credit cards offer a far easier alternative and come with added perks.
Delta has a whole line of co-branded cards, both personal and for business, allowing almost any kind of customer to rake in some serious mileage. Each of them comes with an introductory offer that grants a major miles injection after hitting specific spending targets.
On top of Delta’s own co-branded cards, it’s also possible to transfer points from your American Express Membership Rewards account. Points transfer at a rate of 1:1, so there’s no obvious loss of value in the process. Amex also offers more flexibility thanks to its other transfer partners, so if you’re not set on SkyMiles, it’s worth considering one of its products.
- 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
The Point
Delta’s SkyMiles program is a popular, if limited, system. But that doesn’t mean it has no value. Understanding that domestic flights, foreign partner routes, and the SkyDeals page are key to maximizing value can help customers take to the skies with Delta for almost nothing
- 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
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
