Delta SkyMiles | Search and book flights using Delta miles

AwardFares simplifies your search for Delta SkyMiles award seats. With just a few clicks, explore award availability on numerous routes and dates, across various loyalty programs. Stay ahead with our alert system, which notifies you via email whenever new award seats open up.

What is Delta SkyMiles?

The Delta SkyMiles program, Delta Air Lines' loyalty scheme, is distinguished by its dynamic award pricing, absence of blackout dates for award travel, and a tiered status system that rewards frequent flyers with progressive benefits. Delta was among the first airlines that left traditional fixed award charts, pioneering a model that adjusts the miles required for flights based on various factors, including demand, making it imperative for seasoned travelers to strategize their redemptions for optimal value. Elite status tiers — Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion — offer escalating perks, such as complimentary upgrades, bonus earning rates, and priority boarding.

Additionally, the program's partnerships with American Express for co-branded credit cards (US only) and its membership in the SkyTeam alliance expand earning and redemption possibilities globally, albeit with the need for meticulous planning due to the variable award pricing. For the well-versed frequent flyer, understanding the nuances of the SkyMiles program, including the best use of Pay with Miles and the strategic booking of partner airline flights, can unlock significant value.

What's new with SkyMiles in 2025?

Delta Air Lines has introduced significant updates to the SkyMiles program, including new Medallion Status qualifications, changes to Delta Sky Club access, and enhanced partnerships. Here's what you need to know:

Earning Medallion Status

Exclusive Use of MQDs: Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) are the sole metric for attaining Medallion Status. Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) have been discontinued.
Adjusted MQD Thresholds: To make Status more accessible, Delta has reduced the MQD requirements for each tier in 2025:
- Silver Medallion: $5,000 MQDs
- Gold Medallion: $10,000 MQDs
- Platinum Medallion: $15,000 MQDs
- Diamond Medallion: $28,000 MQDs
New Earning Opportunities: Members can accrue MQDs through various avenues:
- Delta and Partner Flights: Earn $1 MQD per $1 spent on Delta-marketed flights operated by Delta or its partners.
- Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards: Cardholders receive an MQD Headstart of $2,500 per eligible card and can earn additional MQDs through everyday purchases.
- Delta Vacations: Earn MQDs when booking vacation packages through Delta Vacations.

Delta Sky Club Access

Revised Access Policies: Effective February 1, 2025, access to Delta Sky Clubs has been modified:
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Card Members: Receive 15 annual Club visits. Unlimited access is granted after spending $75,000 on the card within a calendar year.
- The Platinum Card® and Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Receive 10 annual Club visits, with unlimited access after $75,000 in eligible spending within a calendar year.
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Card Members: No longer receive Sky Club access as a benefit.

Enhanced Choice Benefits

New Options for 2025: Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members can select from enhanced Choice Benefits, including:
- MQD Accelerator: $2,000 MQDs for Diamond Members and $1,000 MQDs for Platinum Members toward the next qualification year.
- Delta Sky Club Individual Membership: Available for Diamond Members in exchange for two Choice Benefit selections.
- Increased Bonus Miles: 35,000 miles for Diamond Members and 30,000 miles for Platinum Members.
- Higher Delta Travel Vouchers: $350 for Diamond Members and $300 for Platinum Members.

Partnerships and Additional Enhancements

Uber Partnership: Beginning in Spring 2025, SkyMiles members can earn miles on eligible Uber rides and Uber Eats orders. This partnership replaces the previous collaboration with Lyft, which concluded on April 7, 2024.
In-Flight Entertainment Upgrades: Delta is introducing 4K HDR QLED screens on its aircraft starting in 2026, along with Bluetooth connectivity and ad-free YouTube streaming for SkyMiles members.
Delta One Lounges: In June 2024, Delta unveiled its most luxurious lounge at JFK International Airport, featuring fine dining, spa services, and more. Similar lounges are planned for Los Angeles, Boston, Atlanta, and Seattle.

How many Delta SkyMiles for a flight?

Delta SkyMiles redemption values can vary depending on route, season, and award type, but new members can expect a general range of 15,000 to 60,000 miles for a domestic round trip economy flight, with business class awards often exceeding 100,000 miles. Delta offers award charts as a starting point, but searching for flexible dates and considering less popular times can help you snag better deals on award flights.

The table below shows estimated costs for certain award flights based on prices we've seen recently. The actual award mile prices vary significantly based on factors like route, travel date, demand, and availability. The good news is that you can always check the specific award price for your desired flight using AwardFares or on Delta's website or through award search tools.

Region	Economy	Premium Economy	Business Class	First Class
Domestic (Short Haul)	10,000 - 30,000 miles	N/A	N/A	N/A
Domestic (Long Haul)	20,000 - 50,000 miles	30,000 - 70,000 miles	60,000 - 100,000 miles	N/A
North America (including Mexico & Canada)	25,000 - 45,000 miles	N/A	70,000 - 120,000 miles	100,000 - 150,000 miles
Central & South America	30,000 - 60,000 miles	N/A	80,000 - 130,000 miles	120,000 - 170,000 miles
Caribbean & Bermuda	20,000 - 50,000 miles	N/A	50,000 - 90,000 miles	N/A
Europe	40,000 - 80,000 miles	N/A	80,000 - 140,000 miles	130,000 - 180,000 miles
Asia	50,000 - 90,000 miles	N/A	100,000 - 160,000 miles	150,000 - 200,000 miles
Africa	55,000 - 100,000 miles	N/A	110,000 - 170,000 miles	160,000 - 210,000 miles
Australia & New Zealand	60,000 - 110,000 miles	N/A	120,000 - 180,000 miles	170,000 - 220,000 miles

How much are Delta SkyMiles worth?

Generally, Delta SkyMiles are worth between 1.1 cents and 1.5 cents per mile (USD) when redeeming for flights. This means a 10,000-mile redemption could be worth anywhere from $110 to $150. As with other programs, there's potential for higher value when finding "sweet spots", particularly on certain routes, travel dates, and cabin classes (e.g., Comfort+ on domestic routes).

Key features of Delta SkyMiles

Tiers and Elite Status: Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond.
What we love: Miles never expire, flexible redemptions, earning miles, and qualifying for status with everyday purchases.
Exclusive Perks: Flash sales (run frequently), Million Miler Status (lifetime benefits based on total miles flown with Delta and partners), Choice Seats with cash (secure your preferred seat on select flights by combining miles and cash), Sky Club Access with Select Credit Cards.
Best Redemptions: Business Class on Delta's A350, Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and China Eastern.
Award Release Dates: On Delta Air Lines, it releases seats up to 365 days in advance. Partner airlines might have different policies. Read our full guide here.