One of the largest frequent-flyer programs, Delta SkyMiles has more than 120 million members. Joining is free and miles never expire. TPG values SkyMiles at about 1.25 cents each (February 2026).
How to earn SkyMiles
– Flying: Earn miles on Delta-marketed tickets (basic economy typically doesn’t earn). Earning is revenue-based: general members earn 5 miles per dollar on the base fare; Silver 7/mile; Gold 8/mile; Platinum 9/mile; Diamond 11/mile. Partner-marketed flights (booked through partners) generally earn mileage as a percentage of distance flown, depending on carrier, fare class and status.
– Credit cards: Delta-branded American Express cards earn SkyMiles and include travel perks (checked bag, priority boarding, discount on inflight purchases, award discounts). Select welcome offers:
– Delta SkyMiles Gold AMEX: up to 90,000 bonus miles; $0 first year then $150.
– Delta SkyMiles Platinum AMEX: up to 100,000 bonus miles; $350 annual fee.
– Delta SkyMiles Reserve AMEX: up to 125,000 bonus miles; $650 annual fee.
Business versions are also available with similar features. Some Delta cards offer MQD earning on spend and annual MQD Headstart credits (terms apply).
– Shopping and dining portals: Earn miles with Delta SkyMiles Shopping and Delta SkyMiles Dining when you shop or dine with participating merchants.
– Transfers: American Express Membership Rewards transfer to Delta at 1:1. Transfers may incur an excise-tax offset fee; value depends on your intended redemptions.
– Promotions and partners: Earn via Delta Vacations, ground partners, car/hotel partners and occasional targeted promotions.
SkyMiles partners
– Alliance: Delta is a SkyTeam member. You can earn and redeem with Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, SAS, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and others.
– Nonalliance partners include AirBaltic, Cape Air, El Al, LATAM, WestJet and various regional carriers. Each partnership has its own earning rules and restrictions.
Medallion elite status
Delta offers four public Medallion tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Qualification is primarily via Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), earned through Delta/partner flight spend and certain Delta card spend (some cards award MQDs based on annual card spending tiers).
Tier benefits (high-level)
– Silver Medallion: Complimentary domestic/short-haul first-class upgrades starting 24 hours before departure (subject to availability), Comfort+ upgrades within 24 hours, priority boarding (Zone 5), one free checked bag and free checked bags for companions on Delta flights.
– Gold Medallion: Earlier upgrade window (from three days before departure), SkyPriority, same-day confirmed change without extra fees, Comfort+ upgrades from three days out.
– Platinum Medallion: Upgrade priority from five days before departure for first class on domestic/short-haul, Comfort+ at booking, Choice Benefit (selectable annual perk).
– Diamond Medallion: Highest upgrade priority, additional Choice Benefit options, Clear Plus membership offer and other top-tier privileges.
How to earn MQDs
– MQDs are earned 1 per dollar spent on Delta-marketed flights (operated by Delta or partners) and through eligible Delta Vacations purchases.
– Certain Delta American Express cards award MQDs based on annual card spend (e.g., Reserve cards award 1 MQD per $10 spent; Platinum cards 1 MQD per $20 spent) and offer yearly MQD Headstart credits for some cardholders (terms apply).
Credit card perks (high-level)
Delta cobranded cards provide perks useful to frequent flyers:
– First checked bag free and priority boarding on Delta flights.
– 20% discount on onboard purchases.
– 15% off award redemptions on Delta-operated flights with eligible cards.
– Higher-tier cards (Platinum/Reserve) include companion certificates, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry statement credits, statement credits for dining/ride services, and Delta Sky Club access (Reserve cards offer a limited number of Sky Club visits and Centurion Lounge access when flying Delta and using the card).
Redeeming SkyMiles
– Delta uses dynamic pricing for award tickets. Use delta.com or the app with the flexible-date calendar to find the best pricing. Award costs vary by route, date, cabin and demand.
– Delta award tickets (originating in the U.S. and Canada, excluding basic economy) can be refunded; miles redeposited and taxes/fees returned — useful if award prices later drop.
– Partner awards are bookable with SkyMiles, but partner pricing often now tracks Delta’s dynamic levels, reducing previously large arbitrage opportunities.
– Some Delta cobranded cards provide a 15% discount on Delta-operated award redemptions.
Sweet spots and strategies
– Flash sales: Delta runs periodic award flash sales with steep discounts on select domestic and international routes in main cabin, Comfort+ and premium cabins. Monitoring regularly can yield exceptional value.
– South America (LATAM): Historically, LATAM redemptions with SkyMiles to South America, including nonstop routes to Brazil, have offered relatively strong value (examples like round-trip JFK–GRU around 66,000 miles have been attainable).
– Domestic short-haul awards: With dynamic pricing, short, off-peak domestic redemptions can be very cheap, especially using a Delta card that offers award discounts.
Tips and considerations
– Because SkyMiles uses dynamic award pricing, values vary widely; flexible dates and early booking help.
– Consider card benefits and spend-earning MQDs if pursuing Medallion status.
– Transferring Amex points is an option but often not the best redemption due to Amex point valuations and transfer fees.
– Use shopping and dining portals for incremental mileage on everyday purchases.
Bottom line
Delta SkyMiles is large, widely partnered and useful for both domestic and international travel. While dynamic award pricing and evolving elite requirements can limit consistent sweet spots, combining flying with SkyTeam partners, Delta cobranded cards, shopping/dining portals and timely use of promotions can build a valuable SkyMiles balance for your next trip.
