Delta SkyMiles® is a popular airline rewards program that’s great for frequent flyers. But what’s the best way to use your Delta SkyMiles rewards?
If you fly Delta often, using your Delta SkyMiles to book flights is arguably the best way to get the most value from this airline rewards program. There are no blackout dates and you can choose from more than 1,000 destinations.
Let’s take a closer look at the best types of flights to book, where to go and when to travel in order to maximize your Delta SkyMiles rewards.
How to earn Delta SkyMiles rewards
It’s free to sign up for an account with the Delta SkyMiles program. And as a SkyMiles member, you’ll earn three miles for every $1 you spend on Delta flights. Plus, if you have Delta Medallion elite status, you could earn even more miles every time you fly.
But on top of the Delta SkyMiles you can earn from flying, the fastest way to accumulate rewards is with a Delta credit card.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Best for budget travelers
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card gives you the opportunity to earn more rewards with a reasonable annual fee. New cardholders can jump start their SkyMiles balance with 50,000 bonus miles earned after spending $2,000 on purchases during the first 6 months from account opening.
Plus, you’ll get …
- 2 miles for every $1 you spend on Delta purchases
- 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants around the world (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
- 2 miles per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets
- 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
You’ll also score priority boarding, and your first checked bag is free on Delta flights.
The card has a manageable $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. This makes it a great entry-level card for budget travelers who fly with Delta on a regular basis, but don’t want to pony up for an expensive annual fee.
Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Best for people who travel together
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card comes with a companion certificate each year after card renewal. When you fly with the companion certificate, you can take a friend or family member along for between $22 and $250 in taxes and fees (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). This cool perk has the potential to save you a lot more in airfare than the $350 annual fee this card charges.
You’ll also earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases during your first 6 months after account opening.
Plus, you’ll get …
- 3 miles for every $1 you spend on Delta purchases
- 3 miles per $1 spent directly at hotels
- 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants around the world, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- 2 miles per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets
- 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Learn more about the the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for luxury travelers
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card will make your trip more comfortable.
From airport lounge access to complimentary seat upgrades, you’ll travel in style. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card also comes with a companion certificate each year after card renewal, if you want to share the perks with someone special.
You’ll also earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card membership.
Plus, you’ll get …
- 3 miles for every $1 you spend on Delta purchases
- 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
But the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card also comes with a hefty price tag: a $650 annual fee.
Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
How to use Delta SkyMiles rewards
Delta SkyMiles are worth an estimated 1.07 cents each, based on Credit Karma’s point valuations.
While you can redeem miles for extras like seat upgrades or Delta gift cards, the best value you’ll get will be for booking a Delta flight.
Of course, it all depends on how you redeem your points because some flights offer more value than others. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few different ways to use your Delta SkyMiles, so you can decide what’s best for your situation.
1. Fly first class
If you’re looking to upgrade your flying experience, you might want to use your Delta SkyMiles to treat yourself to a first-class seat. The same goes for the airline’s top-of-the-line Delta One® cabin.
Not only is this a fun way to reward yourself without breaking the bank, but because these tickets tend to be pricey, they might offer more value than you’d get from booking a more affordable main cabin ticket.
2. Fly internationally
Flying internationally often provides more value than traveling short distances.
Delta flies to popular destinations all over the world. Whether you dream of taking a stroll under the Eiffel Tower, trekking to Machu Picchu, exploring the Great Pyramid of Giza or relaxing on a beachfront villa in the Maldives, flying around the world can be expensive. So redeeming your points for flights might prove to be most valuable for you when you book an international flight.
3. Fly during peak season
Maybe you’re planning a summer vacation — or heading home for the holidays. These can be peak times to travel.
4. Compare prices to find the best deals
You can use Delta’s fare calendar to search for the best deals and then compare the price in dollars to the number of miles required to book the same flight.
The sweet spot is finding award tickets that cost more — but don’t require as many miles to book. That’s how you can get the best value.
Next steps: Consider Delta Medallion status
If you’re a loyal Delta flyer and looking for more benefits, you might want to work your way up to Medallion status. With Medallion, you’ll have access to perks like complimentary upgraded seats, waived baggage fees and additional extras, depending on your status tier.
Check out our guide to Delta Medallion status to learn more.