How Do Airline Miles Work Delta?

admin
Chief Editor of - Book Premium Flight

Flying can be expensive, but airline miles can help you save money and even fly for free. Delta Air Lines is one of the major airlines that offers a loyalty program based on earning miles. But, how do airline miles work with Delta?

Delta’s SkyMiles program allows you to earn miles for flights, as well as for using Delta’s partners, such as hotels and rental car companies. These miles can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related perks. Let’s dive deeper into how you can earn and use Delta airline miles to make the most of your travel experiences.

How Do Airline Miles Work Delta?

How Do Airline Miles Work Delta?

Delta Air Lines is one of the major airlines in the United States, offering a robust frequent flyer program known as SkyMiles. The airline miles program offers numerous benefits to its members, including free flights, upgrades, and other perks. But how do airline miles work Delta? Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the ins and outs of Delta’s frequent flyer program.

1. Earning Delta Airline Miles

The first step to benefiting from Delta’s frequent flyer program is earning airline miles. You can earn miles in several ways, including:

a. Flying with Delta
The most common way to earn Delta Airline miles is by flying with Delta or one of its partner airlines. The number of miles earned depends on the distance flown, class of service, and fare paid.

b. Delta-branded credit cards
Delta offers several credit cards that allow you to earn miles for every dollar spent. You can earn bonus miles for making purchases in specific categories like dining, gas, or groceries.

c. Partner Offers
Delta also partners with several companies that allow you to earn miles for making purchases. For example, you can earn miles for booking a hotel through Delta’s hotel booking website or for renting a car with a partner rental company.

2. Using Delta Airline Miles

Once you have earned enough Delta Airline miles, you can redeem them for various rewards, including:

a. Free Flights
You can redeem your airline miles for free flights on Delta or its partner airlines. The number of miles required depends on the distance flown and the class of service. Delta also offers a program called Pay with Miles, which allows you to use miles to pay for a portion of your ticket.

b. Upgrades
You can use your airline miles to upgrade your seat to a higher class of service. Delta offers several upgrade options, including upgrading to Delta One, First Class, or Comfort+.

c. Other Rewards
Delta’s frequent flyer program also offers other rewards, including hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping. You can also use your miles to purchase Delta gift cards or donate your miles to charity.

3. Delta SkyMiles Elite Status

Delta offers several levels of elite status in its SkyMiles program, including Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. To qualify for elite status, you must earn a certain number of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) and spend a certain amount of money on Delta flights or Delta-branded credit cards. The higher your elite status, the more benefits you receive, including:

a. Bonus Miles
Elite members earn bonus miles for every Delta flight they take, depending on their status level.

b. Complimentary Upgrades
Elite members receive complimentary upgrades to First Class or Comfort+ based on availability.

c. Priority Services
Elite members receive priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling.

4. Delta Airline Miles Vs. Other Airlines

Delta’s frequent flyer program offers several advantages compared to other airlines, including:

a. No blackout dates
Delta’s airline miles program does not have blackout dates, so you can redeem your miles for flights at any time.

b. Flexible redemption options
Delta offers several redemption options, including free flights, upgrades, and other rewards.

c. Wide range of partners
Delta partners with several airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other companies, allowing you to earn and redeem miles in various ways.

In conclusion, Delta’s frequent flyer program offers numerous benefits to its members, including free flights, upgrades, and other rewards. By earning and redeeming Delta Airline miles, you can save money on travel and enjoy exclusive perks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Delta Airlines has a loyalty program that rewards its frequent flyers with airline miles. Here are some frequently asked questions about how the airline miles work for Delta Airlines.

1. How do I earn Delta airline miles?

There are several ways to earn Delta airline miles. You can earn miles by flying with Delta or its partner airlines, using a Delta credit card, or by making purchases with Delta’s partners. Additionally, Delta offers promotions and bonuses that allow you to earn more miles.

Delta also offers Medallion status, which is a loyalty program that rewards frequent flyers with additional benefits and perks. The higher your status, the more miles you earn per flight.

2. How do I redeem Delta airline miles?

You can redeem Delta airline miles for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. You can book award flights directly on Delta’s website or by calling the airline’s reservations department. Delta also allows you to redeem miles for hotel stays, rental cars, and other travel-related purchases through its partners.

Delta offers different redemption rates for different flights and destinations. Generally, the more expensive the flight, the more miles you will need to redeem. Delta also offers a flexible redemption policy that allows you to change or cancel award flights for a fee.

3. Do Delta airline miles expire?

Delta airline miles do not expire as long as you have qualifying activity on your account at least once every 24 months. Qualifying activity includes earning or redeeming miles, or using a Delta credit card. If you do not have qualifying activity on your account for 24 months, your miles will expire and cannot be reinstated.

If you have elite status with Delta’s Medallion program, your miles will not expire for as long as you maintain your status.

4. Can I transfer Delta airline miles to another person?

Delta airline miles can be transferred to another person for a fee. The person you transfer miles to must also be a Delta SkyMiles member. The transfer fee varies depending on the number of miles being transferred and can range from $30 to $250.

You can also gift Delta airline miles to another person without transferring ownership of the miles. Gifting miles does not incur a transfer fee but does require that the recipient have a Delta SkyMiles account.

5. What are Delta airline miles worth?

The value of Delta airline miles varies depending on how you choose to redeem them. Generally, Delta airline miles are worth between 1 and 2 cents per mile. However, the value can fluctuate based on the cost of the flight or travel-related expense you are redeeming the miles for.

Delta also offers a Pay with Miles program that allows you to use your miles to pay for part or all of a flight at a rate of 1 cent per mile. This can be a good option if you have a lot of miles but do not want to redeem them for award flights.

Delta SkyMiles: 6 Tips To Use Your SkyMiles (Like a Pro!) in 2020


In conclusion, understanding how airline miles work with Delta can be a fantastic way to earn rewards for your travels. From earning miles through flights and everyday purchases to redeeming them for flights, upgrades, and other rewards, the Delta SkyMiles program offers plenty of opportunities for travelers to get more out of their journeys.

By taking advantage of these opportunities and learning more about the program, you can maximize your rewards and make the most of your travel experiences. So whether you’re a frequent flyer or just starting out, be sure to explore the benefits of the Delta SkyMiles program and start earning rewards today!

Overall, Delta’s SkyMiles program is a great way for frequent flyers and casual travelers alike to earn rewards for their travels. With a wide range of earning and redemption options, as well as numerous valuable perks and benefits, it’s easy to see why the program is so popular among travelers. So why not start exploring the program today and see how you can earn rewards for your next trip?

Scroll to Top