Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles program, despite some shifts in value, remains a powerful tool for savvy travelers, especially when it comes to domestic flights and utilizing its extensive partner network. Beyond Delta’s broad flight offerings from major U.S. hubs, there are diverse avenues to accumulate SkyMiles, redeemable across the SkyTeam alliance. Keep an eye out for Delta’s promotional award sales, which can unlock even greater value for your miles.
SkyMiles are not only relatively easy to earn, but they also come with the significant benefit of never expiring. This guide will explore the various strategies to boost your SkyMiles balance, from flying with Delta and its partners to leveraging travel rewards credit cards and strategically transferring points from partner programs – with a special focus on Delta Airlines Transfer Partners.
Flying to Earn SkyMiles
Earning SkyMiles through flying seems straightforward, yet the mileage earned is influenced by several factors. The earning structure differs between Delta-operated flights and partner airlines. Here’s a detailed breakdown.
SkyMiles on Delta Flights
When you fly on flights marketed and operated by Delta, the SkyMiles you earn are based on the base fare of your ticket, excluding government taxes and fees. General SkyMiles members earn 5 miles for every dollar spent on the base fare.
Elevating your earning potential is Delta Medallion elite status. The higher your Medallion tier, the greater the miles multiplier on your base fare:
- Silver Medallion: 7 miles per dollar
- Gold Medallion: 8 miles per dollar
- Platinum Medallion: 9 miles per dollar
- Diamond Medallion: 11 miles per dollar
For example, a round-trip Delta flight from Atlanta (ATL) to London Heathrow (LHR) with a base fare of $800 would earn a basic member 4,000 SkyMiles, while a Diamond Medallion would accrue a substantial 8,800 SkyMiles.
Related: Understanding the Delta SkyMiles Program: 5 Key Facts
Earning with Delta’s Partner Airlines
Navigating mileage earning with Delta’s partner airlines can be more complex. Mileage accrual can differ based on whether you book through Delta or directly with the partner airline.
Booking a partner-operated flight through Delta generally earns miles similar to a standard Delta flight, based on fare price. However, if you book directly with a partner airline and include your SkyMiles number, mileage earning shifts to a distance-based system. The exact SkyMiles earned in this scenario depend on the specific partner airline, the fare class of your ticket, and your Delta elite status.
Consider flights operated and ticketed by Air France-KLM, a major SkyTeam partner. Here’s an example of how SkyMiles earning can vary:
To decipher your earning potential, first identify your fare class, usually found on your e-ticket or by contacting the ticketing airline. Then, consult Delta’s comprehensive partner airline page to locate the earning chart for your specific partner and fare class. Multiply the “Total Miles Earned” percentage by the flight distance (use Great Circle Mapper to determine flight distance).
For instance, a one-way flight from Paris (CDG) to New York (JFK) is approximately 3,635 miles. If you booked a K-class economy ticket on Air France, you might earn 50% of the mileage flown, resulting in 1,817 SkyMiles, plus any applicable Medallion bonus.
Credit Card Rewards: A Fast Track to SkyMiles
One of the most efficient methods to accumulate a significant stash of Delta SkyMiles is through Delta SkyMiles co-branded credit cards. American Express offers a range of personal and business Delta cards, each with enticing welcome bonuses and ongoing earning potential on everyday spending.
Here’s a summary of the Delta SkyMiles credit card portfolio issued by American Express and their current welcome offers (terms and conditions apply):
Personal Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards
Business Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards
When considering a Delta SkyMiles credit card, be mindful of American Express’s one-per-lifetime bonus rule. This policy restricts you to earning a welcome bonus on each Amex card only once in your lifetime. Therefore, strategically choosing the right time to apply, especially when a heightened bonus offer is available, is crucial to maximize your rewards.
Related: Choosing the Right Credit Card for Delta Flyers: A Comprehensive Guide
Unlock SkyMiles with Delta Airlines Transfer Partners
For travelers seeking to rapidly increase their SkyMiles balance or avoid opening another credit card, transferring points from partner programs presents a valuable option. Delta partners with two major rewards programs: American Express Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, providing convenient avenues to convert your existing points into SkyMiles. These Delta Airlines transfer partners are key to unlocking more SkyMiles for your travel aspirations.
Transferring American Express Membership Rewards to SkyMiles
American Express Membership Rewards is a prime Delta Airlines transfer partner. You can transfer Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 transfer ratio. This means every Membership Rewards point converts to one SkyMile. While there’s a small fee of $0.0006 per point (capped at $99) to offset the federal excise tax, the transfer remains a highly valuable option.
Cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card offer excellent earning rates on everyday spending categories. The Platinum Card earns 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year), while the Gold Card earns 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year) and restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per year). Accumulating Membership Rewards points through these cards and then transferring to SkyMiles can often be more rewarding than solely relying on Delta co-branded cards for everyday spending.
Related: Maximize Your Rewards: The Best Ways to Redeem Amex Membership Rewards Points
Converting Marriott Bonvoy Points to SkyMiles
Marriott Bonvoy is another significant Delta Airlines transfer partner, although the transfer ratio is less favorable than Amex Membership Rewards. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Delta SkyMiles at a 3:1 ratio. However, for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points transferred, you receive a bonus of 5,000 SkyMiles. This effectively improves the transfer ratio to 3:1.25 for transfers of 60,000 points.
While redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for hotel stays generally offers higher value, transferring to SkyMiles can be strategic when you have a specific SkyMiles redemption in mind and need to top off your account. Chase and American Express offer a variety of Marriott co-branded credit cards to help you accumulate Bonvoy points.
Related: The Award Traveler’s Handbook to Marriott Bonvoy
Other Avenues to Earn SkyMiles
Beyond flights, credit cards, and Delta Airlines transfer partners, numerous other partnerships and programs can contribute to your SkyMiles balance.
SkyMiles Shopping Portal
Delta’s SkyMiles Shopping portal is an online shopping platform that awards bonus SkyMiles for purchases made through its links. Simply log in to the portal, find your desired retailer, and click through to their website. You’ll earn bonus SkyMiles on your purchases in addition to any rewards earned on your credit card. Earning rates vary by retailer and often fluctuate, especially during promotional periods.
Related: Unlock Bonus Miles: A Guide to Maximizing Airline Shopping Portals
SkyMiles Dining Program
The Delta SkyMiles Dining program rewards you with SkyMiles for dining at participating restaurants, bars, and cafes. Register for a free account, link your credit card, and earn bonus SkyMiles every time you dine at participating locations and pay with your linked card. Earning rates are tiered based on your dining activity and email subscription status.
Related: Dining Rewards Showdown: Airline and Hotel Programs Compared
SkyMiles for Business
Delta’s SkyMiles for Business program allows businesses of all sizes to earn SkyMiles on company travel. The program offers various tiers with increasing earning potential based on travel spending and the number of employee travelers. Plus and Elite tiers offer bonus miles on Delta flights.
Related: Small Business Loyalty: Airline Programs for Entrepreneurs
Travel Partner Programs
Delta partners with a wide array of travel providers, allowing you to earn SkyMiles on various travel purchases beyond flights.
Lyft Rides
Link your Delta SkyMiles and Lyft accounts to earn SkyMiles on Lyft rides. You’ll earn 1 mile per dollar on standard rides and a boosted rate of 2 miles per dollar on airport rides (through April 7, 2025). Certain Delta SkyMiles credit cards also offer monthly ride-hailing credits that can be used with Lyft.
Related: Lyft Rewards: Maximizing Points and Miles on Ride-Sharing
Delta Vacations
Booking vacation packages through Delta Vacations can earn you bonus SkyMiles per person, based on the total package cost. You’ll also earn miles on the flight portion of the package.
Delta Cruises
Earn SkyMiles on cruises booked through Delta Cruises. The standard earning rate is 2 miles per dollar spent, with occasional limited-time bonus offers for even more miles.
Related: Cruising with Points and Miles: Your Guide to Redeeming Rewards at Sea
Airbnb Stays
Earn SkyMiles on eligible Airbnb stays by booking through the dedicated Delta Airbnb portal. Earn 1 SkyMile per dollar spent on Airbnb stays (excluding taxes and fees).
Related: Airbnb’s Personal Touch: How Data Drives Your Perfect Stay
Hotel Bookings
Delta offers its own hotel booking portal, Delta Stays, where you can earn 2 SkyMiles per dollar spent on hotel stays. However, booking through portals may forgo hotel loyalty points and elite status benefits. Alternatively, you can earn SkyMiles by booking directly with Delta’s hotel partners.
| Hotel Partner | Earning Rate |
|---|---|
| World of Hyatt | 500 miles per eligible stay |
| IHG One Rewards | Up to 2 miles per dollar spent (brand-dependent) |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 1-2 miles per dollar spent (brand-dependent) |
| Shangri-La Circle | 500 miles per eligible stay |
| Accor Live Limitless | Up to 12.5 miles per 10 euros spent (brand-dependent) |
Certain Delta SkyMiles credit cards also offer annual statement credits for Delta Stays bookings.
Read more: Booking Portals vs. Direct: Making the Right Choice for Your Travel
Car Rentals
Earn SkyMiles when renting cars through Delta Car Rentals or directly with Delta’s car rental partners. Earning rates vary by company.
| Rental Car Company | Earning Rate |
|---|---|
| Alamo | 2 miles per dollar (U.S. & Canada) |
| Avis | 2 miles per dollar (participating locations) |
| Budget | 2 miles per dollar (participating locations) |
| Dollar | 4 miles per dollar |
| Enterprise | 2 miles per dollar (U.S. & Canada) |
| Europcar | 60 miles per day (Europe) |
| Hertz | 4-8 miles per dollar (status-dependent) |
| National | 2 miles per dollar (U.S. & Canada) |
| Payless | 2 miles per dollar (participating locations) |
| Sixt | 500 miles per rental |
| Thrifty | 4 miles per dollar (participating locations) |
| Turo | 2,000 miles (first rental), 500 miles (subsequent rentals) |
Delta elite members can also benefit from a status match with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards.
Related: Rental Car Savings: How to Avoid Paying Full Price
Purchasing SkyMiles
While generally not recommended for speculative purchases, you can directly buy SkyMiles from Delta if you need to top off your account for a specific redemption. However, the purchase price is typically high, often exceeding the typical valuation of SkyMiles. Purchasing miles might be worthwhile during promotional periods with bonus offers, but only if you have an immediate and high-value redemption in mind.
Related: Bonus Points and Miles: Current Purchase Promotions
Conclusion: SkyMiles Earning Potential is Vast
Earning Delta SkyMiles is achievable through numerous avenues, extending far beyond just flying. From strategic credit card spending and leveraging Delta Airlines transfer partners like American Express Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, to utilizing shopping portals, dining programs, and diverse travel partnerships, the opportunities are abundant.
SkyMiles’ enduring value is further enhanced by their lack of expiration. With the diverse earning strategies outlined, building a substantial SkyMiles balance for your next adventure is well within reach.
For guidance on maximizing your SkyMiles redemptions, explore our comprehensive guide on redeeming SkyMiles for maximum value.
