If you’re like me, maybe you’ve gone through this process: you look for super cheap flights to your destination, pack your clothes tightly in your carry-on, and then wait 24 hours prior to check-in, eyes glued to the clock as you watch the clock tick until that very second check in opens, hoping for a good seat—or at least a not-too-terrible boarding group if you’re flying Southwest.

BAM! You see the results. C42. But don’t lie to yourself, deep down, you knew you’d probably end up with a B or C boarding group. Now, you start to cry, tears running down your cheeks, knowing that you have to stand dejectedly next to that that dreaded column when it’s your turn to board. (Sorry, Mom – she loves Southwest.)

What if you didn’t have to do that? What if you could choose an airline that offers free checked bags with priority handling, complimentary seat selection, and priority boarding? And what if those same perks extended to a robust network of international airline partners?

Really?

Yes!

And what if I told you that you could even add benefits from ride-sharing apps like Lyft, stays with Marriott and Airbnb, and that Starbucks you’re drinking? Do you rent cars? You can even include rental cars from Hertz and National.

Why Delta?

I focused this guide on Delta since it’s the airline where I’ve decided to park the majority of my funds. Although I’ve been traveling with Delta since 2008, it was only recently that I started flying mostly with Delta. However, Delta flights can sometimes be prohibitively expensive, so I recommend having a second airline option—JetBlue, in my case.

Yet, Delta’s SkyMiles is one of the most popular airline loyalty programs in the USA. The program is so strong that Delta used it as collateral to borrow a significant amount of money during the height of the pandemic.

Wait, People Actually Use and Accrue Miles?

Yes! And if you are flying and you’re not tying your travel to ANY airline reward program, you’re losing out. I wouldn’t say you’re a loser, but close. You’re literally throwing money away.

First let’s get some things clear.

To me, this is equivalent to NOT using a credit card at a grocery store where prices are adjusted for credit card processing fees—you’re essentially losing money.

So that means when you’re paying in cash, your transaction is now at a loss. Meanwhile, the person who uses a card that earns them cashback or rewards at grocery stores, such as the Capital One Savor One, gain even more points.

So the moral of the story is: do not leave airline miles on the table. Always back your travel with an airline or reward program that benefits your budget and needs.

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So how does this work? It’s confusing.

When you fly on any airline, you get miles traveled for that leg of your journey and the cost associated with that travel.

Delta and others like United consider these factors based on different tiers of their loyalty programs. Delta’s tiers are Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Medallion, based on Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs)—how much your ticket cost, excluding taxes.

Each status level confers different privileges. For instance, I currently have Gold Medallion status, which often grants me upgrades to Comfort+ or First Class. I’ve even received a DeltaONE upgrade from Honolulu, HI to Salt Lake City, valued at over $1,000.

Ok I get it. But what if I travel internationally?

Great question! There’s nothing to worry about. Delta is part of a group of airlines called SkyTeam (the other big competitor is Star Alliance).

Similarly, if you’re traveling to South Korea or Guam and choose Korean Air, you can use your SkyMiles number when purchasing your ticket and enjoy the same benefits, like SkyPriority, that you would in the United States.

The great benefit is that Delta already has a very strong airline network, and its collection of partners (see below) further increases that strength. Delta has only bolstered its global penetration by adding direct flights to Taipei, Taiwan; Auckland, New Zealand; and Brisbane, Australia (starting December 4, 2024).

Think of if this way: if you get stranded due to a flight cancellation or delay, having a strong airline network can be a lifesaver. If you’re flying with a smaller airline like Southwest or Alaska Airlines, your options for rebooking may be limited. However, with a larger network like American Airlines or Delta, there’s a higher chance of finding alternative flights to get you to your destination.

I’ve personally experienced the benefits of a strong airline network on two occasions:

• During medical school interviews in December 2018: A fierce snowstorm hit Boston Logan Airport, reducing it to a single runway for all flights. American Airlines, despite numerous cancellations, was still able to get many passengers in the air. My flight was canceled multiple times, but they eventually rerouted me to St. Louis for my interview, even though the storm was so bad that my interviewer didn’t think I would make it.
• During the Lahaina fires in Hawaii in 2023: Many passengers were stranded in Honolulu as others were trying to get home. However, I noticed that Delta (and United) were very active in helping passengers get back to the mainland. In Delta’s case, I was able to secure a flight just as the gate was closing after I had missed my original flight.

Both of these experiences highlight the benefits of a strong partner network for airlines like American Airlines (Star Alliance) and Delta Airlines (SkyTeam).

However, I have to say that Delta’s service and consistency have made it my preferred airline. It represents over 64% of the flights I’ve taken. Delta’s broad reach, even before engaging its partner airlines, makes it a powerful force in global aviation, and considering it’s an American-based company. It can get you to most major destinations around the world, where you can then connect with a partner airline if needed. Many airlines, both domestically and internationally, do not have that same footprint and throughput.

With Delta’s extensive network of airline partners, as a passenger, you will have pretty much the entire globe covered. For example, Air France serves Paris Charles de Gaulle, the third busiest airport in Europe, while KLM serves Schiphol Airport, the busiest airport in Europe. These connection partners alone open up unparalleled access to the rest of the world.

As a traveler, I would recommend considering status with a very powerful airline like ANA, Japan’s national airline and a member of Star Alliance. This airline provides excellent opportunities for transferring, earning and redeeming rewards, particularly in Asia, a region where Delta’s network may be less extensive.

Here are examples of how I’ve used Delta’s partner airlines for past flights:

• Seattle, WA, USA → Delhi, India (100% on Air France)
• Seattle, WA, USA → Porto, Portugal (Delta and then KLM Cityhopper)
• Boston, MA, USA  → Seville, Spain (Delta and then Air France Hop, shown above)

Here’s a breakdown of Delta’s Core Global Airline Partners and additional partners:

Core Global Airline Partners:

• Mexico: AeroMexico
• France: Air France
• China: China Eastern
• Holland / Netherlands: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• South Korea: Korean Air
• Chile: LATAM Airlines
• United Kingdom: Virgin Atlantic 

Additional Partners:

• Argentina: Aerolíneas Argentinas

• China:

• • China Airlines
  • Xiamen Airlines
• Czech Republic: Czech Airlines
• Indonesia: Garuda Indonesia
• Kenya: Kenya Airways
• Lebanon: Middle East Airlines
• Romania: TAROM Airline
• Saudi Arabia: Saudia
• Spain: Air Europa
• Vietnam: Vietnam Airlines

That’s great, but how do I start earning miles?

Well, by flying. But…also by spending some money.

I knew there was a catch!

No, no, no! (as Kat Williams says). Hear me out! Just look what I do (see below).

@tndeputy761

#lmfaoo #toofunny🤣🤣🤣 #lol #kattwilliamscomedy

♬ original sound – TN Deputy 2

I have the following backing into Delta SkyMiles program:

Lyft

Do you use Lyft? If you don’t, maybe it’s time to consider using it unless you’re content with Uber rewards you get with your credit card.

What I would do is save those rewards and when booking for work trips have it go through Lyft. Here you get SkyMiles credited to your account. However, the bonus is when you travel to and from the airport where you get 2x mileage.

Starbucks

Do you go to Starbucks? I’m a sucker for their Americano. I keep forgetting the sizes, so I just say “Large.”

Get the Starbucks app and simply scan the barcode when you’re about to check out and the rewards will be credited to your account.

Note: This won’t work overseas. I tried this in Taipei, Taiwan, and Sevilla, Spain and unfortunately this didn’t work here.

Car Rentals (Hertz & National)

Do you rent cars? If you rent cars for work or personal, make sure to link it up to Delta. Whenever I’m in Honolulu, HI or other cities, I always double-check that my Hertz or National Car Rental account is set to earn Delta miles before I finalize the rental.

Note: For Hertz, if you don’t select Delta SkyMiles as your preferred rewards program in your Hertz account before booking, it will default to Hertz’s own rewards system each time.

Marriott Bonvoy Hotels

Do you stay at Marriott? I don’t normally, but my work has me staying there a lot. So sometimes, I’ll even add a few days, which makes it rather effortless to accumulate Marriott Bonvoy points. 

Additionally, If you have a job that lets you pay with your own credit card for expenses, I recommend the American Express Platinum card.

Note: Make sure your Bonvoy account is linked up your Delta SkyMiles account to earn miles.

Airbnb

Do you stay at Airbnb’s? Delta and Airbnb have a partnership that whenever you stay at an Airbnb, you get credit in the form of mileage to your account.

However, there’s an extreme caveat: you have to go to Delta’s website every time you want to book your Airbnb to trigger this. It makes sense since Airbnb’s can be expensive; just imagine funneling all of that into your SkyMiles account!

Seattle Seahawks (12Status SkyMiles Loyalty Program)

If you’re a football fan, then you’re in luck! Delta runs special promos through its 12Status SkyMiles Loyalty Program during football season. Through this program, you can earn one SkyMile for every passing yard the Seahawks throw during home and away games.

But that’s not all. 12Status members also get additional benefits, including:

• Priority Boarding: You can get on the plane sooner with priority boarding in Main Cabin 1 for flights departing from Seattle’s SeaTac (SEA) Airport.
• 12% Off at the Seahawks Pro Shop: You get a discount on the 12th of each month during the football season at the Seahawks Pro Shop stores in Renton and Lumen Field. We will have to see what holds for the 2024-2025 season.

Is there more? Enter SkyClubs.

Delta Skyclubs are the game-changer when it comes to travel, especially international travel.

They offer a home away from home where you can rest, shower, and catch up on work in a stress-free environment.

For me, working in SkyClubs is way more stress-free than out in the main lobby. I don’t hear the constant noise of airlines or the constant intercom interruptions that are more likely usually distract you me interrupt my Zoom / Microsoft Team meetings.

Similarly, you can also indulge in buffets that are unlimited as well as an assortment of coffee and drinks.

Access to Delta Sky Clubs typically depends on your Delta status, but it can also be obtained with a Delta-branded American Express card or the vanilla American Express Platinum card (which I personally use and offers up to 17 complimentary entries per year).

Additionally, you can bring a companion into the Sky Club for $50 (still less than the cost of an airport meal). The added benefit of the American Express Platinum card is that this expense can be written off if you have Delta Airlines listed as your preferred airline in your AmEx portal.

Great! Now that I’ve earned miles, how do I redeem them?

Now that you’ve earned some miles by flying, spending, getting seat upgrades, or a combination of these, you might be wondering if you have enough for a free flight—either one-way or roundtrip.

Personally, I’ve used Delta SkyMiles numerous times to shave dollars off flights from destinations like New Zealand and Hawaii, to name a few.

I recommend using your miles rather than hoarding them, as frequent changes to airline mileage programs can devalue your miles over time.

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

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Final Thoughts

I hope this guide helps you succeed in earning, using, and leveraging SkyMiles.

This is just a brief summary of how I’ve been racking up Delta SkyMiles, and if these items are part of your everyday spend, you might as well get extra points for using them.

Happy travels! And be sure to enjoy the premium experience that comes with Delta’s benefits and status. I know I’ve even borrowed a few of their approaches for my own work. Shh! Don’t tell them.

Also, no shade intended toward Southwest. As a medical student, their low prices and flexible cancellation policies were a lifesaver before the pandemic.

If you want more tips, or if you have tips for me shoot me an e-mail at info@homsontravels.com.