Delta SkyMiles®
Maximize the 'Skypesos' with brilliant flash sales and elite-level credit card perks.
Earning Beyond the Flight
While you earn miles based on ticket price when flying, the fastest way to grow your balance is through Delta's massive ecosystem of financial and lifestyle partners.
| Earning Method | Why Use This? |
|---|---|
| Amex Transfers | Transfer Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio. Look for the occasional transfer bonus. |
| Delta Amex Cards | Earn directly with Gold, Platinum, or Reserve cards while enjoying free bags and priority boarding. |
| Everyday Partners | Earn miles with Starbucks, Lyft, and Instacart automatically by linking your SkyMiles account. |
| SkyMiles Shopping | Use the online portal to earn multiple miles per dollar at hundreds of major retailers. |
The Cardholder Edge
Take 15% Off Everything
- Take 15: The discount applies automatically when you search for awards while prehistoric/logged in.
- SkyMiles Deals: Delta doesn't have an award chart. Use the 'Price Calendar' to hunt for hidden flash sales.
- Partner Pricing: SkyMiles pricing on SkyTeam partners is often more stable than Delta's own dynamic rates.
High-Value Sweet Spots
Hunting for value in a dynamic program requires targeting these specific opportunities:
Delta's best value. Unannounced deals can drop domestic flights to 5k miles or Europe to 30k round-trip.
Quick 'hub-to-spoke' flights are often priced competitively at 7,500 - 12,000 miles one-way.
Redeem SkyMiles for Air France, KLM, or Virgin Atlantic business class for consistent, predictable value.
Often featured in SkyMiles Deals with surprisingly low mileage requirements from major Delta hubs.
Global SkyTeam Access
Use your SkyMiles across the entire SkyTeam alliance for global connectivity:
- Core Partners: Air France, KLM, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic.
- Latin America: Strong redemption options on LATAM and Aeromexico.
- No Fuel Surcharges: Unlike some partners, Delta generally doesn't pass on high fuel surcharges for awards departing the US.