What Are Delta SkyMiles?
Delta SkyMiles is the loyalty program of Delta Air Lines, allowing members to earn miles through flights, credit card spending, and partnerships. These miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. Unlike some other airline programs, Delta SkyMiles never expire, giving you flexibility in how and when you use them.
Earning Delta SkyMiles
There are several ways to earn SkyMiles:
- Flying with Delta: 5 miles per dollar on Delta flights
- Partner Airlines: 2-3 miles per dollar on partner airline flights
- Credit Card Spending: 1-3 miles per dollar on credit card purchases
- Shopping and Dining: Earn through Delta's shopping and dining partners
For more details on earning miles, visit Delta's official SkyMiles page.
Additional Earning Opportunities
- Join SkyMiles Dining
- Book hotels through Delta Hotels
- Use the Airbnb partnership
- Take advantage of transfer bonuses from American Express Membership Rewards
Calculating SkyMiles Value
The value of SkyMiles varies depending on how you redeem them. While Delta doesn't publish an award chart, typical values range from 1.0 to 2.0 cents per mile.
Value by Flight Type
Domestic Flights
- Economy: 1.0-1.4 cents per mile
- First Class: 1.5-2.0 cents per mile
International Flights
- Economy: 1.2-1.6 cents per mile
- Business Class: 1.8-2.5+ cents per mile
Elite Status Benefits
Medallion status adds significant value to your SkyMiles experience:
| Status Level | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Silver | Complimentary upgrades, priority check-in |
| Gold | Waived baggage fees, priority boarding |
| Platinum | Choice benefits, higher upgrade priority |
| Diamond | Global upgrade certificates, Sky Club access |
Maximizing Your Miles
Best Redemption Strategies
- Book during flash sales
- Look for partner airline awards
- Focus on international premium cabins
- Use the Pay with Miles feature strategically
"Delta One business class to Europe often provides excellent value, especially during off-peak seasons when award rates can drop significantly." - The Points Guy
Partner Airlines
Look for awards on partners like:
- Air France
- KLM
- Virgin Atlantic
- Korean Air
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
-
Don't redeem for merchandise
- Generally provides poor value (less than 1 cent per mile)
-
Avoid last-minute bookings
- Award rates typically spike closer to departure
-
Skip short-haul economy redemptions
- Often better to pay cash and earn miles
Tips for Success
- Be flexible: Travel during off-peak times or on less popular routes
- Plan ahead: Book award flights well in advance
- Monitor promotions: Keep an eye on Delta's promotions for bonus miles
- Use the calculator: Utilize the Delta SkyMiles calculator for redemption options
- Consider transfers: Transfer points from programs like American Express Membership Rewards