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SkyMiles
SkyMiles
SkyMiles
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SkyMiles
TypeFrequent-flyer program
OwnerDelta Air Lines
Introduced1981; 44 years ago (1981)
WebsiteSkyMiles

SkyMiles is the frequent-flyer program of Delta Air Lines that offers points (or "miles") to passengers traveling on most fare types, as well as to consumers who utilize Delta co-branded credit cards, which accumulate towards free awards such as airline tickets, business and first-class upgrades, and luxury products.[1] Created in 1981[2][3] as the "Delta Air Lines Frequent Flyer Program", its name was changed to SkyMiles in 1995.[4] Originally all airlines including Delta, only gave miles for airline travel and not credit card expenditures.[5] Delta claims to have been the first major U.S. airline without mileage expiration, so travelers can redeem awards at their leisure, but others have since followed.[6] The airline also has a separate SkyBonus program that provides small to mid-sized business owners with a way to earn points for trips taken by employees, good towards free flights, upgrades, Medallion status and other travel awards.[7] It has been ranked fairly high according to some independent news outlets.[8]

Partnerships

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In addition to its Delta Connection, Delta Shuttle and SkyTeam alliance partnerships, Delta offers frequent flyer partnerships with the following airlines:[9][10]

Former partnerships

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In addition to the air miles, SkyMiles can be redeemed and even earned on SkyMiles cruises but that is actually a separate company.[19] Miles may be used and accrued on Delta Vacations but that is also a separate company although Delta is the parent company.[20][21]

Medallion status

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Delta offers four published tiers of elite status within the SkyMiles program. These are known as Medallion statuses and previously were achieved by flying a certain number of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQS) between January 1 and December 31 each year. Beginning in 2014, a certain number of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) was required for the US members in addition to either the MQM or the MQS requirement.[citation needed]

In September 2023, Delta announced a major change in how Medallion status would be earned beginning in 2024 (earning for status in 2025). MQM and MQS were abolished in favor of a simpler structure relying only on MQD to earn status, and new ways to earn MQD were created, including spending on the co-branded SkyMiles American Express credit cards.[22]

Tier name MQD required Abbreviation
Silver Medallion $5,000 FO
Gold Medallion $10,000 GM
Platinum Medallion $15,000 PM
Diamond Medallion $28,000 DM

Delta Private Jets Card holders receive Diamond Medallion tier status.[23]

Medallion status entitles members to unlimited complimentary upgrades, subject to availability, on most published economy fares on Delta and certain Delta-designated codeshare flights in North America within or between the United States (excluding Hawaii) and Bermuda, Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Mexico.[24] In addition, preferred coach seating such as in the Economy Comfort section is set aside for medallion members for when first and business class upgrades are not available.[25][26] Although not a published benefit, certain top tier members of the program have been transferred at Delta hubs by an automobile and chauffeur pick up service (see photograph). There is also a Delta 360 level of status which is awarded by invite only to their very best customers. How to earn this status has not been published. There have been further updates in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.[27]

Porsche transfer, SeaTac Airport
Porsche transfer, Detroit Airport for Delta Medallions

History

[edit]

In 1991, Delta acquired most of the assets of Pan Am Airways, and in November 1991 all members of the Pan Am frequent flyer program, WorldPass, were transferred to Delta's FF program, with their accumulated miles.[28]

On July 31, 2008, Delta adjusted the cost of award tickets by implementing a four-tiered pricing system. For example, a domestic coach ticket cost 25,000, 32,500, 40,000, or 60,000 miles depending on availability.[29]

On July 27, 2009, Delta introduced "Rollover" for Delta Medallion members. Flyers who reach an elite tier in a program year are able to roll over any extra Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) above their earned tier to the next year. For example, a passenger who earned 65,000 MQM in 2010 will earn Gold Medallion status for reaching 50,000 MQMs and will begin 2011 with 15,000 MQMs rolled over from the previous year.[30][31]

On October 1, 2009, Northwest Airlines' former frequent flyer program, WorldPerks, officially became SkyMiles. This remained until the reservation system and website became Delta on January 31, 2010.[32]

In January 2011, Delta eliminated its mileage expiration policy, making it at the time the only major U.S. carrier to have a non-expiring mileage policy.[33][34] The announcement was made on 15 February 2011. (United Airlines matched their policy by 2019.)[35]

In January 2013, Delta announced that beginning in the 2014 program year qualifying for elite Medallion status will require meeting spending thresholds. Each tier of elite status will now require a certain amount of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), in addition to the existing mileage or segment requirements. 1 MQD is earned for every dollar spent on most Delta issued airline tickets and on Delta marketed flights on other tickets. Only the base fare and carrier imposed fees earn MQDs. Government fees and taxes, as well as ancillary services such as baggage fees, change fees, etc., do not earn MQDs.[36] Medallion members who spend at least $25,000 on a cobranded Delta American Express card annually are exempt from this new requirement.[37] On September 26, 2017 Delta announced that the Credit Card waiver for Diamond Medallions only, was being increased to $250,000 which effectively eliminates it for many travelers.[38]

In late February 2014 Delta announced significant changes to the SkyMiles program that shifts away from miles traveled to earning based on Medallion level and dollars spent, ceasing to be a frequent flyer program and becoming a spending program.[39][40] Also announced was a new mileage redemption structure that will approve Award seat availability. The minimum number of miles earned per dollar is 5 and the maximum per dollar is 13. SkyMiles members that use one of Delta's branded credit cards from American Express will receive a bonus of 2-3 additional miles per dollar spent with Delta, depending on the tier of card used.[41] It was also announced that the maximum number of miles that can be earned on any ticket is 75,000.[42]

SkyMiles Program Status Miles per dollar Miles earned with Delta AmEx Total miles per dollar
General SkyMiles member 5 2 - 3, depending on card 7 - 8
Silver Medallion 7 2 - 3, depending on card 9 - 10
Gold Medallion 8 2 - 3, depending on card 10 - 11
Platinum Medallion 9 2 - 3, depending on card 11 - 12
Diamond Medallion 11 2 - 3, depending on card 13 - 14

The updates to the 2015 SkyMiles program will not impact how one earns different Medallion levels from the 2014 MQD scheme.[43] Partnerships with Airbnb have also been announced.[44][45]

COVID-19 pandemic effect

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The Delta Skymiles program was valued at $6.5 billion. The program was in effect mortgaged to keep the airline afloat in view of the catastrophic drop in demand for air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Delta reported a 78% decline in miles redeemed in the first half of the 2020 year, resulting in a 60% drop in passenger revenue. However, frequent fliers continued to use their Delta SkyMiles credit cards, and cash from sales to American Express declined only 5% year-over-year to $1.9 billion.[46] Overall Delta raised 9 billion in this cashflow issue.[47] Most airlines, Delta included, instituted rollover of status and miles programs to keep its loyal customers in the wake of the pandemic.[48]

References

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SkyMiles

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from Grokipedia
SkyMiles is the frequent flyer operated by , launched in 1995 as a of the airline's earlier frequent flyer initiative, enabling members to earn miles on flights, spending, and partner purchases for redemption toward rewards, upgrades, and other perks. The program is free to join and available to individuals in most countries, with earned miles that never expire, providing long-term value for participants. Members earn SkyMiles primarily through Delta-operated flights on a revenue-based introduced in , where miles accrue proportional to ticket price rather than flight distance—typically 5 miles per dollar spent on base fares for basic economy and main cabin tickets, with higher rates for premium cabins and status holders. Additional earning opportunities include up to 8 miles per dollar on Delta purchases via co-branded cards, as well as miles from partners like hotels, car rentals (e.g., Hertz), and retail (e.g., ). Redemption options focus on award travel to over 1,000 destinations worldwide, including Delta flights, Delta Vacations packages, and partner airlines within the alliance, with that varies based on demand and no . also powers the tiered status program—Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond—which unlocks benefits like priority boarding, free checked bags, unlimited complimentary upgrades, and waived fees, earned through Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) from spending and flights. Notable features include complimentary Delta Sync Wi-Fi on most domestic U.S. flights and a rollout to international flights for members, exclusive offers, and integration with Delta's global network following mergers like in 2008, which expanded the program to over 120 million members as of 2025. In recent years, enhancements such as 15% discounts on award flights for certain cardholders and relaxed qualification rules during the have aimed to boost accessibility and loyalty.

Program Overview

Description and Membership

SkyMiles is ' points-based , launched in 1981 as the Delta Air Lines Frequent Flyer Program and renamed SkyMiles in 1995, aimed at rewarding passengers with redeemable miles for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related perks. The program incentivizes repeat travel by accumulating miles based on flights and partner activities, fostering customer in the competitive airline industry. Enrollment in SkyMiles is free and straightforward, requiring only the creation of an account via Delta's official website or the Fly Delta , which provides tools for tracking mile balances and account activity in real time. Once joined, basic members gain immediate access to core benefits, including a no-expiration policy for earned miles—effective since January 1, 2011—that eliminates the risk of losing rewards due to inactivity. Additionally, the program offers an intuitive app interface for balance management and enables award bookings without status requirements or extra membership costs. In terms of value, SkyMiles are generally appraised at about 1.15 cents per mile in 2025 valuations, reflecting their utility primarily for Delta-operated and partner flights. The program also encompasses targeted sub-programs like SkyMiles for Business, designed for small and medium-sized enterprises in the U.S. and , where companies with at least five travelers can earn bonus miles on qualifying business expenditures to enhance corporate travel rewards. Frequent flyers may pursue elite status for upgraded perks, while partnerships with airlines and non-airline entities broaden earning potential across various transactions.

Key Features and Rules

SkyMiles miles are earned primarily through revenue-based accrual on Delta-marketed flights, where basic members receive 5 miles per U.S. dollar spent on Classic or Refundable fares, 7 miles per dollar on Extra fares, and 2 miles per dollar on Delta Comfort+ Basic fares, excluding taxes and fees. members earn enhanced rates as a multiplier on this base: at 7 miles per dollar, at 8, at 9, and at 11, effectively providing a status-based bonus on top of the fare-determined earning. This , implemented since 2015, replaced distance-based earning and applies universally to eligible ticket purchases, with Basic Economy fares ineligible for any mileage credit. Award redemptions operate without on Delta-operated flights, allowing members to book available seats at any time subject to inventory. Delta introduced a model for award tickets in 2014, under which the number of miles required fluctuates based on demand, route, and rather than a fixed chart, enabling variable costs starting as low as 5,000 miles for domestic one-way flights. may apply to partner-operated flights, governed by individual carrier policies. Miles cannot be freely transferred between SkyMiles accounts, as Delta prohibits the sale, barter, or unauthorized assignment of miles to prevent and maintain program integrity. However, members may transfer miles to up to four other SkyMiles members per transaction through Delta's official transfer program, incurring a of $0.01 per mile plus a $30 processing charge, with a minimum of 1,000 miles and annual limits of 150,000 miles transferred out per account and 300,000 miles received per account. Gifting is permitted indirectly by redeeming miles for award tickets on behalf of others, such as family or friends, without transferring the miles themselves; these tickets are non-transferable after issuance and must be used by the named traveler. Delta does not offer a formal family pooling feature to combine miles from multiple accounts into a shared balance, unlike some competing programs; instead, families rely on individual transfers or direct redemptions for shared travel needs. The program is wholly owned and governed by , with Delta retaining sole discretion to interpret, modify, or terminate rules without prior notice, ensuring compliance with applicable laws in participating countries. As a founding member of the alliance, SkyMiles integrates seamlessly for earning and redeeming across 18 partner airlines, extending global reach to over 1,000 destinations while adhering to alliance-wide standards for mileage credit and elite benefits. In 2025, Delta streamlined status qualification paths by emphasizing spending-based earning through enhanced linkages, including a new MQD Headstart benefit effective February 1, providing $2,500 in Medallion Qualification Dollars annually for eligible or Reserve cardholders to offset the required spending thresholds. This builds on the ongoing MQD Boost, where cardmembers earn $1 MQD for every $20 spent on cards or $10 on Reserve cards, facilitating faster progression toward status tiers without additional flight activity. Miles earned under these mechanics do not expire as long as the account remains active; accounts may be closed by Delta for violations of the program rules, resulting in forfeiture of miles.

Earning SkyMiles

On Flights and Partners

SkyMiles members earn redeemable miles on Delta-marketed flights, including those operated by Delta or its regional partners such as carriers like and , at a rate of 5 miles per U.S. dollar spent on the ticket price for Main Cabin or higher classes, including Delta Comfort+ and , excluding government fares and Basic Economy tickets. This revenue-based accrual applies uniformly across cabin classes, meaning higher fares in premium cabins like or naturally yield more miles due to the elevated ticket cost, though the base multiplier remains 5x for general members. Medallion status holders receive bonus miles on these earnings: Silver Medallion members earn 7 miles per dollar, Gold Medallion 8 miles per dollar, Platinum Medallion 9 miles per dollar, and Diamond Medallion 11 miles per dollar. For flights marketed and operated by Delta's airline partners, earning rates differ based on whether the ticket is Delta-marketed or partner-marketed. On Delta-marketed flights operated by partners, such as those with Air Baltic or , members earn miles at the standard 5 miles per dollar rate, plus any applicable bonuses, provided the flight is booked through Delta channels. In contrast, partner-marketed flights—those ticketed by the partner airline—accrue miles as a of the flight flown, varying by partner, class, and route; for example, carriers like and typically offer 50% to 100% of distance in economy classes (e.g., 100% for full-fare Y class, 50% for discounted Q or T classes) and up to 100% or more in premium cabins like . Specific earning charts for each partner, accessible on Delta's website, detail these percentages, with minimum mileage credits often applied for short segments. and other regional flights operated under Delta's code receive full mileage credit as Delta-marketed itineraries, ensuring seamless accrual without distance penalties. In 2024, Delta updated its SkyMiles program by eliminating Qualifying Miles (MQMs) and Qualifying Segments (MQSs) effective January 1, with elite status qualification now based solely on Qualification Dollars (MQDs) earned from flights and spending; however, redeemable SkyMiles from flight activity continue to accrue unchanged under the - or distance-based rules. bonuses from flight earnings can be complemented by accelerated accrual through Delta SkyMiles credit cards on ticket purchases.

Through Credit Cards and Spending

Delta SkyMiles members can earn miles through co-branded credit cards issued by American Express in partnership with Delta Air Lines. The available personal cards are the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card (no annual fee), Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150), Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ($350 annual fee), and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($650 annual fee). These cards offer accelerated earning rates on Delta purchases (2 miles per dollar on Blue and Gold cards; 3 miles per dollar on Platinum and Reserve cards) and other categories such as restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets on select cards, along with 1 mile per dollar on other eligible purchases. Cardholders receive Delta-specific perks, including a free first checked bag on eligible Delta flights for Basic Card Members (available on Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cards; the benefit is limited to Basic Card Members and does not apply independently to Additional Card Members, but the fee waiver extends to passengers traveling on the same reservation as the Basic Card Member, with a maximum of nine waivers per reservation, provided the Basic Card Member’s SkyMiles number is included in the reservation and the first checked bag is not overweight or oversize), priority boarding (on Platinum and Reserve), Companion Certificates (on Platinum and Reserve, including an annual Companion Certificate for a Main Cabin round-trip flight with government-imposed taxes and fees of $22–$250), 15% savings when redeeming miles for award travel on Delta flights via delta.com or the Fly Delta app, 20% back as a statement credit on select in-flight purchases (on Platinum and Reserve cards), and various statement credits for Delta-related and travel expenses (including, for the Platinum card as of February 2026, up to $120/year rideshare ($10/month), $150/year Delta Stays, $120/year Resy ($10/month), and others). Additionally, as a limited-time offer through the Uber partnership, eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders (including Platinum, Reserve, and Gold cards) can receive a statement credit of up to $9.99 per month on their auto-renewing Uber One membership fee when paying with the eligible card by June 25, 2026, with credits available for up to 12 consecutive months for Platinum and Reserve cards or up to 6 months for Gold cards. The Platinum and Reserve cards also contribute to Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) with an annual MQD Headstart of $2,500 and MQD Boost from card spending ($1 MQD per $20 spent on Platinum; $1 MQD per $10 spent on Reserve), assisting members in qualifying for elite Medallion status. Beyond direct card usage, SkyMiles members earn bonus miles via the SkyMiles portal, which partners with over 1,000 retailers to award miles on purchases made after clicking through the portal. Earning rates vary by merchant but typically range from 1 to 10 miles per spent; for instance, shopping at Apple through the portal can yield up to 5 miles per during promotional periods. The portal also features a that automatically applies coupons and alerts users to bonus opportunities, with members averaging over 2,000 miles earned annually through the program. Everyday spending on dining and rideshares further boosts mile accumulation through dedicated programs. The SkyMiles Dining initiative rewards members with up to 5 miles per dollar spent at participating U.S. restaurants for dine-in or , based on membership tiers—regular members earn 1 mile per $2 spent, Select members (with linkage) earn 3 miles per $1, and VIP members (with 11+ visits in a year) earn 5 miles per $1—provided they link a or . In April 2025, Delta shifted its rideshare partnership from to , allowing members to earn up to 3 miles per dollar on eligible Uber rides and Uber Eats orders ($40 or more): 3 miles on Uber Reserve rides, 2 miles on premium rides (such as Uber Comfort, Uber XL, Uber Black, and Uber SUV), and 1 mile on UberX airport rides, after linking accounts. Holders of Delta SkyMiles American Express cards earn an additional 1 mile per dollar on qualifying Uber transactions. SkyMiles members can also earn miles through the partnership with Starbucks Rewards by linking their Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks accounts. As of 2026, this allows earning SkyMiles on $25 or more app reloads, with terms subject to change; previously, it included 1 SkyMile per $1 spent on eligible Starbucks purchases. Additionally, members earn double Stars on days they have a Delta flight. Occasional bonus promotions are available through the partnership. Hotel bookings through Delta Stays do not earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), except during limited-time offers. Hotel loyalty programs and car rentals provide additional earning avenues tied to spending. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to SkyMiles at a 3:1 ratio, meaning 3,000 Bonvoy points yield 1,000 SkyMiles, with a 5,000-mile bonus awarded for every 60,000 Bonvoy points transferred in a single transaction. For car rentals, Hertz partnerships offer 4 miles per dollar spent on qualifying rentals for general members, scaling to 8 miles per dollar for Diamond Medallion members, excluding taxes and fees; bookings through Delta's portal enhance these rates further for Medallion elites. In 2025, Delta introduced enhancements to streamline everyday earning, including the Uber partnership for seamless mile accrual on rides and deliveries, though specific linkages remain tied to participating partners like dining and portals. These updates aim to increase non-flight mile generation by encouraging broader spending integration.

Redeeming SkyMiles

Award Travel and Upgrades

SkyMiles members can redeem miles for award travel on flights and select partner airlines, providing access to over 1,000 destinations worldwide without on Delta-operated services. tickets are booked one-way or round-trip, with pricing determined by factors such as route, date, and demand, allowing flexibility for both domestic and international itineraries. This system emphasizes value through periodic promotions, such as flash sales offering flights to starting at 26,000 miles one-way. Delta employs dynamic pricing for its own award flights, where mile requirements fluctuate based on real-time demand rather than a fixed chart, potentially ranging from as low as 5,700 miles plus taxes for short domestic one-way routes to over 200,000 miles for premium cabins on long-haul international flights. For instance, a basic economy award from a U.S. hub to might cost 5,700 miles plus $12 in fees during off-peak periods, while peak-time premium international redemptions, such as to in , can exceed 245,000 miles due to high demand. This model, powered in part by AI algorithms, adjusts costs to reflect market conditions like holidays or events, often resulting in higher rates for last-minute bookings. For partner airlines within the SkyTeam alliance, such as , and , SkyMiles redemptions also use , with mile requirements varying by route, date, and availability; typical economy awards to from the U.S. may start around 50,000 miles one-way, or from to on around 80,000 miles one-way, plus applicable taxes and surcharges that vary by carrier. Some partners impose additional requirements, such as a Saturday night stay or advance booking windows, and availability must be confirmed through Delta's system. Upgrades using SkyMiles enhance award or paid tickets on Delta and select partners, with options for pure miles depending on the route and cabin. Domestic U.S. upgrades from Main Cabin to typically require 15,000 to 30,000 miles one-way, subject to fare class availability (e.g., P, A, G), while international options like economy to business on transatlantic flights may demand 50,000 miles or more. members receive priority clearance on waitlists. These can be requested during booking via delta.com or by contacting reservations post-purchase, but they are not available on all partner-operated segments or certain departure countries. Delta Air Lines provides the "Upgrade with Miles" feature, allowing SkyMiles members to upgrade an existing paid flight to premium cabins including Delta One using miles, if upgrade space is available on eligible flights. This is accessed via delta.com or the Fly Delta app after booking and upgrades the current itinerary without changing the flight itself. Changing flights is a separate process (possible with or without fees depending on fare type), after which members can attempt an upgrade on the new flight if eligible. Upgrade with Miles may require a cash copay in some cases, and availability varies. The Pay with Miles feature allows eligible Delta SkyMiles Card Members to offset the cash price of Delta flights at a rate of 100 miles per $1, with a minimum redemption of 5,000 miles per passenger, providing a flexible alternative to full bookings. This benefit applies to the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges but excludes government taxes and fees. Booking award travel and upgrades occurs primarily through Delta's website or Fly Delta app, where users select "Shop with Miles" to view a flexible calendar highlighting the lowest mileage options for chosen dates and routes. If desired award space is unavailable, members can join a waitlist for potential clearance, particularly for upgrades or mixed itineraries, though success depends on inventory release closer to departure. SkyMiles do not expire as long as the account remains active, enabling long-term planning without redemption pressure. SkyMiles members can change or cancel award tickets according to policies that vary by ticket type and origin. For award tickets originating in the United States or Canada to destinations worldwide, there are no change or redeposit fees for Award tickets (excluding Delta Basic Award tickets); members must pay any mileage difference for the new itinerary and applicable taxes and fees. Delta Basic Award tickets permit changes but incur a fee assessed in miles deducted from the ticket value, with any remaining miles redeposited upon cancellation. Changes can be made online through My Trips on delta.com or the Fly Delta app, or by contacting Delta Reservations. For tickets originating outside the US/Canada, additional restrictions may apply, such as non-changeable or non-cancelable options in some cases.

Other Redemption Options

SkyMiles members have access to diverse non-travel redemption options, allowing them to utilize miles for merchandise, unique experiences, charitable causes, and additional -related bookings like hotels and car rentals. These alternatives provide flexibility, particularly when award flights are unavailable, though they often yield lower value per mile compared to flights, typically around 1 cent or less. The SkyMiles Experiences platform offers an system where members bid miles on exclusive packages for events, including sports games, concerts, music festivals, and culinary outings. New auctions launch every two weeks, featuring once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as VIP access to games or behind-the-scenes tours, with bids starting from several thousand miles depending on the package's exclusivity. Through the Shop with Miles portal on Delta.com, members can redeem miles for a catalog of merchandise, including electronics, apparel, home , and s from retailers like Amazon or . Redemption values generally range from 0.5 to 1 cent per mile, making this option less efficient than travel redemptions but suitable for smaller mile balances; for instance, a $50 might require 5,000 miles. Annual limits apply, such as up to 30,000 miles redeemable per calendar year for certain items. Charitable donations represent a meaningful use of miles via the SkyWish program, where members convert miles into support for select nonprofits. Minimum donations start at 1,000 miles, which can fund initiatives like medical transport for ill children through partners such as or family accommodations during treatment via the . Delta periodically matches donations to organizations aiding veterans and service members, such as up to 10 million miles annually for and Luke's Wings; in November 2025, Delta announced it would match donations to these organizations through the end of the year. Members can also redeem miles for hotel stays and car rentals directly through the Delta Stays and Delta Cars platforms, covering thousands of properties and partners like Hertz. For hotels, miles offset the cost of bookings at select locations worldwide, with dynamic pricing often equating to about 1.1 cents per mile; representative examples include redeeming around 15,000 to 20,000 miles for a standard night at mid-tier resorts. Car rentals follow a similar pay-with-miles model, with no fixed minimum but values aligned to the rental cost, allowing partial or full payment in miles for economy to luxury vehicles.

Medallion Status

Qualification Criteria

Since 2024, Delta SkyMiles Medallion status has been earned exclusively through accumulating Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), a spend-based metric that simplified the previous system combining MQMs and MQDs. MQDs represent dollars spent on eligible Delta and partner activities, with status tiers determined by annual MQD totals earned from January 1 to December 31. This qualification period aligns with the calendar year, after which earned status becomes active on February 1 of the following year and remains valid through January 31 of the subsequent year. MQDs reset to zero each January 1, with no rollover of MQDs to the next qualification year, though pre-2024 rollover MQMs could be converted to MQDs at a rate of 1 MQD per 10 MQMs until December 31, 2024. To achieve Medallion status for 2026 (earned via 2025 activity), members must meet the following MQD thresholds:
TierMQD Requirement
Silver$5,000
Gold$10,000
Platinum$15,000
Diamond$28,000
These thresholds, unchanged from 2025, apply to all members regardless of prior status. Note that earning redeemable SkyMiles for award travel remains separate from MQD accrual for status qualification. Delta offers the Elevate Your Status program as a one-time opportunity from November 1 to December 31, 2025, allowing eligible members to purchase up to $2,500 MQDs at a rate of $300 per $100 MQDs to reach the next tier. Eligibility requires being within $500 to $2,500 MQDs of the next threshold by December 31, 2025; proceeds support Sustainable Aviation Fuel initiatives. MQDs are earned at a rate of $1 MQD per $1 spent on the base and carrier-imposed surcharges for Delta-marketed flights operated by Delta or eligible partners, excluding government taxes, airport fees, and Basic Economy fares. This applies uniformly to all members, with no multipliers on MQDs for Medallion elites, though elites earn bonus redeemable miles on the same spend. Partner-marketed flights earn MQDs based on a of the flown, determined by fare class. Additional MQD sources include Delta Vacations packages, where members earn $1 MQD per $1 of the total package price excluding taxes and fees. However, spend on hotel stays, including those booked via Delta Stays (carsandstays.delta.com), does not count toward MQDs outside of limited-time offers. Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members can accelerate MQD earnings through card-specific perks. Holders of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card or Platinum Business American Express Card receive a $2,500 MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year, provided the card is open and active by January 31. These cards also provide MQD Boost: $1 MQD per $20 spent on eligible purchases. Reserve Card variants offer the same $2,500 Headstart plus $1 MQD per $10 spent. For example, $25,000 in eligible spend on a Reserve Card would yield an additional $2,500 MQDs via Boost. Terms and conditions apply, including exclusions for certain transactions. Delta offers the Medallion Status Match Challenge to attract members from competitor programs. Eligible SkyMiles Members with current elite status from a qualifying airline (earned, not complimentary) can apply for a 90-day match to equivalent Delta status—Silver, Gold, or Platinum—after submitting proof such as an elite card and recent activity statement. To extend the status through January 31, 2027, participants must earn a reduced MQD amount during the 90 days: $1,250 for Silver, $2,500 for Gold, or $3,750 for Platinum. Enrollment is limited and subject to review, typically within 15 business days. Related programs like Reclaim My Status allow former Medallion Members to regain status through targeted challenges.

Benefits by Tier

The SkyMiles Medallion program offers escalating benefits across its four tiers—Silver, Gold, Platinum, and —designed to reward frequent flyers with enhanced earning rates, priority services, and exclusive perks that increase in value with higher status levels. Each tier provides unlimited complimentary s on Delta flights, waived fees for certain services, and access to priority handling, with members receiving the highest priority in upgrade clearances and personalized support. However, complimentary upgrade eligibility for companions is subject to specific conditions: if a Medallion member and two or more companions are on the same reservation, all members must have Medallion Status or be a partner airline elite member for any of the companions to be eligible for complimentary upgrades. Silver Medallion members earn a 40% bonus on base miles flown, equivalent to up to 7 miles per dollar spent on eligible fares, along with priority boarding in Zone 5 and access to a dedicated Priority phone line for reservations. They also receive one complimentary checked bag on Delta flights, waived baggage fees for that bag, and the ability to request complimentary upgrades starting 24 hours before departure for Delta First Class, Delta Premium Select, and Delta Comfort+ seats within the U.S. 50. However, Silver members do not qualify for Sky Priority check-in lanes or lounge access. Gold Medallion status builds on Silver perks with a 60% bonus on base miles, up to 8 miles per dollar, two complimentary checked bags, and Sky Priority services including dedicated check-in lanes, Zone 4 boarding, priority security access, and expedited baggage delivery. Gold members gain access to SkyTeam partner lounges for international itineraries when traveling in Premium Cabin or with a same-day international boarding pass, including one guest, and receive four complimentary drink vouchers annually starting in 2025. Complimentary upgrades become available 72 hours prior to departure, and they benefit from a High Priority phone line, along with waived same-day confirmed change fees. Platinum Medallion members enjoy an 80% bonus on base miles, yielding up to 9 miles per dollar, three complimentary checked bags, and full Sky Priority access matching , plus a Higher Priority phone line. Lounge benefits mirror 's international access with one guest, and complimentary upgrades clear starting 120 hours before departure, placing second only to in priority. As a 2025 Choice Benefit, members select one option from a menu including 4 Regional Upgrade Certificates, 30,000 bonus miles, or a $300 Delta travel voucher, enhancing flexibility for upgrades or additional rewards. Diamond Medallion status provides the most elite experience with a 120% bonus on base miles, up to 11 miles per , three complimentary checked bags, Zone 2 priority boarding, complimentary CLEAR Plus membership for expedited , and a VIP dedicated phone line. members hold for complimentary upgrades, also clearing 120 hours in advance, and receive the same international lounge access as lower tiers but with enhanced recognition through Delta 360° personalized services. For 2025 Choice Benefits, they select three items, such as 4 Global Upgrade Certificates or 8 Regional Upgrade Certificates, 35,000 bonus miles, a $350 Delta travel voucher, or an Executive Delta Sky Club Membership allowing two guests; Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUCs) can be used to secure confirmed one-way upgrades for the member and/or multiple companions on the same reservation into Comfort+ or First Class with higher priority than complimentary upgrades, even if the member is already eligible for complimentary upgrades, and are applied via the Fly Delta app or website under trip details or booking options. This allows customization of high-value perks like extensive upgrade options or lounge expansions. Across all tiers, members benefit from no change or cancellation fees on most non-Basic tickets, with and above enjoying full waivers on same-day confirmed changes, ensuring greater travel flexibility without penalties. These benefits, which emphasize priority and convenience, are complemented briefly by partner enhancements like additional lounge access on select international flights.

Partnerships

Current Partners

SkyMiles members can earn and redeem miles through a network of airline partners, primarily within the SkyTeam alliance and select non-alliance carriers. SkyTeam, comprising 18 airlines serving over 1,150 destinations in 175 countries, allows members to earn miles on codeshare flights and redeem for award travel. Core global SkyTeam partners include Aeroméxico, Air France, China Eastern, KLM, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic, where members earn miles based on a percentage of distance flown depending on fare class. Non-alliance partners such as LATAM Airlines, EL AL Israel Airlines, and WestJet enable similar earning on eligible flights, with LATAM facilitating connections to over 100 destinations in South America. Award redemptions on these partners are bookable directly via delta.com or the Fly Delta app, using dynamic pricing without fixed charts, though some carriers like Air Europa and Kenya Airways require contacting Delta Reservations. Non-airline partnerships expand earning opportunities across travel, dining, and shopping. For hotels, members earn 2 miles per $1 spent on base rates through Delta Stays or select partners like Marriott Bonvoy (2 miles per $1 at participating brands), IHG (variable by stay), and (500 miles per stay); Hilton Honors points can also be transferred to SkyMiles at a 10:1 ratio. Car rental partners include Hertz (4-8 miles per $1, higher for elites), Dollar/Thrifty (4 miles per $1), and Alamo/Enterprise/National (2 miles per $1). Delta launched its rideshare partnership with in April 2025, replacing the prior collaboration, allowing members to earn miles on eligible Uber rides and orders (U.S. only) after linking accounts. Members earn 3 miles per eligible dollar on Uber Reserve rides, 2 miles per eligible dollar on premium rides such as Uber Comfort, Uber XL, Uber Black, and Uber Black SUV, and 1 mile per eligible dollar on UberX rides to and from airports. For Uber Eats, members earn 1 mile per eligible dollar on restaurant and grocery orders of $40 or more. Delta SkyMiles American Express Cardholders can earn an additional 1 mile per dollar on qualifying purchases. In November 2025, Delta and Uber deepened the partnership with a LaGuardia Airport express drop-off pilot program and exclusive offers, including in-flight discounts on Uber Reserve rides via Delta Sync Wi-Fi and a limited-time statement credit of up to $9.99 per month for auto-renewing Uber One membership paid with eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards (for purchases through June 25, 2026, with up to 12 months for Reserve/Platinum cards and up to 6 months for Gold cards). Delta also partners with Starbucks Rewards, enabling members to link their SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards accounts to earn SkyMiles on Starbucks app reloads of $25 or more. Earning rates are tiered: 25 miles for $25–$49.99 reloads, 75 miles for $50–$74.99, 125 miles for $75–$99.99, and 200 miles for $100, with an additional 2 miles per $1 on reloads of $100 or more. Members earn double Stars on Starbucks purchases made on days with a confirmed Delta flight. The partnership includes occasional bonus promotions for linked members. Certain partners contribute to Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) for elite status. For instance, bookings through Delta Stays, Delta Cars, or Delta Vacations yield 1 MQD per $1 spent on base rates for hotels, rentals, and packages. Shopping via the SkyMiles Shopping portal with over 1,000 retailers, such as Gap, offers variable rates typically ranging from 1 to 5 miles per $1, depending on promotions and merchant. Redemptions extend to partner hotels and cars without minimums, bookable on delta.com with options to combine miles and cash.
Partner CategoryExamplesEarning Rate (Miles)MQD Earning
HotelsMarriott Bonvoy, , Hilton (transfer)2 per $1 or 500 per stay; 10:1 transfer1 per $1 via Delta Stays
Car RentalsHertz, Alamo2-8 per $11 per $1 via Delta Cars
RideshareUp to 3 per $1 on rides (3 on Reserve, 2 on premium, 1 on airport UberX); 1 per $1 on Uber Eats $40+N/A
Dining/RewardsStarbucks RewardsTiered miles on $25+ reloads (25 for $25–$49.99, up to 200 for $100; 2 per $1 on $100+)N/A
ShoppingGap, various retailers1-5 per $1N/A

Former Partners

One of the earliest significant changes in SkyMiles partnerships occurred with the 1991 acquisition of Pan American World Airways' assets by , which included the absorption of Pan Am's WorldPass into SkyMiles on November 1, 1991. This merger allowed WorldPass members to transfer their mileage balances directly into SkyMiles accounts, preserving accumulated rewards during the transition. In 2008, Delta's merger with led to the harmonization of loyalty programs, with Northwest's WorldPerks fully integrated into SkyMiles on , 2009. WorldPerks members received a 1:1 conversion of their miles and elite status equivalents, enabling seamless earning and redemption across the combined network. The partnership with , established as part of a , concluded in June 2022 following Virgin's ownership transition to a new and its decision to align with instead. This shift stemmed from strategic business decisions to better serve the Australian market through a different U.S. carrier alliance. Among non-airline partners, the Crossover Rewards program with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which allowed reciprocal elite benefits and mile/point earning between SkyMiles and Starwood Preferred Guest, ended on July 15, 2018, as part of Starwood's integration into following their 2016 merger. While remains Delta's primary co-branded credit card partner with an exclusive agreement extended through 2029, earlier iterations featured unique promotional deals, such as limited-time bonus structures, that have since evolved or discontinued in favor of updated offerings. These terminations have generally impacted members by limiting earning and redemption options on former partners' services, though merger-related transitions like those with and Northwest minimized disruptions through direct mile transfers. For instance, post-termination with , SkyMiles members lost the ability to earn miles on Virgin-operated flights, reducing opportunities for transpacific travel rewards. Reasons for these discontinuations often include corporate mergers, as seen with Pan Am, Northwest, and Starwood; ownership and alliance realignments, such as Virgin Australia's pivot; and regulatory interventions, including antitrust concerns. In 2024 and 2025, several additional airline partnerships concluded, including China Southern's loyalty partnership with Delta ending on August 10, 2025, following its earlier exit from the SkyTeam alliance in 2019 and subsequent strategic focus on other networks. Similarly, the frequent flyer agreement with Hawaiian Airlines ceased on June 30, 2025, amid Hawaiian's integration into Alaska Airlines, and the partnership with ITA Airways concluded on September 1, 2025, as part of post-privatization adjustments. On September 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation ordered the termination of the Delta-Aeromexico joint venture effective January 1, 2026, due to antitrust issues related to route competition between the U.S. and Mexico. However, on November 12, 2025, a U.S. appeals court temporarily blocked the order, suspending the termination pending further review. These recent changes have prompted members to explore alternative earning avenues within remaining SkyTeam partners, though no further major terminations have been announced as of November 2025.

History

Origins and Early Developments

The SkyMiles program originated with the launch of ' Frequent Flyer Program in 1981, one of the earliest loyalty initiatives in the airline industry following ' program earlier that year. This program allowed members to earn credits based on the distance flown, redeemable for free domestic round-trip tickets after accumulating sufficient credits, marking a pioneering effort to reward repeat customers amid increasing competition post-deregulation. A significant expansion occurred in 1987 with the introduction of elite status tiers, which provided escalating benefits such as priority boarding and upgrades to frequent flyers based on qualifying mileage and segments. The program's international footprint grew substantially in through Delta's acquisition of Pan Am's transatlantic routes and assets amid Pan Am's , integrating approximately 3.3 million members from Pan Am's WorldPass program into Delta's Frequent Flyer system and enhancing global connectivity. In 1995, the program was rebranded as SkyMiles, retaining the mileage-based accrual model while preserving grandfathered miles from the prior program without expiration for redemption purposes. This change also established lifetime miles tracking, allowing members to accumulate credits indefinitely for future awards. Early partnerships with credit card issuers emerged in the 1990s, enabling members to earn additional miles through spending, further broadening accessibility. Prior to 2014, SkyMiles elite qualification relied on a combination of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) earned from flight distance, Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) from flight counts, and Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) introduced in to reflect spending on tickets, creating a multifaceted approach to status attainment.

Major Changes and Controversies

In , significantly altered its SkyMiles program by shifting from a distance-based earning model to a revenue-based system, where miles earned became proportional to the fare paid rather than miles flown. This change, effective January 1, 2015, aimed to reward higher-spending customers and marked a departure from the traditional "miles for miles flown" structure, drawing criticism for devaluing rewards for economy travelers. The overhaul was part of a broader industry trend toward metrics but was seen by many as favoring big spenders over frequent but lower-fare flyers. Following the 2008 merger with , SkyMiles integrated Northwest's WorldPerks program in 2009, combining memberships and creating the world's largest with over 74 million members at the time. Nearly a decade later, in 2023, Delta announced another major overhaul to SkyMiles status qualification, transitioning to an MQD-only system starting in 2024 for earning 2025 status and substantially raising thresholds across tiers. For instance, status requirements increased from $15,000 in Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) to $28,000, while lower tiers saw hikes such as Silver from $5,000 to $6,000 MQDs and from $12,000 to $20,000 MQDs. Delta CEO acknowledged the changes "probably went too far" during a 28, 2023, event, citing customer feedback and promising modifications. In response to backlash, the airline partially rolled back the increases in October 2023, lowering thresholds for Silver ($5,000 MQDs), Gold ($10,000 MQDs), and ($15,000 MQDs) while keeping at $28,000 MQDs, and restoring some choice benefits for members qualifying in 2025. These adjustments were framed as balancing program sustainability with member value, though they still emphasized spending over flight volume. The 2023 changes sparked widespread controversies, including customer outrage over perceived favoritism toward high-spenders and reduced accessibility for average loyalists, leading to threats of switching airlines. Restrictions on Delta Sky Club lounge access exacerbated tensions, with the American Express Delta SkyMiles Card losing complimentary entry starting January 1, 2024, and visit limits imposed on other cards such as 15 annual visits for Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card holders and 10 for American Express Card holders, effective February 1, 2025, amid overcrowding concerns. Rival carriers capitalized on the discontent, as and launched targeted status match campaigns in September 2023 to attract disaffected Delta elites. By 2025, discussions around further SkyMiles tweaks continued, with debates focusing on potential adjustments to Choice benefits amid ongoing member feedback on program value. Delta enhanced some Choice options for and members in the 2025 Year, such as increasing Regional Upgrade Certificate selections, but critics argued these fell short of addressing broader devaluation concerns from prior overhauls. The maintained the MQD thresholds without further increases for 2026 status, signaling a pause in major shifts while monitoring loyalty trends.

COVID-19 Pandemic Effects

Operational Adjustments

During the , experienced a sharp decline in SkyMiles redemptions, with a 78% drop in the first half of attributed to widespread travel bans and reduced demand. This operational halt in travel prompted the introduction of flexible cancellation policies for SkyMiles tickets, including the elimination of the $150 redeposit fee for cancellations and the $150 reissue fee for changes, excluding Basic Economy fares, to provide members greater adaptability amid uncertainty. To support Medallion status retention, Delta extended all 2020 Medallion statuses into the 2021 Medallion Year and rolled over Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) earned in 2020 to help qualify for 2022 status, effectively waiving progression requirements impacted by canceled flights. Further extensions in 2021 rolled over 2021 Medallion status and MQMs to 2023 to support ongoing recovery. eCredits issued for canceled flights preserved the original booking's value, allowing members to rebook and earn MQMs on future travel. Earning promotions were adjusted to encourage rescheduled and new travel, including bonus miles offers for bookings during recovery periods. Delta also partnered with health initiatives, such as awarding 250 bonus SkyMiles to the first 15,000 members who donated at least $5 via Lyft's Vaccine Access Fund to support rides to vaccination sites. Digital enhancements accelerated to minimize contact, with updates to the Fly Delta app enabling virtual s and mobile boarding passes as standard practices. In November 2020, Delta began testing touchless curb-to-gate processes at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, integrating contactless verification for and . From 2020 to 2021, Delta suspended enforcement of mileage expiration—already a non-issue under its no-expiration policy—and integrated safety measures from its Delta Clean program, which included electrostatic spraying of and enhanced cleaning protocols, though without direct bonus miles linkage. These adjustments formed a timeline of phased responses: initial status extensions in April 2020, fee eliminations by December 2020, and ongoing app optimizations through 2021 to facilitate safer, more flexible operations.

Financial and Membership Impacts

During the height of the in 2020, secured $6.5 billion in financing through senior secured notes and a , with the SkyMiles program serving as collateral to support the carrier's liquidity amid severe operational disruptions. This move underscored the program's perceived stability and value as an asset, even as Delta's revenues plummeted 70 percent year-over-year due to widespread travel restrictions. Despite the revenue collapse, the balance of outstanding SkyMiles grew as members accumulated credits from disrupted trips but deferred redemptions, with miles earned through flights declining sharply while those from partners like credit cards provided some offset. Membership in the program demonstrated resilience, adding a record 8.5 million new SkyMiles members in as resumed, pushing total enrollment beyond 100 million. The accelerated a strategic pivot in SkyMiles revenue streams, with flight-related earnings falling while co-branded credit card partnerships gained prominence; Delta's agreement generated $4.0 billion in 2021, up significantly from $2.9 billion in , helping loyalty revenues reach $6.0 billion overall that year. By 2023, the program's estimated total value had climbed to $27 billion, reflecting its evolution into a key profit driver beyond traditional . Post-pandemic recovery influenced major SkyMiles updates in 2024, including a shift to revenue-based status qualification, which Delta attributed partly to the rapid membership expansion during travel rebound and a focus on rewarding high-spending customers to sustain profitability. From a 2025 vantage, the program exhibited stabilized growth, with loyalty revenues rising 11 percent to $3.8 billion in 2024 from the prior year and redemptions surging amid heightened member engagement.

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  104. https://www.cnbc.com/select/delta-walks-back-lounge-access-benefit-cuts-on-amex-cards/
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  121. https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/new-report-top-100-most-valuable-airline-loyalty-programs-2023-301738085.html
  122. https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/delta-adjusts-loyalty-program-changes-after-customer-backlash
  123. https://www.customerexperiencedive.com/news/delta-loyalty-program-premium-services-revenue-gains/737099/
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