Delta SkyMiles: 240 questions answered
Everything members ask about Delta SkyMiles, answered from Delta Air Lines' own program pages, terms and help centre. Each answer names its source; every answer comes from an official page.
Written and reviewed by the Points Plug team. Last reviewed .
Joining and managing your account
Signing up, membership numbers, logins, profiles and closing an account.
How do I join Delta SkyMiles?
Enrol free at delta.com/joinskymiles or in the Fly Delta app; you get a SkyMiles number straight away and can add it when booking or later in My Trips.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program overview
Does it cost anything to join Delta SkyMiles?
No. Delta says plainly that SkyMiles is free to join, and the miles never expire.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program overview
Is there a minimum age to join Delta SkyMiles, and can children have their own account?
The program is open to any individual in any country that does not prohibit frequent flyer participation. Children under 13 may enrol, but a parent or guardian must confirm the relationship, and every member must give their full legal name and hold only one account.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Where do I find my Delta SkyMiles membership number?
Your SkyMiles number shows in your profile once logged in to delta.com or the Fly Delta app. If you have forgotten it, the login page lets you recover it with your email address.
Source: Delta Help Center: SkyMiles help
Does Delta SkyMiles issue a physical membership card, and do I need one?
There is no plastic card in the post. You get a membership number at enrolment, a digital membership card sits in My Wallet in the Fly Delta app, and you can print one from My SkyMiles if you want a paper copy; the number is all you ever need to add to a booking.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Does Delta Air Lines have an app for managing Delta SkyMiles, and what can it do?
Yes, the Fly Delta app handles most SkyMiles tasks: logging in with Face ID and multi-factor authentication, requesting Medallion upgrades, picking Choice Benefits the moment you earn status, paying for checked bags with miles at check-in, and the Contact Us section shows Medallion members their dedicated phone line.
Source: Delta Help Center: SkyMiles help
How do I change the name on my Delta SkyMiles account after marriage or a legal name change?
Delta requires the first, middle and last name on your account to match your government photo ID exactly. A legal name change needs court documents such as a court order, marriage certificate or divorce certificate, submitted through SkyMiles Help; a middle-name-only change needs no documentation.
Source: Delta Help Center: SkyMiles help
I accidentally created two Delta SkyMiles accounts. Can they be merged?
Yes. Submit a Merge Account Request through SkyMiles Help; Delta says to allow up to seven days and the merge is non-reversible once confirmed. The program rules reserve the right to cancel or merge duplicates at Delta's discretion, and note that Medallion and Million Miler credit is not guaranteed to move.
Source: Delta Help Center: SkyMiles help
How do I close my Delta SkyMiles account, and what happens to my miles?
Account deletion is requested through SkyMiles Help and requires a valid government-issued ID. You permanently lose access to the account and all associated data, and under the program rules any Medallion status, benefits and miles in a closed account are forfeited.
Source: Delta Help Center: SkyMiles help
Can I join Delta SkyMiles if I live outside the airline's home country?
Yes. SkyMiles is open to individuals in any country that has not prohibited participation in frequent flyer programs. If you later change your country of residence, Delta asks for supporting documents such as a government ID, a utility bill from the last 60 days, a lease or an employer letter.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
How do I update my email, address or phone number with Delta SkyMiles?
Log in and go to My Profile, then Basic Info, to update your email, address or phone. If you cannot log in, Delta asks for identity verification documents before making the change, and the rules say members must keep their address current.
Source: Delta Help Center: SkyMiles help
What do I do if I am locked out of my Delta SkyMiles account?
Reset it from the login page; Delta verifies you through multi-factor authentication by app notification, text passcode or email passcode. New passwords must be 8 to 20 characters with at least one number, one uppercase and one lowercase letter, and cannot contain your SkyMiles number, email or username.
Source: Delta Help Center: SkyMiles help
If I join Delta SkyMiles after a flight, can I still claim miles for it?
Delta gives members until nine months after the flight date to request missing miles and MQDs, and the rules do not carve out flights taken before enrolment, so file a mileage credit request with the ticket number once your account is open.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Does Delta Air Lines have a separate program for small businesses, and can I earn in both?
Yes. SkyMiles for Business is Delta's travel rewards program for small and medium-sized businesses (skymilesforbusiness.delta.com); corporations and business entities cannot otherwise be enrolled as SkyMiles members.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Earning on Delta Air Lines flights
What a ticket earns, which fares are excluded, elite bonuses and posting times.
How are miles calculated on Delta Air Lines flights: by fare paid, by distance, or by a fixed amount?
By fare paid. Delta-marketed flights earn a set number of miles per US dollar of base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges (government taxes excluded), while flights marketed by partner airlines earn a percentage of distance flown set by fare class.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
How many miles do I earn per dollar (or per mile flown) on Delta Air Lines?
Classic and Refundable experiences earn 5 miles per dollar, Extra experiences 7 per dollar and Basic experiences 2 per dollar (Delta Main Basic earns nothing). Medallion members earn 7, 8, 9 or 11 miles per dollar at Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond.
Source: Delta: how to earn miles
Do basic economy or light fares on Delta Air Lines earn miles?
Delta Main Basic (Basic Economy) tickets earn no miles and no credit toward Medallion status. Basic-experience fares in other cabins earn 2 miles per dollar.
Source: Delta: how to earn miles
What elite bonus do status members earn on Delta Air Lines flights?
On top of the 5 base miles per dollar, Silver earns 2 extra miles per dollar, Gold 3, Platinum 4 and Diamond 6, so 7, 8, 9 and 11 miles per dollar on Classic, Extra and Refundable fares (not Delta Main Basic).
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
How long after a flight do miles post to my Delta SkyMiles account?
Delta says miles are typically credited within eight weeks of the qualifying activity, and you have nine months from the flight date to report anything missing.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Do award tickets earn miles or status credit on Delta Air Lines?
Award tickets do not earn redeemable miles (the rules class them as free tickets), but they do earn MQDs at the miles redeemed divided by 100, and the flown miles count toward Million Miler, except on Delta Main Basic awards.
Which Delta Air Lines tickets earn no miles at all?
No miles on Delta Main Basic tickets, refunded or unused tickets, non-revenue travel by airline employees or travel agents, infants under two on a free lap-infant fare, award tickets and other free tickets, charter flights, opaque Priceline or Hotwire bookings, or the portion of a fare paid with Pay with Miles.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Do taxes, fees and surcharges on an Delta Air Lines ticket earn miles?
No. Miles and MQDs are calculated on the base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges, and government-imposed taxes and fees are excluded.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
If I upgrade a ticket on Delta Air Lines, do I earn miles on the original fare or the upgraded cabin?
On whatever you actually pay. The ticket earns 5 miles per US dollar of base fare plus carrier surcharges (more with Medallion status), and a paid upgrade bought before or after ticketing earns MQDs and miles on its price too, as long as your SkyMiles number is on the transaction. A complimentary Medallion upgrade earns nothing extra.
Do infant or child tickets on Delta Air Lines earn miles?
An infant under two travelling without paying a fare earns nothing, but an infant travelling on a ticket bought at an applicable fare is credited miles to the infant's own account.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Do group bookings, tour packages or charter flights on Delta Air Lines earn miles?
Charter flights earn no miles under the rules. Delta Vacations packages do earn: $1 MQD per $1 of the package price (excluding taxes and Basic Economy) plus up to 10,000 bonus miles per booking.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Do employee, industry or heavily discounted fares on Delta Air Lines earn miles?
No. Airline employees, travel agents and tour conductors travelling on a non-revenue basis earn nothing, and free tickets of any kind are excluded.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
How do I add my Delta SkyMiles number to an existing Delta Air Lines booking?
Enter your SkyMiles number when you book, or afterwards by opening the trip in My Trips on delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
Source: Delta: how to earn miles
Does Delta Air Lines have a calculator to estimate miles for a flight?
No, and you do not need one: on Delta-marketed flights the maths is a flat rate per US dollar of base fare plus carrier surcharges, 5 miles for general members on Classic and Refundable fares, 7 on Extra, 2 on Delta Basic, and 7, 8, 9 or 11 for Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. After you fly, the Account Activity tab in your SkyMiles account shows exactly what each flight earned.
Source: Delta: how to earn miles
Earning on partner airlines
Which airlines credit to the program, how much they earn and the rules for booking classes.
Which airlines can I credit to Delta SkyMiles?
Core partners are Aeromexico, Air France, China Eastern, KLM, Korean Air, LATAM and Virgin Atlantic, plus airBaltic, EL AL, Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Europa, Cape Air, China Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, Middle East Airlines, SAS, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, WestJet and Xiamen Airlines. See alliances.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles airline partners
How are miles calculated on partner airline flights credited to Delta SkyMiles?
Partner-marketed flights earn a percentage of distance flown set by the fare class, ranging from 10% to 300% depending on the airline and cabin. MQDs on most partners are also a percentage of distance, from 5% to 60%.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles airline partners
Which booking classes on partner airlines earn miles in Delta SkyMiles, and which earn nothing?
Each partner has its own chart of booking classes; Delta states that if a class is not listed, no miles are earned, and no miles are earned on award travel.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles airline partners
Do partner airline flights count toward elite status in Delta SkyMiles?
Yes. Most partners accrue MQDs as a percentage of distance flown by fare class (5% to 60%), and Delta-marketed flights operated by partners earn $1 MQD per $1 spent.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles airline partners
Does it matter whether a partner flight is ticketed by Delta Air Lines or by the partner for Delta SkyMiles earning?
Yes, a lot. Delta-marketed DL-coded flights earn per dollar spent, whereas flights marketed by the partner airline earn a percentage of distance flown by fare class.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Which non-alliance airlines partner with Delta SkyMiles for earning?
Outside SkyTeam, the partner chart covers LATAM, WestJet, EL AL, airBaltic and Cape Air, and intra-Alaska carriers without their own programs.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles airline partners
How long do partner airline flights take to post to Delta SkyMiles?
Delta gives the same guidance as for its own flights: credit typically posts within eight weeks, and you have nine months to request missing partner miles.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Can I credit different flights on the same ticket to different programs, or must the whole ticket go to Delta SkyMiles?
No. Delta flights, partner flights, hotel stays and car rentals are eligible for credit in only one loyalty program per itinerary, and once recorded the credit cannot be moved to another program, so decide on SkyMiles for the whole ticket before you fly.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Do Delta SkyMiles elite members earn a bonus on partner airline flights?
Only on partners marked Yes in the chart: Diamond gets +120%, Platinum +80%, Gold +60% and Silver +40% of base miles earned.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles airline partners
Where does Delta Air Lines publish the partner earning charts for Delta SkyMiles?
The per-airline earning tables, showing the percentage of distance for each fare class and the MQD percentage, live on the SkyMiles Airline Partners page.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles airline partners
Can I earn miles on trains, buses or ferries through Delta SkyMiles?
No. Delta has no rail, bus or ferry earning partner, and the Air France chart specifically excludes segments operated by SNCF's TGVAIR trains, YBOAT ferry services and bus services from earning.
Missing miles and retroactive claims
What to do when a flight does not post, the claim window, and what the airline needs.
How long after a flight can I claim missing miles from Delta SkyMiles?
Nine months from the flight date or qualifying transaction for flights, and Delta says up to six months for hotel and car partner activity. See the guide.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
How do I file a missing miles claim with Delta SkyMiles?
Use the mileage credit request forms under SkyMiles Help; there are separate forms for Delta flights, partner flights and non-partner transactions, and Delta flight requests need the ticket number.
Source: Delta Help Center: SkyMiles help
What information does Delta SkyMiles need for a missing miles claim?
For a Delta flight, the ticket number is required. Partner flights and non-airline partners use their own forms, and all discrepancies must be reported in writing within nine months of the activity.
Source: Delta Help Center: SkyMiles help
How do I claim missing miles for a partner airline flight in Delta SkyMiles?
File the Partner Flights mileage credit form on the SkyMiles Help page within nine months of the flight. See the guide.
Source: Delta Help Center: SkyMiles help
Can I claim miles for flights taken before I joined Delta SkyMiles?
The rules give nine months from the flight date to request missing miles and do not exclude flights flown before you joined, so you can file a mileage credit request once enrolled.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
My flight was credited to the wrong program. Can Delta SkyMiles move the miles?
No. Delta and partner flights are eligible for credit in only one loyalty program per itinerary and cannot be transferred from one program to another once recorded; trying to claim SkyMiles for activity already credited elsewhere is expressly prohibited.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Will Delta SkyMiles credit a flight if the name on the ticket does not exactly match my account?
No. Both the name and the date of birth on the reservation must match the SkyMiles account of the member travelling for mileage to be credited, regardless of who paid for the ticket, so fix the account name first and then submit the request.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
What can I do if Delta SkyMiles rejects a missing miles claim?
Come back with documents. The rules tell members to keep ticket receipts and boarding passes until credit appears, and for partner flights to request credit through the Comment/Complaint form or by mailing copies of the ticket receipt and boarding passes with name and SkyMiles number; altered or illegible documents are not accepted. Delta states that it is the final authority on qualification for mileage credit. See the guide.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Credit cards and bank transfers
Co-brand cards, transferable points, ratios and timing.
Which banks issue Delta SkyMiles credit cards, and in which countries?
American Express issues the US cards: Delta SkyMiles Blue, Gold, Platinum and Reserve, with Gold, Platinum and Reserve Business versions. Delta also lists International Cards, and JCB (Japan) and Banco de Chile points convert to SkyMiles.
How many miles per dollar do Delta SkyMiles credit cards earn?
Delta says cardholders can earn up to 8 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases once the flight-earning miles are combined; the Platinum and Reserve cards add 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, and there are no earning caps.
What sign-up bonus do Delta SkyMiles credit cards typically offer?
Offers change; in August 2026 Delta and Amex launched limited-time welcome offers of 50,000 bonus miles plus, for the first time, two round-trip Delta Comfort flights on eligible cards.
Source: Delta News Hub
Can credit card spending earn elite status or tier credit in Delta SkyMiles?
Yes. Platinum and Reserve cardholders get a $2,500 MQD Headstart per card type each year, plus MQD Boost of $1 MQD per $20 spent (Platinum) or per $10 spent (Reserve). Buying or transferring miles never earns MQDs.
Which bank points transfer to Delta SkyMiles, and at what ratio?
American Express Membership Rewards convert at up to 1 mile per point (1,000-point minimum). Hotel programs also convert: Marriott Bonvoy 3:1 (60,000 points = 20,000 miles), Hilton Honors 10:1, IHG 5:1, World of Hyatt 2.5:1 and Accor ALL. See transfer partners.
Can I transfer miles back out of Delta SkyMiles to a bank program?
No. The rules allow miles to leave an account only through the paid SkyMiles Transfer Miles program between members; there is no conversion back to a bank program.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Must the bank account and Delta SkyMiles account be in the same name for a transfer?
Yes for Membership Rewards, the main bank source: Amex only lets you link a SkyMiles account held by you or by an Additional Card Member on your Membership Rewards account, and an Additional Card must have been issued at least 90 days before you link that person's SkyMiles account. All transfers are final, so check the award price before moving points.
Source: American Express: transferring Membership Rewards points
Do Delta SkyMiles credit cards have annual fees, and what perks offset them?
The Blue Amex has no annual fee; Gold is $0 the first year then $150, Platinum $350 and Reserve $650 (as of 2026). Offsetting perks scale up the range: Gold adds free first and second checked bags, TakeOff 15 and a $100 Delta Stays credit; Platinum adds a Main Cabin Companion Certificate, MQD Headstart and Boost and up to $390 of annual credits; Reserve adds 15 Sky Club visits a year, a First-eligible Companion Certificate and up to $560 of credits.
Do any Delta SkyMiles credit cards include a companion fare or free flight certificate?
Yes. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve Amex cards each give a Companion Certificate every year after card renewal.
Is there a business credit card for Delta SkyMiles?
Yes: Delta SkyMiles Gold Business, Platinum Business and Reserve Business American Express cards, with the same MQD Headstart, Sky Club and companion benefits as the personal Platinum and Reserve.
Can I get a Delta SkyMiles credit card if I live outside the United States?
The Amex cards are US products, but Delta lists a separate International Cards category and runs Pay with Miles for international cards; JCB in Japan and Banco de Chile are named as card partners whose points convert to SkyMiles.
Earning without flying
Shopping portals, dining, hotels, cars, rideshare, surveys and buying miles.
Does Delta SkyMiles have an online shopping portal, and how does it work?
Yes, SkyMiles Shopping is an online portal with 1,000+ retailers; click through from the portal before buying and miles post to your account at the retailer's rate.
Does Delta SkyMiles have a dining rewards program?
Yes. SkyMiles Dining earns up to 5 miles per dollar at participating restaurants once you register a card in the program.
Which hotel chains earn miles in Delta SkyMiles, and can hotel points be converted?
Marriott Bonvoy earns 1 to 2 miles per dollar, Hyatt and Shangri-La 500 miles per stay (Shangri-La ends 30 September 2026), IHG varies by property, and Delta Stays bookings earn 2 miles per dollar of base rate. Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt and Accor points can also be converted to miles.
Which car rental companies earn miles in Delta SkyMiles?
Hertz earns 4 to 8 miles per dollar depending on your Medallion tier, Dollar and Thrifty 4 per dollar, Avis, Enterprise, National, Alamo, Budget, Payless and Sixt 2 per dollar, and Europcar 60 miles per day.
Can I earn miles by taking surveys with Delta SkyMiles?
No. There is no survey panel among the SkyMiles partners; the non-travel ways to earn on the Partners & Offers page are SkyMiles Shopping (1,000+ online stores), SkyMiles Dining (up to 5 miles per dollar), Starbucks Rewards, Uber and Uber Eats, and Airbnb.
Can I buy miles from Delta SkyMiles, at what price, and is there a yearly cap?
Yes, at $0.035 per mile plus tax, minimum 2,000 miles per transaction and a cap of 60,000 miles per calendar year; miles post in 24 to 48 hours. Your account must be at least 10 days old with at least one mile earned, and the spend earns no MQDs. If you have more than you need, see selling miles.
Does Delta SkyMiles run bonus promotions on buying miles?
Delta's buy, gift and transfer page advertises no bonus or discount: the standing price is $0.035 per mile plus tax, capped at 60,000 bought miles per calendar year and posting within 24 to 48 hours. If a promotion appears it will be shown on that page or in the purchase flow, so at $0.035 a mile check the cash fare before buying for a specific award.
Can I gift miles to another Delta SkyMiles member?
Yes. Gifted miles cost $0.035 per mile plus tax, up to 60,000 miles per calendar year, to as many as four members in one transaction; the recipient account must be 10 days old with at least one mile earned.
Are there phone, internet, energy or subscription partners that earn miles in Delta SkyMiles?
No phone, internet, energy or subscription partner appears on Delta's current SkyMiles Partners & Offers page; the everyday partners are Starbucks Rewards (1 mile per dollar for 12 months), Uber and Uber Eats (up to 3 miles per dollar), Airbnb, SkyMiles Shopping and SkyMiles Dining.
Can I earn miles on fuel or groceries with Delta SkyMiles?
Not through a direct partner: no supermarket or fuel brand is on the SkyMiles Partners & Offers page. The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex is the route, earning 2 miles per dollar at US supermarkets as well as at restaurants and on Delta purchases.
Can I earn miles on Airbnb, vacation rentals or cruises with Delta SkyMiles?
Yes. Airbnb earns 1 mile per dollar on qualifying Homes and 3 per dollar on Services and Experiences, and Delta Cruises bookings earn 2 miles per dollar.
Does in-flight Wi-Fi, duty free or onboard purchases earn miles on Delta Air Lines?
No. The program rules list Wi-Fi passes and in-flight food and drink among the purchases that do not earn miles.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Where does Delta SkyMiles list its current earning promotions?
The SkyMiles Partners and Offers page lists current earning partners and featured offers, such as the Starbucks Rewards link (1 mile per dollar for 12 months) and the Uber promotions.
Elite status
Tiers, how to qualify, the year cycle, matches and what each level gets.
What are the elite status tiers in Delta SkyMiles?
Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion, plus Delta 360, an invitation-only layer offered to a very small percentage of Diamond members based on flying and premium purchases.
How do I qualify for elite status in Delta SkyMiles: by spending, segments, distance or points?
Spending only. Status is earned purely with Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) from ticket spend, partner flights, Delta Vacations packages and Delta Amex card spend; there are no segment or distance requirements.
What are the qualification thresholds for each Delta SkyMiles tier?
Silver $5,000 MQDs, Gold $10,000, Platinum $15,000 and Diamond $28,000, unchanged for 2027 qualification.
When does the Delta SkyMiles qualification year start and end, and how long does status last?
MQDs are counted from 1 January to 31 December and reset to zero on or about 1 January. The status you earn is valid for the following Medallion Year, which runs 1 February to 31 January.
Do partner airline flights count toward Delta SkyMiles status?
Yes. Delta-marketed flights operated by partners earn $1 MQD per $1, and partner-marketed flights earn MQDs as a percentage of distance flown (5% to 60% by fare class) on most partners.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles airline partners
Does Delta SkyMiles offer a status match or status challenge?
Delta runs a Status Match Challenge for elites of other airlines and a Reclaim My Status program that gives former Medallion members 3 months of complimentary status to re-qualify.
Source: Delta: Gold Medallion benefits
Does Delta SkyMiles offer lifetime or million-miler status?
Million Miler: 1 million flown miles gives Gold Medallion, 2 million Platinum, 3 million Diamond, and 5 million and up brings an annual Delta 360 invitation. Flown miles on Delta, partners and award tickets count (Basic Economy excluded); the status is granted each Medallion Year for life and cannot be gifted.
Source: Delta: Million Miler
If I fall short of requalifying, does Delta SkyMiles drop me one tier or all the way?
There is no soft landing: MQDs reset to zero each January and you get whatever tier you earned. Former Medallion members can later use Reclaim My Status for 3 months of complimentary status.
What baggage benefits do Delta SkyMiles elite members get?
Silver gets one free checked bag; Gold, Platinum and Diamond get two, each up to 70 lb. Up to eight companions on the same reservation also get their first bag free.
Source: Delta: baggage overview
Which Delta SkyMiles tiers get lounge access, and where?
No tier gets domestic Sky Club access by itself. Gold, Platinum and Diamond get SkyTeam Elite Plus lounge access on same-day international flights, Diamond can take a Sky Club Individual (2 selections) or Executive (3 selections) membership as Choice Benefits, and only Medallion members may buy a Sky Club membership.
Source: Delta: Sky Club access
Do Delta SkyMiles elite members get complimentary upgrades, and how are they prioritised?
All tiers get unlimited complimentary upgrades. Delta First clears from 120 hours out for Diamond and Platinum, 72 hours for Gold and 24 hours for Silver; Delta Comfort clears shortly after ticketing for Diamond and Platinum. Priority runs by Medallion tier, then cabin purchased, Million Miler, Extra before Classic fares, Reserve cardholders, corporate travellers, current-year MQDs and request time.
Source: Delta: Medallion upgrades
Do Delta SkyMiles elite members get free seat selection or extra-legroom seats?
Yes. Every Medallion tier gets complimentary Preferred Seats (not on Delta Basic fares), and Delta Comfort comes via complimentary upgrades: shortly after ticketing for Platinum and Diamond, 72 hours out for Gold and 24 hours for Silver.
Which fees does Delta SkyMiles waive for elite members?
Checked-bag fees, the $75 Same-Day Confirmed fee (waived for Gold and above; Silver pays unless on an Extra fare) and Preferred Seat charges. Award ticket redeposit and reissue fees are already zero for every member.
What do Delta SkyMiles tiers map to in the alliance (Star Alliance Gold, oneworld Emerald, SkyTeam Elite Plus)?
Silver Medallion is SkyTeam Elite; Gold, Platinum and Diamond are SkyTeam Elite Plus, which adds priority baggage handling and SkyTeam lounge access on international flights.
Can elite benefits in Delta SkyMiles be shared with family or a companion?
Partly. One companion on the same reservation can share your complimentary upgrade if they are a SkyMiles member, up to eight companions get a free first bag, and Platinum and Diamond can use a Choice Benefit to gift Silver or Gold status to four people.
Source: Delta: Medallion upgrades
Do surplus qualifying points roll over to the next year in Delta SkyMiles?
No. MQDs do not roll over; the balance resets to zero on or about 1 January each year.
Can I gift or nominate someone for status in Delta SkyMiles?
Only through Choice Benefits: a Platinum can gift Silver Medallion to 4 members and a Diamond can gift Gold Medallion to 4 members. Million Miler status cannot be gifted or transferred.
Source: Delta: Medallion Choice Benefits
Can I buy status or top-up missing qualifying points in Delta SkyMiles?
Not directly. Bought miles earn no MQDs. Platinum and Diamond can pick an MQD Accelerator Choice Benefit ($1,000 or $2,000 MQDs), and Delta ran an Elevate Your Status offer through 31 December 2025 for buying MQDs.
Source: Delta: Medallion Choice Benefits
Will Delta SkyMiles elite benefits be recognised on partner airlines?
Yes through SkyTeam: Silver is Elite and Gold-plus is Elite Plus, with priority baggage and lounge access on international partner flights. Medallion status also maps to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star (Silver and Gold) or President's Circle (Platinum and Diamond).
Does Delta SkyMiles offer selectable benefits or milestone rewards for elites?
Yes. Platinum picks 1 Choice Benefit and Diamond picks 3, from options such as Regional or Global Upgrade Certificates, 35,000 or 40,000 bonus miles, $1,000 or $2,000 MQD Accelerator, gifting Silver or Gold status to 4 people, $350 or $550 travel vouchers, Sky Club membership (Diamond only) and Amex statement credits. Choose by 31 January 2027 for the 2026 Medallion Year.
Source: Delta: Medallion Choice Benefits
Redeeming on Delta Air Lines
How awards are priced, the cheapest redemptions and the booking rules.
Does Delta SkyMiles use a fixed award chart or dynamic pricing for Delta Air Lines flights?
Dynamic. Delta publishes no award chart or set mileage levels; the flexible award calendar shows the lowest price for your dates, and there are no blackout dates on any Delta flight. See our award chart notes.
What is the cheapest award ticket in Delta SkyMiles?
There is no fixed lowest price because every Delta award is priced dynamically, so the cheapest tickets are whatever the SkyMiles Deals page is listing that week plus the lowest dates the flexible award calendar shows for your route. On select Delta flights you can also switch the price display to Miles + Cash to cover part of a seat with cash when your balance is short.
Source: Delta: travel with miles
Can I book one-way awards in Delta SkyMiles, and are they half the round-trip price?
Yes, awards are priced and booked one way, so a round trip is simply two one-ways. Partner awards can also be booked one way.
How do I search for award seats on Delta Air Lines?
On delta.com or the Fly Delta app select Book, tick Shop with Miles, enter your flights and use the flexible award calendar to compare prices across dates.
What is the difference between saver and standard (or flexible) awards in Delta SkyMiles?
Delta has no saver versus standard tiers; every Delta flight is available for miles at a dynamic price that changes with fares and demand.
Does Delta SkyMiles allow stopovers or open jaws on award tickets?
Stopovers are governed by the underlying fare rule and Delta charges additional mileage for broken fares, so in practice a stopover prices as two awards. Open-jaw itineraries are allowed but are priced under the one-way award rules for each direction.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Can I book a mixed-cabin award in Delta SkyMiles, and how is it priced?
Yes. You can book different experiences on the outbound and return, for example Delta Comfort out and Delta One home, and each direction is priced separately.
Can I pay part in miles and part in cash with Delta SkyMiles?
Yes, on select flights. Search with Shop with Miles, then switch the price display to Miles + Cash before paying. If you cancel, the miles are redeposited and the cash portion is returned as miles too.
How do I add an infant or child to an award ticket in Delta SkyMiles?
A lap infant under two needs no miles (one per adult) and only pays taxes; any child occupying a seat needs the same miles as an adult, and children under 12 cannot book or travel alone on an award.
Does Delta SkyMiles offer a round-the-world or multi-city award?
There is no round-the-world award product; Round the World fares only appear in the rules as fares that are ineligible for Mileage Upgrade Awards. Multi-city and open-jaw trips can be booked, but each direction is priced as a one-way award.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Do awards in Delta SkyMiles book into basic economy or a regular fare?
Both. Delta sells Basic Economy awards, which are non-refundable, cannot be voluntarily changed and lose a mileage charge on cancellation, and Main Cabin awards, which change or cancel free and are eligible for the TakeOff 15 card discount.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles Award Deals
What is the minimum number of miles needed to book an award in Delta SkyMiles?
There is no published floor because pricing is dynamic; the flexible award calendar shows the lowest current price. The Pay with Miles benefit for Amex cardholders needs a minimum of 5,000 miles.
What are the best-value redemptions in Delta SkyMiles?
With dynamic pricing and no chart, the value is in Delta's own discounts: the SkyMiles Award Flash Sales, the standing SkyMiles Deals page, the lowest dates on the flexible award calendar, and TakeOff 15, which knocks 15% off the mileage price for Delta Amex cardholders. Flash-sale awards are limited and may not appear on every flight or market, and taxes, fees and carrier charges are still paid in cash.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles Award Flash Sale
Does flying on an award ticket in Delta SkyMiles earn status or miles?
Award flights earn MQDs equal to the miles redeemed divided by 100 and count toward Million Miler, but they do not earn redeemable miles. Delta Main Basic awards earn nothing.
Can I select seats on an award ticket in Delta SkyMiles, and is there a charge?
Yes, you choose from the seat map like a paid ticket, and Medallion members get complimentary upgrades on award tickets. Partner airline seats are requested at ticketing but may not be confirmed immediately.
What baggage allowance do I get on an award ticket in Delta SkyMiles?
Delta's baggage page sets allowances by the experience you fly and your status, and makes no separate rule for award tickets: in Delta Main or Delta Comfort on a domestic flight the first checked bag is $45 and the second $55 each way (under 50 lb), with a free carry-on and personal item. Medallion members and eligible Delta SkyMiles Amex cardholders check the first bag free, and eligible cardholders get the second bag free on domestic Delta flights as well.
Source: Delta: baggage policy and fees
Redeeming on partner airlines
Which partners can be booked, online versus by phone, and the partner-specific rules.
Which partner airlines can I book with miles from Delta SkyMiles?
Twenty-plus partners, including Air France, KLM, LATAM, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic and Aeromexico, are bookable at delta.com; Air Europa, Air Tahiti Nui and Kenya Airways awards go through Delta Reservations. See the partner awards guide.
Which partner awards can be booked online with Delta SkyMiles, and which need a phone call?
Most partners, including Air France, KLM, LATAM, Korean Air and Virgin Atlantic, book online at delta.com or in the app. Air Europa, Air Tahiti Nui and Kenya Airways require a call to Delta Reservations.
How are partner awards priced in Delta SkyMiles?
Partner awards are priced dynamically in the same search as Delta flights, but unlike Delta flights, partners can impose blackout dates (Korean Air publishes a calendar of them) and some add a surcharge collected at booking.
Does Delta SkyMiles charge a fee for partner awards?
No Delta booking or redeposit fee. You pay government taxes and, on some partners, a carrier-imposed surcharge collected at booking.
Which partner airlines add fuel surcharges to Delta SkyMiles awards?
Delta says some airline partners impose a surcharge on award redemptions on their flights, collected at booking, but it does not name them; the award search shows the cash amount before you pay.
Do partner airlines release the same award seats to Delta SkyMiles as to their own members?
Delta flights have no blackout dates, but partner availability is set by each carrier and some impose blackout dates, such as Korean Air on domestic Korea and international routes.
Which non-alliance airlines can be booked with Delta SkyMiles?
LATAM is bookable online, and Skymark (Japan) awards are available to Medallion members and Japan-issued Delta card holders, though Skymark bookings cannot be changed or cancelled once confirmed.
Are stopovers allowed on partner awards in Delta SkyMiles?
Only as the underlying fare allows. The program rules say any stopovers on an award are governed by the fare rule and additional mileage will be required for broken fares, and Delta's Travel with Miles page adds that Skymark (Japan) awards do not permit open-jaw travel at all.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Can I use miles to upgrade a partner airline flight through Delta SkyMiles?
Yes. Mileage Upgrade Awards are available on Air France (W, S, A, Y, B, M fares), KLM (Y, B, M), Virgin Atlantic (Y, B, M, H, Q, K economy and P, A, G premium economy) and Aeromexico (Y, B, M, H, Q, K, L, U, T), booked through Delta Reservations.
Source: Delta: miles upgrades and more
Can partner awards booked through Delta SkyMiles be changed or cancelled online?
Cancelling is a phone job: Delta's cancellations page asks you to call Delta Reservations to cancel a SkyMiles award ticket, partner awards booked with miles included. Delta's Travel with Miles page adds that Skymark (Japan) awards cannot be changed or cancelled at all once confirmed, and their miles are not redeposited.
Source: Delta: cancellations and refunds
Taxes, fees and surcharges on awards
What is added on top of the miles, and which fees can be avoided.
Does Delta SkyMiles add fuel surcharges to award tickets on Delta Air Lines?
Not on Delta's own flights: domestic awards cost at least $11.20 in US taxes and fees. International awards can carry up to $600 in foreign taxes and carrier-imposed fees, and some partners add surcharges.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Does Delta SkyMiles charge a booking fee for award tickets?
No. Delta lists no fees for award booking, redeposit or reissue at any membership tier; you pay only taxes and fees.
Does Delta SkyMiles charge extra to book an award by phone?
Delta applies direct ticketing charges to phone and in-person bookings only in select European countries, and says they may be waived; US bookings are covered by the no-fee award policy.
Source: Delta: about award travel
Does Delta SkyMiles charge a close-in or last-minute booking fee for awards?
No close-in fee. The only timing rule is a 72-hour advance purchase for awards within or originating in China, Russia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Brazil and any African country.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Which award fees does Delta SkyMiles waive for elite members?
Award redeposit and reissue fees are zero for everyone, so the elite waiver that matters is Same-Day Confirmed: $75 for General and Silver members, waived for Gold, Platinum and Diamond.
How much are the typical taxes and fees on a Delta SkyMiles award ticket?
A domestic award carries the $5.60 September 11th Security Fee per one-way and at least $11.20 in US taxes and fees. International awards can add up to $40 in US fees plus up to $400 to $600 in foreign taxes and carrier-imposed charges.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
How does Delta SkyMiles handle UK Air Passenger Duty and other high departure taxes on awards?
They are charged on top of the miles. Delta's taxes and fees page lists foreign taxes, inspection fees and security charges of up to $349 and says select countries such as the UK, France and Ghana may require additional taxes based on cabin of service, and that some countries also collect a departure tax at the airport. Delta's Travel with Miles page adds that international award redemptions may include up to $600 in foreign government taxes and fees and/or carrier-imposed fees.
Can I pay the taxes and fees on a Delta SkyMiles award with miles?
No. The taxes and fees on an award are paid in cash at booking, and the Amex cardholder Pay with Miles benefit cannot be combined with award travel; even on a cash ticket, Pay with Miles is applied to the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges before it ever touches taxes and fees.
Source: Delta: Pay with Miles
How can I reduce the cash cost of a Delta SkyMiles award?
Delta Amex cardholders get TakeOff 15, a 15% discount on the mileage price of Delta award tickets, and the flexible award calendar and SkyMiles Award Deals page surface the cheapest dates.
Changes, cancellations and refunds
Fees, deadlines, redeposits, no-shows and what happens when the airline changes the schedule.
What does Delta SkyMiles charge to change an award ticket?
None for award travel originating in the US or Canada: origin, destination, routing, date and time can all be changed without a change fee, paying only any mileage difference and taxes. Delta Basic awards are the exception and can carry a fee where changes are allowed at all. See the guide.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
What does Delta SkyMiles charge to cancel an award ticket and redeposit the miles?
No redeposit fee for awards originating in the US or Canada, at every tier. Basic Economy awards are the exception: a mileage-based charge is deducted before the remaining miles are redeposited.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
How close to departure can I cancel a Delta SkyMiles award?
Up to departure. Delta's cancellations page asks you to cancel prior to departure and to call Delta Reservations to cancel a SkyMiles award ticket, and Delta's May 2026 SkyMiles guide on its News Hub says award tickets from the US or Canada can be changed without redeposit or reissue fees any time before departure.
Source: Delta: cancellations and refunds
What happens to my miles if I no-show a Delta SkyMiles award?
Delta's cancel page is blunt: a customer who does not show up without changing or cancelling before departure loses the value of the ticket, and all remaining flights on the itinerary are cancelled. Cancel the award before the first flight departs (Delta asks you to call Reservations for award tickets) and the miles go back to your account instead.
Source: Delta: cancellations and refunds
Can I change or cancel a Delta SkyMiles award online, or must I call?
Changes are made in My Trips on delta.com or the Fly Delta app. For cancellations the site's flow is Find Your Trip, Need to Cancel, Start Flight Cancellation; Delta's cancel page directs SkyMiles award cancellations to Delta Reservations by phone.
Source: Delta: cancel a flight
What are my rights if Delta Air Lines changes the schedule of my award flight?
Delta rebooks you automatically and notifies you by email, My Trips and the Fly Delta app. A shift of 3 hours or more on a domestic flight, or 6 hours or more internationally, counts as significant: you can keep the new itinerary, pick alternative flights yourself in My Trips or the app, or cancel for a refund (Delta issues the refund automatically if you take no action within 24 hours of a significant change). Since awards already change and cancel fee-free from the US and Canada, the practical benefit is being able to reroute on your own terms.
Source: Delta: schedule changes
Can I cancel just the return of a round-trip Delta SkyMiles award?
Cancel before you fly and the whole award redeposits fee-free, but once travel has commenced the award is considered used and Delta does not credit miles back for the unused portion, so dropping the return after flying the outbound returns nothing.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Can I change the passenger name on a Delta SkyMiles award?
No. Name changes are not permitted once an award ticket has been issued, and award tickets are non-transferable.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Are change and cancellation fees waived for Delta SkyMiles elite members?
There is nothing to waive on award changes because redeposit and reissue fees are zero for all members; Gold, Platinum and Diamond additionally get the $75 Same-Day Confirmed fee waived.
Does Delta SkyMiles offer a 24-hour free cancellation on awards?
Yes. Bookings made on delta.com or the Fly Delta app, awards included, can be cancelled under Risk-Free Cancellation until midnight of the day after purchase or midnight of the first departure date, whichever is first. Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed or refunded once that window passes.
Source: Delta: cancel a flight
Are the change and cancellation rules different for partner awards in Delta SkyMiles?
The no-fee change and cancel policy applies to partner awards too, with one named exception: Skymark (Japan) awards cannot be changed or cancelled once confirmed.
If I cancel a Delta SkyMiles award booked with miles that have since expired, do I get them back?
Not an issue with Delta: SkyMiles never expire, so redeposited miles simply return to your balance.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
What does Delta Air Lines do if my award flight is cancelled on the day, and can I be rebooked on partners?
Delta's Customer Service Plan applies to award tickets like any other: after a cancellation, significant delay or misconnect Delta rebooks you on its next available flight at no cost, and if no Delta flight is available it will arrange a flight on another airline with which it has a ticketing agreement, also free. You can also pick an alternative yourself in My Trips or the Fly Delta app, and for delays within Delta's control it provides meals after 3 hours plus a contracted hotel and ground transport for overnight disruptions.
Source: Delta: Customer Service Plan
Award availability
When seats are released, holds, waitlists and how to find space.
When does Delta Air Lines release award seats, and are more added closer to departure?
On Delta's own flights there is no separate award allotment to be released: Delta says there are no blackout dates for Award Travel on Delta flights, which means every seat available for purchase can be booked with miles. Partner flights are the exception, as Delta's Travel with Miles page says blackout dates may apply on partner airline-operated flights. See how award availability works.
Source: Delta News Hub: Fall in love with SkyMiles, how to get the most from your Membership today
Do Delta SkyMiles elite members get extra award availability?
Yes on Skymark in Japan: award travel on Skymark is open only to Medallion members or Japan-issued Delta SkyMiles card members residing in Japan, booked at least 14 days before departure, with no waitlist and no changes or cancellations once confirmed. Delta-operated flights have no blackout dates for any member, while partner airlines may impose their own.
Can I redeem miles for any seat on Delta Air Lines, or only for designated award seats?
Any seat on a Delta flight can be bought with miles; there are no blackout dates and no separate award inventory, just a dynamic price. Partner flights depend on what the partner releases.
What tools show Delta SkyMiles award availability across dates?
Delta's own flexible award calendar, shown when you search with Shop with Miles, displays the lowest price across nearby dates; the SkyMiles Award Deals page lists discounted routes.
When is the best time to book a Delta SkyMiles award?
Delta publishes no release schedule and prices every award dynamically, so there is no set sweet spot on the calendar. Book when the flexible award calendar shows a low price for your dates, watch the SkyMiles Deals page and the periodic Award Flash Sales, and remember that fee-free changes and cancellations from the US and Canada let you rebook if the price later falls.
Source: Delta: travel with miles
How do I find award seats for a family of four in Delta SkyMiles?
On Delta flights, Delta says every seat available for purchase can be booked with miles and there are no blackout dates, so four award seats exist whenever four seats are still on sale. Budget the same miles for the children, since the program rules say award prices for children are the same as for adults.
Source: Delta News Hub: Fall in love with SkyMiles, how to get the most from your Membership today
Upgrades
Using miles to move up a cabin, eligible fares, copays and waitlists.
How do I upgrade an Delta Air Lines flight with miles?
On flights within the US 50 you can add a Mileage Upgrade Award while booking on delta.com; otherwise upgrade after booking in My Trips on delta.com, the Fly Delta app or via Delta Reservations. Delta One, Delta First, Delta Premium Select and Delta Comfort are all upgradeable, but not from Delta Basic fares.
Source: Delta: miles upgrades and more
Which fares are eligible for a miles upgrade on Delta Air Lines?
On Delta-marketed and operated flights, fare classes P, A, G, Y, B, M, H, Q and K are eligible for Mileage Upgrade Awards; Delta Basic experiences are excluded, and award tickets are not eligible.
Source: Delta: miles upgrades and more
How many miles does an upgrade cost in Delta SkyMiles, and is there a cash copay?
Delta does not publish a chart; upgrade prices vary by market and are shown in miles when you shop or in My Trips, and Delta says they are subject to change without notice.
Source: Delta: miles upgrades and more
Can I use miles to upgrade partner airline flights through Delta SkyMiles?
Yes on Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic and Aeromexico in eligible fare classes, arranged through a Delta Reservations specialist rather than online. Platinum and Diamond Upgrade Certificates also work on KLM, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, Aeromexico and LATAM.
Source: Delta: miles upgrades and more
Can I waitlist for a miles upgrade in Delta SkyMiles?
Not for Mileage Upgrade Awards: they are confirmed from limited inventory through Delta Reservations up to 24 hours before departure, and the page describes no waitlist. Medallion complimentary upgrades queue automatically and roll to the airport standby list, and Platinum and Diamond Upgrade Certificates can be waitlisted for a specific cabin, counting as used once they clear.
Source: Delta: miles upgrades and more
Can I upgrade with miles at check-in or at the gate on Delta Air Lines?
Medallion upgrades that have not cleared in advance roll automatically onto the airport standby list at check-in, and Delta says that if you have already boarded but are next on the list when a seat opens, gate agents and flight attendants will do their best to move you before takeoff. Delta One upgrades on domestic routes only ever clear on the day of departure.
Does Delta SkyMiles give elite members upgrade certificates or instruments?
Yes. Platinum Medallions get four Regional Upgrade Certificates, and Diamond chooses four Global, eight Regional, or two Global plus four Regional. They work on award tickets, on partners such as Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, Aeromexico and LATAM (confirmed more than 24 hours out, no waitlist), and expire at the end of the Medallion Year.
Source: Delta: Medallion upgrades
Can I upgrade an award ticket with more miles in Delta SkyMiles?
Not with miles: award tickets are not eligible for Mileage Upgrade Awards. Medallion members can apply Global or Regional Upgrade Certificates to award tickets (not Delta Basic) and get complimentary upgrades on them.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Are upgrade miles refunded if the upgrade does not clear in Delta SkyMiles?
A Mileage Upgrade Award only books when a seat is confirmed, so there is nothing to refund for a failed clearance. Miles spent on a delta.com upgrade after booking can be redeposited if you change the booking before the check-in window opens; miles used on Preferred Seats, change fees, Same-Day Confirmed fees and other services are nonrefundable.
Source: Delta: miles upgrades and more
Does Delta Air Lines sell cash upgrades or run upgrade auctions, and do they earn miles?
Delta sells fixed-price upgrades rather than running auctions: from ticketing until 90 minutes before departure (or until check-in closes) you can buy an upgrade to Delta Comfort, Premium Select, Delta First or Delta One from the upgrade offers banner in My Trips, everyone on the reservation together, on Delta and Delta Connection flights only and never from a Basic ticket. Paid upgrades do earn miles and MQDs when your SkyMiles number is on the purchase.
Non-flight redemptions
Hotels, cars, merchandise, seats, bags and other ways to spend miles.
Can I redeem miles for hotels through Delta SkyMiles, and what is the value?
Yes, through Delta Stays: pay for all or part of a hotel booking with miles and split the rest on a card. Stays paid even partly with miles earn no miles.
Can I redeem miles for car rentals through Delta SkyMiles?
Yes, on pay-now bookings through Delta Car Rentals, with the same miles-plus-card split as hotels; cancel at least 24 hours before pick-up, and rentals paid with miles earn no miles.
Can I redeem miles for merchandise or gift cards in Delta SkyMiles?
Yes, through the SkyMiles Marketplace: Delta Gift Cards are open to every member, while merchandise and third-party gift cards are limited to US and Puerto Rico residents, with Medallion members and Delta SkyMiles Amex cardholders offered a wider range. Magazine subscriptions are also available to US residents, and Japan residents can redeem 10,000 to 30,000 miles a year for JTB tour vouchers.
Can I pay for seat selection with miles on Delta Air Lines?
Yes. Preferred Seats can be bought with miles on delta.com or in the app, except on Delta Basic fares, and Medallion members get them free.
Source: Delta: miles upgrades and more
Can I pay for checked bags with miles on Delta Air Lines?
Yes. Standard checked bag fees can be paid with miles during check-in on delta.com, the Fly Delta app or an airport kiosk; excess and overweight bag charges cannot.
Source: Delta: baggage overview
Can I pay for in-flight Wi-Fi or food with miles on Delta Air Lines?
Not Wi-Fi or meals, but miles do cover premium drinks in Delta Sky Clubs, Preferred Seats, ticket change fees and Same-Day Confirmed fees.
Source: Delta: miles upgrades and more
Can I redeem miles for lounge access or a lounge membership in Delta SkyMiles?
Medallion members can buy a Sky Club Individual or Executive membership with miles, and guests can be paid for at $50 or 5,000 miles per visit. Non-Medallion members cannot buy a membership and single-visit passes are no longer sold.
Source: Delta: Sky Club access
Can I donate miles to charity through Delta SkyMiles?
Yes, through SkyWish, Delta's mileage donation program, which groups charities into four cause categories on the buy, gift, transfer or donate page.
Does Delta SkyMiles offer experiences, events or auctions for miles?
Yes. SkyMiles Experiences offers exclusive access and events for miles, listed on the Ways to Redeem Miles page when you are logged in.
Source: Delta: ways to redeem miles
Can I convert miles to cash or statement credit in Delta SkyMiles?
No cash-out. The closest thing is Pay with Miles for Delta Amex cardholders, where 5,000 miles takes about $50 off a Delta ticket, and those miles cannot be redeposited even on refundable fares.
Source: Delta: Pay with Miles
Which non-flight redemptions in Delta SkyMiles give the best value per miles?
Pay with Miles sets a floor of roughly 1 cent per mile ($50 per 5,000 miles) on Delta tickets for Amex cardholders, and the cash-paid remainder still earns miles and MQDs. See value.
Source: Delta: Pay with Miles
Can I use miles to extend status or buy tier credit in Delta SkyMiles?
No. Buying, gifting or transferring miles earns no MQDs, and the only way to top up MQDs from the program itself is the MQD Accelerator Choice Benefit available to Platinum ($1,000) and Diamond ($2,000) members.
Expiry and reactivation
Whether miles expire, what keeps them alive and how to get them back.
Do Delta SkyMiles expire?
No. Under the SkyMiles Mileage Expiration policy miles do not expire. They are forfeited only if the account is closed, for example for fraud, at your request or after death. See the guide.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
What counts as activity to keep Delta SkyMiles from expiring?
Nothing is required; SkyMiles do not expire regardless of activity.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Can expired Delta SkyMiles be reinstated, and at what cost?
There is nothing to reinstate because miles never expire. Miles forfeited when an account is closed for rule violations are gone, and terminated members may not open a new account.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Are Delta SkyMiles elite members or cardholders exempt from expiry?
Everyone is exempt: no SkyMiles member's miles expire, whatever their status or card.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
How do I check when my Delta SkyMiles expire?
You do not need to; SkyMiles have no expiry date.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
What is the cheapest way to keep Delta SkyMiles active?
Free: SkyMiles do not expire, so no activity is needed to keep them.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Does Delta SkyMiles close inactive accounts?
Not for inactivity. Delta closes accounts for fraud, at the member's request, on death, when repeated attempts to contact the member fail, for duplicate accounts, for residence in a prohibited country or for rule violations, and miles in a closed account are forfeited.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Does a bank transfer or a purchase of miles reset the Delta SkyMiles expiry clock?
Irrelevant for Delta: there is no expiry clock to reset because SkyMiles never expire.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Baggage, seats, lounges and travel perks
What members and elites get at the airport and on board.
What is the standard checked baggage allowance on Delta Air Lines, and how does status change it?
Domestic checked bags cost $45 for the first and $55 for the second (under 50 lb). Silver Medallions get one bag free, Gold, Platinum and Diamond get two at up to 70 lb each, and Delta Amex cardholders get the first bag free.
Source: Delta: baggage overview
Which lounges can Delta SkyMiles members access, and how?
Delta Sky Clubs admit Delta One passengers, SkyTeam Elite Plus members on same-day international flights, Reserve Amex cardholders (15 visits a year, unlimited after $75,000 spend), Platinum Amex cardholders (10 visits) and paid members, all within 3 hours of departure. Basic Economy passengers are excluded.
Source: Delta: Sky Club access
Can I buy lounge access on Delta Air Lines without status?
Not as a walk-up: single-visit pass sales have been discontinued and annual memberships are sold only to Medallion members. Without status, the route in is a Reserve or Platinum Amex card, a Delta One ticket, or as a guest of a member at $50 or 5,000 miles.
Source: Delta: Sky Club access
Who gets priority check-in, security and boarding on Delta Air Lines?
All Medallion tiers get priority check-in. Gold, Platinum and Diamond get Sky Priority security lanes and expedited baggage; boarding is Zone 2 for Diamond, Zone 4 for Platinum and Gold, and Zone 5 for Silver and Reserve Amex cardholders.
Does Delta Air Lines offer same-day changes or standby, and is it free for elites?
Yes. Same-Day Confirmed changes to an earlier flight in the same fare class cost $75 for General and Silver members (free on Extra fares) and are waived for Gold, Platinum and Diamond; Delta Basic tickets are excluded.
Does Delta Air Lines offer free Wi-Fi to Delta SkyMiles members?
Yes. Fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi presented by T-Mobile comes with a SkyMiles membership on most domestic US flights and much of Delta's international network (not yet Asia): join the DeltaWiFi.com network and log in with your SkyMiles credentials, on as many devices as you like. Flights that have it show a Free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles Members badge in search results, and non-members can buy a Wi-Fi Flight Pass instead.
Source: Delta: onboard Wi-Fi
Do Delta SkyMiles elite benefits extend to a companion on the same booking?
One companion on the same reservation can be upgraded with you on Delta and Delta Connection if they are a SkyMiles member, both are ticketed and the request is made at least three hours before departure. Up to eight companions also get a free first checked bag.
Source: Delta: Medallion upgrades
Can Delta SkyMiles elites use partner airline lounges when flying partners?
Gold, Platinum and Diamond, as SkyTeam Elite Plus, get SkyTeam partner lounge access on international flights. The Amex Sky Club benefit is valid only at Delta Sky Clubs, not partner lounges.
Do I get elite benefits when flying on an award ticket in Delta SkyMiles?
Yes. Complimentary Medallion upgrades apply to award tickets, Miles + Cash and Pay with Miles tickets just as to paid fares, and award flights earn MQDs.
Source: Delta: Medallion upgrades
Does Delta SkyMiles status come with hotel, car rental or other partner status?
Medallion status gives Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star (Silver and Gold) or President's Circle (Platinum and Diamond), Delta Stays VIP access with up to 15% off rooms, and a $40 ($90 for Diamond) CLEAR Plus discount; a World of Hyatt relationship was announced in September 2026.
Alliances and partnerships
Which alliance the airline belongs to, its non-alliance partners and joint ventures.
Which alliance is Delta Air Lines in, and since when?
Delta is a SkyTeam member; Silver Medallion maps to SkyTeam Elite and Gold, Platinum and Diamond to Elite Plus. See SkyTeam.
Which airlines are Delta Air Lines's partners outside its alliance?
Outside SkyTeam, Delta partners with LATAM, WestJet, EL AL, airBaltic and Cape Air for earning, plus Skymark in Japan for Medallion award redemptions.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles airline partners
Which joint ventures is Delta Air Lines part of, and what do they mean for Delta SkyMiles members?
Delta operates a transborder joint venture with Aeromexico; in September 2026 a US appeals court vacated the DOT order that would have unwound it. Delta-marketed flights on JV partners earn 5 miles and $1 MQD per dollar like Delta's own.
Source: Delta News Hub
Which partners has Delta SkyMiles added or lost recently?
Added: a strategic relationship with World of Hyatt announced September 2026, starting with elite members. Ending: Shangri-La Golden Circle and Flyertea earning and conversion stop on 30 September 2026.
Source: Delta News Hub
Which hotel loyalty programs partner with Delta SkyMiles?
Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, World of Hyatt and Accor ALL all convert points to SkyMiles, and Marriott, Hyatt, IHG and Delta Stays earn miles on stays. Shangri-La leaves on 30 September 2026 and a deeper Hyatt partnership is launching.
Does Delta SkyMiles partner with any low-cost carriers?
No budget carrier appears on Delta's airline partner page. The earning partners are the SkyTeam full-service airlines plus LATAM, WestJet, EL AL, airBaltic, Cape Air and the intra-Alaska carriers, so there is no Delta equivalent of a low-cost earning partner.
Does Delta SkyMiles have rail partners?
None. SkyMiles lists only airline partners, and even the rail segments Air France sells as TGVAIR flights are excluded from earning on Delta's Air France chart.
Do Delta Air Lines's regional or subsidiary carriers earn and redeem in Delta SkyMiles the same way?
Yes. Delta Connection regional flights carry DL flight numbers and are treated as Delta flights for earning, Pay with Miles and complimentary Medallion upgrades.
Source: Delta: Medallion upgrades
Program rules, ownership and selling
What the terms say about who owns miles, selling, brokers and enforcement.
Who owns Delta SkyMiles: the member or the airline?
Delta. The rules state that miles are not the property of any member and may not be sold, attached, seized, pledged or transferred except through the paid Transfer Miles program.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Do the Delta SkyMiles terms prohibit selling or bartering miles?
Yes. The sale or barter of miles, vouchers, award tickets, upgrade certificates and Medallion status is prohibited, and miles may leave an account only through the SkyMiles Transfer Miles program.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
What can Delta SkyMiles do if it finds miles were sold or awards were bought?
Delta may terminate the membership with loss of all accumulated miles, Medallion and Million Miler status, or at its discretion deduct miles and let the member continue. Awards obtained improperly are void, invalid for travel and confiscated, and terminated members may not open a new account.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Does Delta SkyMiles audit accounts, and what triggers a review?
Yes. Delta reserves the right to audit any account at any time without notice, including for address accuracy, and can lock the account during an investigation, during which miles can accrue but not be redeemed and outstanding awards are cancelled.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Is it against the Delta SkyMiles rules to book an award for someone who pays me for it?
Yes. Booking for others is allowed, but accepting payment turns it into a sale or barter of an award, which the rules prohibit; such awards are void and confiscated and the account can be terminated.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Can Delta SkyMiles change its rules or devalue miles without notice?
Yes. Delta and its partners may change rules, benefits, award travel and Medallion requirements at any time without notice, even retroactively affecting accumulated miles, and may end the program with six months' notice.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Where are the full Delta SkyMiles terms and conditions?
The SkyMiles Membership Guide and Program Rules are at delta.com under SkyMiles, Program Resources, Program Rules; the current version is dated 1 January 2026.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
How does selling Delta SkyMiles through Points Plug work?
Points Plug buys Delta SkyMiles in balances of 50,000 or more and pays 0.93¢ to 1.10¢ per mile depending on the balance. You get a quote on the Delta SkyMiles page, our team confirms the details, the miles are used to book travel for our customers through your account, and you are paid within 24 to 48 hours of the booking. The rates page explains how offers are set.
Source: Points Plug: how it works
What are Delta SkyMiles worth?
Published valuations put Delta SkyMiles at 1.10¢ to 1.20¢ each, about 1.16¢ on average, as of 2026-09-22. Premium-cabin partner awards can beat that and merchandise or cash-style redemptions fall below it. The valuation page lists each source and the redemptions behind the range.
Customer service and tools
Reaching the program, security, statements and useful tools.
How do I contact Delta SkyMiles customer service?
Call 800-323-2323 for SkyMiles (24/7) or 800-221-1212 for reservations. Medallion members find their dedicated line in the Contact Us section of the Fly Delta app.
Source: Delta Help Center: contact us
What are the Delta SkyMiles service centre hours, and is there a dedicated elite line?
The SkyMiles line is 24/7. Each Medallion tier has a dedicated priority line, up to the Diamond Medallion Desk, with the number shown in the app.
Source: Delta Help Center: contact us
Does Delta SkyMiles offer online chat or messaging support?
Yes. Delta's Message Us option on delta.com and in the app offers text-based help in English, and Delta Vacations runs its own chat.
Source: Delta Help Center: contact us
What do I do if my Delta SkyMiles account is hacked or miles are stolen?
Change your password and call SkyMiles on 800-323-2323 straight away, because the rules make each member solely responsible for actions taken with their password and say Delta has no liability for losses from unauthorised use of it. Delta can also deactivate or close an account, removing all miles, where fraudulent activity occurs, so keep multi-factor authentication switched on.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
How do I see my Delta SkyMiles activity statement and past redemptions?
Balance, account activity and redemptions are in My SkyMiles on delta.com, in the Fly Delta app, or via the automated line on 800-323-2323 around the clock. Delta also emails an online statement reminder periodically, monthly, quarterly or after recent activity.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Does Delta SkyMiles support two-factor authentication?
Yes. Delta uses multi-factor authentication with a choice of Fly Delta app notification, text passcode or email passcode, and it is also how password resets are verified.
Source: Delta Help Center: SkyMiles help
How do I escalate a complaint about Delta SkyMiles?
Use the Comment/Complaint form on the Need Help page, or write to Delta Air Lines Customer Care, P.O. Box 20980, Department 980, Atlanta, GA 30320-2980.
Source: Delta Help Center: contact us
Which languages does Delta SkyMiles customer service support?
English on the main lines, Spanish on 800-511-9629, and Japanese and Chinese on 800-327-2850; messaging support is English only.
Source: Delta Help Center: contact us
Special cases
Infants, unaccompanied minors, pets, medical needs, military and students.
What does an infant cost on a Delta SkyMiles award ticket?
A lap infant under two needs no miles, one per adult, and pays only applicable taxes; a child in their own seat pays the full adult mileage price.
Can an unaccompanied minor travel on a Delta SkyMiles award ticket?
No. Delta says that due to system limitations children under 12 cannot book or travel alone on award tickets.
Can I pay pet fees with miles on Delta Air Lines, and do pet fees earn miles?
Neither. The program rules list pet travel fees among the charges that do not earn miles, and pet fees are not on the list of fees miles can cover (Preferred Seats, change fees, Same-Day Confirmed fees). The in-cabin fee itself is $150 each way within the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and the USVI and $200 internationally, booked by calling Delta Reservations.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Does Delta SkyMiles offer military, veteran or government member benefits?
Deployed Medallion members can get a one-time status extension by providing deployment orders, and active military get complimentary checked baggage under Delta's military baggage policy.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
Does Delta SkyMiles offer student or youth benefits?
No. Delta's fares and discounts page lists only bereavement, military and government fares and senior discounts in certain markets (all booked through Reservations rather than delta.com); there is no student or youth fare and no SkyMiles youth tier.
Source: Delta: fares and discounts
Are there special award rules for medical or bereavement travel in Delta SkyMiles?
There are no special award prices, but Delta does sell Bereavement Fares to SkyMiles members (non-members can enrol to qualify) after the death or imminent death of an immediate family member: call 800-221-1212 or use Message Us, travel must begin within seven days, documentation is required and they cannot be bought on delta.com. Miles still play a part, since Mileage Upgrade Awards and Upgrade Certificates can upgrade domestic bereavement fares and Medallion complimentary upgrades work on domestic and international ones.
Source: Delta: bereavement fares
How do I request wheelchair or accessibility assistance on a Delta SkyMiles award booking?
The same way as on a paid ticket: add wheelchair or mobility-device assistance in My Trips, ideally when you book, or for travel more than 7 days out use the Accessible Service Request form or call Delta's accessibility line on 404-209-3434 (dial 711 for relay). At the airport, any agent or a Complaint Resolution Officer can arrange help, and wheelchair service can be set up for connections too.
Can I book group awards for more than nine people in Delta SkyMiles?
Not as a group award. Delta's Group Travel desk (800-532-4777, for 10 or more passengers on a common segment) sells contracted paid group fares, bookable up to 240 days out domestically and 331 days for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, with no miles-based option; group passengers also cannot use SkyMiles upgrade benefits and earn under the unpublished-fare accrual policy. Award seats for a large party have to be booked as ordinary award reservations.
Source: Delta: group travel
Recent changes and what is coming
Devaluations, renames, new partners and how the program announces changes.
What are the most recent major changes to Delta SkyMiles?
Delta announced a strategic relationship with World of Hyatt (September 2026), new Amex welcome offers with two round-trip Delta Comfort flights plus 50,000 miles (August 2026), and confirmed MQD thresholds stay the same for 2027 status.
Source: Delta News Hub
Has Delta SkyMiles changed its name or currency recently?
Not recently. The program has been called SkyMiles since 1995, when Delta renamed the Frequent Flyer Program it launched in 1981, and the currency has stayed plain miles ever since; the last big structural change was absorbing Northwest WorldPerks in 2009.
Source: Delta News Hub: Delta's history
What changes has Delta SkyMiles announced for the coming year?
The 2027 Medallion thresholds are unchanged at $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 and $28,000 MQDs, Choice Benefits for the 2027 Medallion Year must be chosen by 31 January 2028, and the Hyatt partnership is due to launch, starting with elite members.
Source: Delta News Hub: 2026 Medallion Status, what to know before year end
How does Delta SkyMiles notify members of changes?
The rules let Delta change the program at any time without notice, so watch the dated program rules (currently 1 January 2026) and the SkyMiles category on the Delta News Hub; only termination of the whole program carries six months' notice.
Source: Delta: SkyMiles program rules
What changed most recently in how Delta SkyMiles elite status is earned?
Status is earned solely on MQDs at $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 and $28,000, and Delta confirmed in December 2025 that these thresholds stay the same for 2027 status, with MQD Headstart of $2,500 per Platinum or Reserve card type.
Source: Delta News Hub: 2026 Medallion Status, what to know before year end
When was Delta SkyMiles founded?
Delta launched its Frequent Flyer Program in 1981 and renamed it SkyMiles in 1995. Delta's own history timeline also marks 2009, when Northwest's WorldPerks was folded into SkyMiles to create what was then the world's largest loyalty program with more than 74 million members.
Source: Delta News Hub: Delta's history
Pages these answers were read from
- Delta: SkyMiles program overview · official page
- Delta: SkyMiles program rules · official page
- Delta Help Center: SkyMiles help · official page
- Delta: how to earn miles · official page
- Delta: travel with miles (award travel) · official page
- Delta Help Center: seats and upgrades · official page
- Delta: Medallion program overview · official page
- Delta: SkyMiles airline partners · official page
- Delta: SkyMiles American Express cards · official page
- Delta News Hub · official page
- Delta: convert partner points to miles · official page
- American Express: transferring Membership Rewards points · official page
- Delta: Amex personal credit cards · official page
- Delta: SkyMiles partners and offers · official page
- Delta: buy, gift, transfer or donate miles · official page
- Delta: Diamond Medallion benefits · official page
- Delta: Gold Medallion benefits · official page
- Delta: Million Miler · official page
- Delta: baggage overview · official page
- Delta: Sky Club access · official page
- Delta: Medallion upgrades · official page
- Delta: Medallion benefits at each tier · official page
- Delta: Medallion Choice Benefits · official page
- Delta: Delta Premium Select · official page
- Delta: SkyMiles Award Deals · official page
- Delta: SkyMiles Award Flash Sale · official page
- Delta: miles upgrades and more · official page
- Delta: cancellations and refunds · official page
- Delta: about award travel · official page
- Delta: taxes and carrier-imposed fees · official page
- Delta: Pay with Miles · official page
- Delta: schedule changes · official page
- Delta: Customer Service Plan · official page
- Delta News Hub: Fall in love with SkyMiles, how to get the most from your Membership today · official page
- Delta: SkyMiles Marketplace and magazines · official page
- Delta: ways to redeem miles · official page
- Delta: onboard Wi-Fi · official page
- Delta Help Center: contact us · official page
- Delta: fares and discounts · official page
- Delta: bereavement fares · official page
- Delta: accessible travel services · official page
- Delta: group travel · official page
- Delta News Hub: Delta's history · official page
- Delta News Hub: 2026 Medallion Status, what to know before year end · official page