Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with the latest information.
Though the Delta SkyMiles program may no longer maintain published award charts, there is still plenty of value to be had in SkyMiles. You may need to put in a bit of work to find the best deals but it's worth your effort.
And in honor of Delta credit card welcome bonuses currently going as high as 90,000 bonus miles from one card, today, we’ll show you various ways to redeem 90,000 SkyMiles on both domestic and international travel.
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Earning Delta SkyMiles
Credit card bonuses and spending
There are a variety of ways to earn Delta miles — from Delta-operated flights to trips on other SkyTeam airlines to various non-travel partners. As with most carriers, credit card welcome bonuses are the fastest way to earn huge amounts of airline miles — short of flying a few hundred thousand miles on paid tickets. Amex issues cobranded Delta cards which earn Delta SkyMiles directly, and you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Delta at a 1:1 ratio.
One of the best ways to boost your SkyMiles balance is by adding any of these cards to your arsenal:
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99; see rates and fees): Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months card membership. Terms apply. Offer ends 11/10/2021
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ($250 annual fee; see rates and fees): Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Terms apply. Offer ends 11/10/2021
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($550 annual fee; see rates and fees); Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Terms apply. Offer ends 11/10/2021
Related: Choosing the best credit card for Delta flyers
Other ways to earn
Another easy way to earn bonus Delta miles is by signing up for the SkyMiles Dining program. The program partners with thousands of restaurants, bars and clubs where you can earn Delta miles every time you dine. It's easy to use and lets you rack up miles at places you already planned to dine.
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Delta also has a partnership with Lyft where you can earn bonus SkyMiles for every ride you take. You can visit deltalyft.com to get started.
Lastly, another great way to earn SkyMiles is through the SkyMiles Shopping program. With hundreds of your favorite stores, you won't find it hard to earn miles through the shopping portal.
Related: Maximizing online shopping portals
Maximize redeeming 90,000 SkyMiles
Delta has focused on on-time performance, improved its business-class seats with the Delta One Suites and expanded its Sky Club lounge network. However, the SkyMiles program has taken its fair share of knocks over the years. TPG currently values each SkyMile at 1.1 cents, ranking behind American AAdvantage miles (1.4 cents) and United MileagePlus miles (1.3 cents).
But there are still plenty of great ways to use SkyMiles.
For example, Delta runs SkyMiles flash sales regularly — and we frequently write about these deals at TPG. Just recently we saw a long list of domestic flights available from 4,000 - 6,000 miles each way. These are some of the absolute best ways to redeem SkyMiles. Frequently, Delta will run these sales without much advertisement, so your best bets are to bookmark the flash sales page and keep an eye on our deals page.
Sun and sand in Mexico
Even with unbelievable demand for flights to Mexico right now, there are still super cheap SkyMiles awards available. Mexico has easy COVID-19-related entry requirements, and testing to get back into the U.S. is widely available. Booking an award flight for 12,000 Delta miles round-trip is an unbelievable price. Not only can you score this deal for a family of four, you can book on multiple dates over the next six months.
One important detail to note here is that this is a basic economy fare. Delta's version of basic economy actually compares well to others. While you won't get an advance seat assignment, you can bring a full-size carry-on bag onboard.
Since you'll be last to board, you might end up having to gate-check your bag at no additional expense to you. And, Delta has made basic economy tickets fully changeable and cancelable until the end of 2021. A 90,000-mile welcome bonus could actually net you seven round-trip tickets to Cancun if you're willing to pack light!
Head to Hawaii
It's hard to beat 12,000-mile round-trip flights to Cancun.
However, a 16,000-mile round-trip flight to Honolulu is another solid choice (once Hawaii is again welcoming tourists with open arms). Again, this fare is in basic economy but we are seeing plenty of availability. If you're not on the West Coast, the price will probably be closer to 30,000 miles per round-trip.
The Caribbean is also cheap
The Bahamas are an easy jaunt from many cities east of the Mississippi, and award flights are cheap as well. You can currently take a family of four to the Bahamas twice for less than 90,000 SkyMiles total.
Related: How to travel to the Caribbean with points and miles
Round-trip to Europe
Europe is one of the most popular destinations — especially for points and miles enthusiasts looking to score a cheap flight.
With frequent SkyMiles flash sales, it won’t be too difficult to find flights to cities like Paris and Brussels as low as 30,000 SkyMiles round-trip in main cabin, or just a bit more in Comfort+. Right now, prices are just a bit higher, though the 58,000-mile round-trip rates are widely available across the calendar from a number of departure cities.
Related: The best ways to get to Europe with points and miles
Round-trip to South America in economy or Delta One
Flights to Bogota, Colombia, are ridiculously affordable right now. Just 10,000 SkyMiles will get you to Bogota and back in basic economy.
If economy isn't your cup of tea, for just under 50,000 SkyMiles you can fly Delta One between New York-JFK and Bogota (BOG) round-trip. While it’s on the much older Boeing 767, it’s not a bad deal for a five-hour flight each way.
Related: The ultimate guide to Delta One Suites
Bottom line
Smart travelers will find plenty of ways to use their Delta SkyMiles. Despite having a bad rap for no award charts and somewhat frequent devaluations, there are still great deals to be found. But because of the lack of a published award chart, the best deals ebb and flow over time and require a little searching to find.
To find the best deals, you can use Delta's flexible pricing calendar to compare prices for a specific trip over a period of months between two cities. If you take the time to earn SkyMiles, whether through credit card spending, the current increased welcome bonuses, paid flights or other methods such as the Delta shopping portal, a bit of research will yield some tremendous opportunities for travel.
Additional reporting by Victoria Walker.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex card, click here.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
FAQs
Is 90000 SkyMiles a lot? ›
90,000 Delta miles are worth an average of $1,008, according to WalletHub data. You will get the best value for your Delta miles if you use them for flights booked through Delta, though there are a few other redemption options to choose from.
How much money is 100000 Delta SkyMiles worth? ›Average Value of 100,000 Miles
Delta miles are worth between 0.52 cents and 1.61 cents each, depending on what you spend them on.
You can travel from Los Angeles to Hawaii starting at just 9,000 SkyMiles round-trip in basic economy, but the dates are pretty limited. You can access Delta's page for flight deals here.
How to earn MQMs without flying? ›You might even be able to use a Delta SkyMiles credit card to earn Silver Medallion status without ever flying if you're a big enough spender. For example, with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you can earn 15,000 MQMs for every $30,000 you spend – up to four times annually.
How far does 90000 Delta SkyMiles get you? ›And, Delta has made basic economy tickets fully changeable and cancelable until the end of 2021. A 90,000-mile welcome bonus could actually net you seven round-trip tickets to Cancun if you're willing to pack light!
What is $95,000 Delta SkyMiles worth? ›Average Value of 95,000 Miles
Delta miles are worth between 0.52 cents and 1.61 cents each, depending on what you spend them on.
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
80,000 Delta miles get you $896, on average. You can use Delta miles for plane tickets to over 300 destinations across 50 countries, seat upgrades, and SkyMiles Marketplace purchases, among other things.
80,000 Delta miles are worth about $1,200. How much are 100,000 Delta miles worth? 100,000 Delta miles are worth about $1,500.
How many Delta miles to fly to Japan? ›You can get 5,487 Delta SkyMiles for a flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo. Final amount of miles depends on actual Delta SkyMiles rules, booking class and your level in program.
How many SkyMiles do I need to fly to Europe? ›Round-trip tickets to some major European cities starting at just 22,000 miles. Round-trip flights to Asia starting at just 30,000 miles.
How many Delta miles to fly to Europe? ›
| U.S.-Europe rates | Delta SkyMiles (60+ days in advance) | Flying Blue miles (starting price) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 35,000 | 21,500 |
| Premium economy | 70,000 | 42,500 |
| Business class | 95,000 | 53,000 |
Whether you apply for a Delta card or not, you can use its SkyMiles® program to earn miles on your online shopping, dining, and travel purchases. With enough miles, you'll be able to fly for free to anywhere Delta can take you.
How do you become a Delta Diamond? ›To earn Diamond status, you'll need to bank 125,000 MQMs or 140 MQSs. You'll also need to spend $20,000 in MQDs or qualify for an MQD waiver by spending at least $250,000 on eligible purchases with your Delta co-branded American Express card.
Can you buy platinum medallion status? ›For Platinum Medallions, you need to fly 18,750 Medallion Qualification Miles in 3 months, or 25 Medallion Qualification Segments. Also, you need to either spend $2,250 or participate in an MQD waiver by spending enough on a Delta American Express credit card.
What is diamond medallion status worth? ›| Value | |
|---|---|
| Preferred seats. | $250. |
| Same-day confirmed flight change waiver. | $375. |
| Upgrades to Comfort+. | $750. |
| Upgrades to first class. | $1,650. |
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
90,000 United miles are worth an average of $1,071, according to WalletHub data.
85,000 Delta miles get you $952, on average. You can use Delta miles for plane tickets to over 300 destinations across 50 countries, seat upgrades, and SkyMiles Marketplace purchases, among other things. Depending on the route, 85,000 Delta miles may very well cover the cost of one or multiple tickets.
Does Delta miles expire? ›Under the SkyMiles Mileage Expiration policy, miles do not expire. Delta reserves the right to deactivate or close an account under the following circumstances: Fraudulent activity occurs. A Member requests an account closure.
How many miles do you need for a free flight on Delta? ›If you do not have the minimum 5,000 miles per passenger available in your account, you will not see Pay with Miles as an option to purchase your ticket after selecting your flights. Pay with Miles is only available for Delta Air Lines (not partner airline) flights.
Are SkyMiles worth it? ›Based on a sampling of main cabin flights within North America, we value Delta SkyMiles at 1.16 cents per mile. This is the value that most U.S.-based SkyMiles members can expect to get when redeeming SkyMiles for coach travel with Delta and its partners.
What is the highest level of Delta SkyMiles? ›
As a SkyMiles Member, when you fly with us on qualifying flights, you get closer to reaching Medallion Status. Each of our four Medallion Tiers – Diamond, Platinum, Gold, and Silver – delivers an added level of service, exclusivity and rewards offered only by Delta that elevate your journey at every turn.
Can you convert Delta SkyMiles to cash? ›Yes. You can sell your Delta miles with us in exchange for cash. We, at MilesBuyer, ensure that you can sell your accumulated Delta SkyMiles without any hassle and get the money that you need. Give us a call at 1-800-511-0315 and we would guide you through the process.
How many dollars is 75000 SkyMiles? ›| Rewards Program | Average Value of 75,000 Miles |
|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® | $840 |
| United MileagePlus | $892.5 |
| Alaska Airlines | $772.5 |
| Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles | $727.5 |
70,000 Delta miles are worth an average of $784, according to WalletHub data.
How much is 100000 miles worth? ›100,000 United miles are worth about $1,200.
How many Delta miles do you get for every dollar spent? ›Earn When You Fly
As a SkyMiles Member, you'll earn 5 miles per dollar spent on Delta flights in Main Cabin or above.* So when you pay a higher price, you're rewarded with more miles.
You can get an average value of 1.4 cents to 1.5 cents per mile when you redeem your Delta SkyMiles for flight tickets.
What is Delta business class called? ›Delta First Class and Delta One FAQs
Once known as BusinessElite, the Delta business travel program is now called Delta One.
Yes, you may use Pay with Miles to book someone else's ticket. You can use Pay with Miles for multiple tickets - you just need to have 5,000 miles per passenger available and they must be on the same itinerary.
How many Delta miles do I need for a free flight to Japan? ›Hop on a Delta SkyMiles Deal. Unlike American's concrete award chart which means you'll pay 70,000 miles for round-trip flights to Japan, Delta's award pricing system is unpredictable.
How to upgrade to first class on Delta for free? ›
As a General SkyMiles Member with a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card, you are eligible for unlimited Complimentary Upgrades to First Class and Delta Comfort+®, plus, day-of-departure Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades to the Delta One® experience on flights within the U.S. 50 – ...
How many Delta SkyMiles do I need to go to Italy? ›In general, you can expect to pay between 50,000 and 60,000 miles for a round-trip in the main cabin. Expect to pay between 140,000 and 220,000 miles round-trip when flying in first-class or business class.
How many Delta miles to fly to Italy? ›This means you can book nonstop Delta flights to Italy for just 50,000 points one-way in business class. While you can get Delta SkyMiles through transfers from Amex, Virgin Atlantic partners with Amex, Chase and Citi ThankYou Rewards, giving you an array of options for boosting your Flying Club balance.
What is the difference between Delta First Class and Delta One? ›Delta One is the most premium product, available (mostly) on long-haul international flights. It offers lie-flat seats and premium food and beverage service. Delta first class is typically available on shorter or domestic flights. It offers a larger but not lie-flight seat.
How much are Delta miles worth 2023? ›| Program | June 2022 | June 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Citi ThankYou Points | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| Delta SkyMiles | 1.41* | 1.41* |
| Diners Club Rewards | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Discover Rewards | 1.0 | 1.0 |
You can fly between the U.S. and London for: 55,000 miles round-trip in economy. 88,000 miles round-trip in business class.
What is the cheapest day to buy tickets on Delta? ›Fares are usually lower on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and highest on Fridays and Sundays. Flights later in the evening are also usually lower demand. Search nearby area airports. Low fares sold out at one airport, may be available at another nearby airport.
Do gate agents fly for free Delta? ›Being a gate agent is interesting work, most employees are helpful. The flight benefits are good free domestic travel, reduced cost for confirm and international travel. Delta perks are helpful. Some red coats and performance leaders are helpful.
How many bags does Delta give for free? ›Each passenger flying with Delta can bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item free of charge (such as a purse, laptop bag or item of similar size that will fit underneath the seat in front of you).
How do you get lifetime diamond on Delta? ›Lifetime Delta Diamond Medallion status (six million miler)
Those who cumulatively earn six million MQMs in the Delta SkyMiles program receive Diamond Medallion status for life. On top of that, members receive a special gift for passing the threshold, which is typically a Delta gift card.
Is gold medallion status worth it? ›
Gold Medallions get full Sky Priority benefits, giving members access to priority check-in, security lines with less wait, bags coming out faster on the carousel, and to be among the first passengers to board the aircraft. These benefits can be very useful.
Is Delta Diamond or Platinum better? ›Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertiser Disclosure for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. Diamond Medallion is the highest frequent flyer tier in the Delta SkyMiles program, above Platinum, Gold, and Silver.
How to get Delta Silver Medallion free? ›Submit a request for a status match, and if approved, you'll get complimentary Medallion status for three months. To keep your Silver status for the remaining year after the three-month introductory period, you'll need to earn 6,250 MQMs or 8 MQSs, spend $750 MQDs or be eligible for the MQD waiver.
Can you lose silver medallion status? ›Silver Medallion status does expire if you do not meet the required amount of flying and spend. That said, each year, you can roll over the EQMs earned beyond status to the next year so it can count for the next year's elite status.
Is Gold medallion better than silver? ›Silver Medallion Members earn 2 additional miles per dollar (for a total of 7), Gold Medallion Members earn an additional 3 miles per dollar (for a total of 8), Platinum Medallion Members earn 4 additional miles per dollar (for a total of 9), and Diamond Medallion Members earn 6 additional miles per dollar (for a total ...
Do you lose Medallion status every year? ›Delta elite status lasts from the day you earn it through the next calendar year and until the following January 31. For example, if you earn Medallion status on October 3, 2023, you would have status through January 31, 2025.
Does Diamond Medallion get lounge access? ›Delta Medallion elite members with Gold, Platinum or Diamond status receive lounge access when they're traveling in premium economy class or higher on an international flight that's operated by Delta or an eligible partner airline.
How many flights does Delta Diamond Medallion have? ›| SILVER | GOLD | DIAMOND |
| 25,000 MQMs or 30 MQSs AND $3,000 MQDs or MQD Waiver | 50,000 MQMs or 60 MQSs AND $8,000 MQDs or MQD Waiver | 125,000 MQMs or 140 MQSs AND $20,000 MQDs or MQD Waiver |
How much are 80,000 Delta miles worth? 80,000 Delta miles are worth about $1,200.
How much is 80000 SkyMiles? ›| Rewards Program | Average Value of 80,000 Miles |
|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® | $896 |
| United MileagePlus | $952 |
| Alaska Airlines | $824 |
| Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles | $776 |
How many Delta SkyMiles do I need to fly to Europe? ›
Round-trip flights to Caribbean destinations starting at just 11,000 SkyMiles. Round-trip tickets to some major European cities starting at just 22,000 miles. Round-trip flights to Asia starting at just 30,000 miles.
Do Delta miles expire? ›Under the SkyMiles Mileage Expiration policy, miles do not expire. Delta reserves the right to deactivate or close an account under the following circumstances: Fraudulent activity occurs. A Member requests an account closure.
How many Delta miles equals $1? ›Delta SkyMiles are worth 1.3 cents each according to Bankrate's latest points and miles valuations.
How much are Delta miles worth in 2023? ›Average Value of 13,000 Miles
Delta miles are worth between 0.52 cents and 1.61 cents each, depending on what you spend them on. They do not expire as long as your account remains in good standing, and there are no blackout dates on Delta Air Lines flights.
Think about it: One way to get to 100,000 miles would be to run 2,500 miles per year. For 40 years. That's an average of almost 50 miles a week for four decades. These runners are clearly doing something right.
Is 100k miles good or bad? ›What is considered high mileage on a car? Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.
How many miles is worth a flight? ›You can also fly with a wide range of different airlines, which offers more flexibility. With general travel rewards cards, 1 mile usually equates to 1 cent in airfare. Therefore, to know exactly how many miles you need to pay for a ticket, you need to multiply the price of that ticket by 100.