The SkyMiles program is a relatively simple program that makes it easy to both earn and redeem miles. This guide will give you the basics of redeeming your miles for award flights that provide your points maximum value.
SkyMiles Redemption Basics
Delta SkyMiles are earned in several ways:
- Flying
- Spending on Delta’s credit cards
- Transferring points from the Membership Rewards program
- Shopping through Delta’s SkyMiles shopping portal
- The SkyMiles dining program through various other promotions offered by the airline
Once you earn points in the SkyMiles program, you can redeem your miles for travel on a Delta Airlines-operated itinerary or partner-operated flight.
You can earn and use your miles to book flights on more than 20 Delta Airlines partners worldwide. For example, if you want to fly from the U.S. to Argentina, you can use your miles to fly on a LATAM flight from Miami to Buenos Aires.
How Much Do Award Flights Cost?
Delta does not publish an official award chart that lists the exact number of miles you need for each destination. Instead, they now use fully dynamic award pricing, which means the number of miles required for a flight may change day to day, even hour to hour. As a result, you need to search directly on Delta’s website to determine how many miles you will need for a redemption flight.
Dynamic pricing can score you some outstanding deals, making certain flights out of reach for most travelers. So check early and check often to find the best deals for your situation.
Ways to Redeem SkyMiles
SkyMiles members have several different ways to redeem their miles on Delta or partner flights. There are many strategies to determine the best redemption for your miles, but ultimately the best value is the one that best suits your needs at the moment of redemption.
SkyMiles miles can be used for:
- Travel on Delta Airlines and Partner Airlines to over 1,000 destinations in over 60 countries.
- Fly first-class from Seattle to Cancun for approx. 30,000 miles
- Or visit family for a little as 2,000 miles
Delta Airlines Military Benefits
Delta Airlines offers military discount flights not available to civilian customers. Contact their reservation number (800-325-1771 or 800-221-1212) for more information. Active-Duty Military and their dependents traveling on orders can check up to five bags for free up to 100lbs each by showing their military ID at check-in. Additionally, active-duty military traveling on personal or leisure travel may check two bags up to 50lbs each.
Delta Airlines have no specific policy that allows military members to enter a Delta Sky Club lounge. However, people report successfully entering when traveling in uniform or with a copy of leave orders and your military ID.