Delta SkyMiles

The Highlights

Delta is a good point system for both domestic and international flights.

• Delta offers many cards, making initial collection relatively easy. But the Amex 1/7 Rule limits that ability over time.
• Delta is part of the Amex partner reward system and is a decent transfer value.
• We save Delta points for specific flights, perhaps direct domestic or best value international.
• We use easier-to-collect point systems such as Southwest and American ahead of Delta.

What to Know About This Point System

• Delta SkyMiles are super easy to accumulate with American Express cards, whether they're specific for earning SkyMiles or American Express cards that have completely transferable and instant 1:1 ratio Amex points.

Redeeming SkyMiles isn’t difficult, but you might find that their value isn't as high as you'd think -- especially if you do a side-by-side comparison with our personal favorite, United. Delta’s redeeming quality, however, is the fact that they fly to over 325 locations. So sometimes when you want to go somewhere that United doesn't, you’ll find Delta’s got your back.

When Delta removed its online reward charts in 2015, no one was happy. Now, the more flexible you are, the more value you can squeeze out of your Miles -- especially when Delta runs one of its regular award sales that offer some deep discounts in economy and Delta One.

But the real ace up the sleeve here is booking international Business or First Class using alliances like China Eastern or one of their non-alliance partners like Virgin Atlantic. This can be done for fewer points than if you booked directly through the Delta website -- as long as the flight is operated by Delta, Delta Connections or Virgin Atlantic. Searching around for Delta’s flash sales based on region or utilizing one of their partners can get you a pretty impressive trip.

How to Redeem

Booking flights with Delta or one of its partners is the best way to redeem Delta miles. Log in to your SkyMiles account, click “Shop with Miles,” enter your travel details, and search. There is a box to select if your dates are flexible, and you can view results by week. You can then switch to a price calendar to see fares over a five-week window. The numbers in green are the saver fares. These are the lowest fares you’ll find and the ones you’ll need to pay attention to if booking award flights with a Delta partner.

Delta was the first airline to switch to dynamic pricing back in 2015, which makes it harder to find sweet spots without partner award charts. Several still remain, both domestically and internationally. Some are directly with Delta while others are with partner airlines. When booking with a partner, you must find saver-level award space (shown in green in your search results) and may need to call to book.

Hotel stays, car rentals, and vacations

Like most companies that sell travel, Delta has a portal where you can book hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. You can redeem at a 1 cent per point rate, but you’ll get better value for your miles by booking airfare instead.

Visit Delta SkyMiles