Blog, Opinion | 16 June 2024 | 10 MIN READ
Your ULTIMATE Delta Airlines SkyMiles Rewards Guide
391 days ago
By Homson — Get exclusive travel tips and updates for free here.
🎯 Quick Summary: Why Delta SkyMiles?
- ✈️ Free checked bags and priority boarding
- ☕ Earn miles from Starbucks, Lyft, Airbnb
- 🌍 SkyTeam alliance covers 1,000+ destinations
- 🥂 Complimentary upgrades to First Class
- 🏢 SkyClub access for stress-free travel
If you’re like me, maybe you’ve gone through this process: you look for super cheap flights, pack your carry-on tightly, and then wait 24 hours prior to check-in, eyes glued to the clock hoping for a good seat—especially if you’re flying Southwest.
BAM! You see the results. C42. Now, you start to cry, knowing that you have to stand dejectedly next to that dreaded column when it’s your turn to board. (Sorry, Mom – she loves Southwest.)
What if you could choose an airline that offers free checked bags with priority handling, complimentary seat selection, and priority boarding that extends to a robust network of international airline partners? And what if I told you that you could even add benefits from Lyft, Marriott, Airbnb, and even that Starbucks you’re drinking? You also include rental cars from Hertz and National.
Why Choose Delta SkyMiles?
Delta SkyMiles is one of the most popular airline loyalty programs in the USA. 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 them.
Note: I recommend having a second airline option in case flights are prohibitively expensive. I use JetBlue.
The Real Value of Airline Miles
If you’re flying and 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.
To me, this is equivalent to NOT using a credit card at a grocery store where prices are adjusted for credit card processing fees. So the moral of the story is: do not leave airline miles on the table. Always back your travel with an airline reward program that benefits your budget and needs.
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How Delta SkyMiles Works
When you fly, you get miles for your journey based on distance and cost. Delta’s tiers are Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Medallion, based on Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs)—how much your ticket cost, excluding taxes.
Delta Medallion Status Levels & Benefits
| Status Level | MQD Required | Key Benefits | Upgrade Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Medallion | $3,000 | • 7 miles per dollar • Priority boarding • Unlimited complimentary upgrades |
4th Priority |
| Gold Medallion | $8,000 | • 8 miles per dollar • Sky Priority check-in • Same-day confirmed changes |
3rd Priority |
| Platinum Medallion | $12,000 | • 9 miles per dollar • Choice benefits selection • Comfort+ at booking |
2nd Priority |
| Diamond Medallion | $20,000 | • 11 miles per dollar • Delta One upgrades • Complimentary Clear membership |
1st Priority |
Each status level confers different privileges. I currently have Platinum Medallion status, which often grants me upgrades to Comfort+ or First Class. I’ve received a DeltaONE upgrade from Honolulu to Salt Lake City, valued at over $1,000—and Air France Business Class, valued at over $5,000.
International Travel with SkyMiles
Delta is part of SkyTeam (the other big competitor is Star Alliance). If you’re planning a flight to Mexico and see AeroMexico instead of Delta, you can still apply your SkyMiles number to that flight and earn credit.
Great question! There’s nothing to worry about. Delta is part of a group of airlines called (the other big competitor is Star Alliance).
Benefits of a Strong Airline Network
If you get stranded due to a flight cancellation or delay, having a strong airline network can be a lifesaver. With a larger network like Delta, there’s a higher chance of finding alternative flights to get you to your destination.
I’ve personally experienced this during a fierce snowstorm at Boston Logan Airport and during the Lahaina fires in Hawaii in 2023. Delta’s service and consistency have made it my preferred airline, representing over 64% of the flights I’ve taken.
Delta’s Global Airline Partners
With Delta’s extensive network of airline partners, you’ll have the entire globe covered. For example, Air France serves Paris Charles de Gaulle while KLM serves Schiphol Airport. These connection partners alone open up unparalleled access to the rest of the world.
Here are examples of how I’ve used Delta’s partner airlines:
- 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)
SkyTeam Alliance Partners by Region
| Region | Airline Partner | Main Hub(s) | Notable Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | AeroMexico | Mexico City (MEX) | Latin America connections |
| Europe | Air France | Paris CDG | Africa, Middle East, Asia |
| Europe | KLM | Amsterdam (AMS) | Northern Europe, Asia |
| Europe | Virgin Atlantic | London Heathrow | UK, Caribbean, Africa |
| Asia | Korean Air | Seoul (ICN) | East Asia, Southeast Asia |
| Asia | China Eastern | Shanghai (PVG) | China domestic, Asia-Pacific |
| South America | LATAM | Santiago, São Paulo | South America network |
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 would say). Hear me out!
Multiple Ways to Earn SkyMiles
Complete SkyMiles Earning Guide
| Partner | Earning Rate | Special Bonuses | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyft | 1 mile per $1 | 2x miles for airport rides | Link accounts before riding |
| Starbucks | 1 mile per $1 | Double Stars days = Double miles | US only (not international) |
| Hertz | 1 mile per $1 | Up to 2,000 bonus miles | Must select Delta before booking |
| National | 1 mile per $1 | Emerald Club benefits | Great for business travelers |
| Marriott | 2 miles per $1 | Elite bonuses stack | Choose miles over points wisely |
| Airbnb | 1 mile per $1 | None | Must book through Delta portal |
| Seattle Seahawks | 1 mile per passing yard | Priority boarding at SEA | Free to join during season |
Do you use Lyft? You get SkyMiles credited to your account, with a bonus of 2x mileage when traveling to and from the airport.
2. Starbucks
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.
3. 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.
4. Mariott 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.
5. Airbnb
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!
6. Seattle Seahawks (12Status SkyMiles Loyalty Program)
If you’re a football fan, 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.
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: Discount 12th of each month during the football season at the Seahawks Pro Shop stores in Renton and Lumen Field.
Delta SkyClubs: The Ultimate Travel Game-Changer
Delta SkyClubs offer a home away from home where you can rest, shower, and work in a stress-free environment. For me, working in SkyClubs is way more stress-free than in the main lobby, with unlimited buffets, coffee, and drinks.
Ways to Access Delta SkyClubs
| Access Method | Cost/Requirements | Guest Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum | $695 annual fee | 2 guests or family | Frequent travelers |
| Delta Reserve Card | $550 annual fee | 2 guests | Delta loyalists |
| Diamond Medallion | $20,000 MQD | Choice benefit option | Top elite members |
| Day Pass | $59 per visit | Must purchase separately | Occasional travelers |
| Annual Membership | $545-$845/year | Can add for fee | Regular business travelers |
Access 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).
Great! Now that I’ve earned miles, how do I redeem them?
SkyMiles Redemption Sweet Spots
| Redemption Type | Miles Required | Typical Value | Cents Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Main Cabin | 10,000-30,000 | $150-400 | 1.3-1.5¢ |
| Domestic First Class | 35,000-60,000 | $600-1,200 | 1.7-2.0¢ |
| Europe (Main) | 50,000-70,000 | $800-1,500 | 1.6-2.1¢ |
| Europe (Business) | 150,000-250,000 | $3,000-6,000 | 2.0-2.4¢ |
| Partner Airlines | Varies | Often better value | 2.0-3.0¢ |
Now that you’ve earned miles, you might be wondering if you have enough for a free flight, seat upgrades, or a combination.
Personally, I’ve used Delta SkyMiles numerous times to shave dollars off flights from destinations like New Zealand, France, Indonesia, and Hawaii.
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
Delta SkyClubs: The Ultimate Travel Game-Changer
Delta SkyClubs offer a home away from home where you can rest, shower, and work in a stress-free environment. For me, working in SkyClubs is way more stress-free than in the main lobby, with unlimited buffets, coffee, and drinks.
Ways to Access Delta SkyClubs
| Access Method | Cost/Requirements | Guest Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum | $695 annual fee | 2 guests or family | Frequent travelers |
| Delta Reserve Card | $550 annual fee | 2 guests | Delta loyalists |
| Diamond Medallion | $20,000 MQD | Choice benefit option | Top elite members |
| Day Pass | $59 per visit | Must purchase separately | Occasional travelers |
| Annual Membership | $545-$845/year | Can add for fee | Regular business travelers |
Access 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).
Great! Now that I’ve earned miles, how do I redeem them?
SkyMiles Redemption Sweet Spots
| Redemption Type | Miles Required | Typical Value | Cents Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Main Cabin | 10,000-30,000 | $150-400 | 1.3-1.5¢ |
| Domestic First Class | 35,000-60,000 | $600-1,200 | 1.7-2.0¢ |
| Europe (Main) | 50,000-70,000 | $800-1,500 | 1.6-2.1¢ |
| Europe (Business) | 150,000-250,000 | $3,000-6,000 | 2.0-2.4¢ |
| Partner Airlines | Varies | Often better value | 2.0-3.0¢ |
Now that you’ve earned miles, you might be wondering if you have enough for a free flight, seat upgrades, or a combination.
Personally, I’ve used Delta SkyMiles numerous times to shave dollars off flights from destinations like New Zealand, France, Indonesia, and Hawaii.
I recommend using your miles rather than hoarding them, as frequent changes to airline mileage programs can devalue your miles over time.
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