I’ve used Delta gift cards for everything from surprise holiday gifts to last-minute business bookings. They’re easy to give, even easier to use, and unlike some airline vouchers, they don’t come with blackout dates or complex rules. That said, many travelers don’t know exactly where to buy them, how to redeem them correctly, or what they can (and can’t) be used for.
Whether you’re planning to buy a Delta gift card for someone else or want to use one on your own next flight, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know based on my own experience and Delta’s updated policies for 2025.
What Is a Delta Airlines Gift Card
A Delta gift card is a prepaid card that holds a fixed dollar amount and can be used to purchase airline tickets directly through Delta. Unlike travel vouchers, these gift cards are not issued due to a canceled flight or refund. You purchase them voluntarily and they are treated like cash when you use them for booking.
One of the most useful features is that Delta gift cards do not expire. That means if you receive one as a gift, you can wait as long as you want to redeem it. There are no maintenance fees and no deadlines to worry about.
You can use one or more gift cards to pay for a ticket on delta.com or by calling Delta Reservations. However, they must be used only for flights originating in the United States and paid in US dollars.
Where to Buy Delta Gift Cards
You can purchase Delta gift cards in two main ways.
The first and most reliable method is directly from Delta. You can order them online through the official gift card page on Delta’s website. Both physical and digital delivery options are available. When buying directly from Delta, you can customize the gift card with the recipient’s name and a personal message. You also get to choose the amount, which can range from 50 dollars to 2000 dollars.
The second option is to buy them through authorized third-party retailers. These include major national chains that often carry airline gift cards in-store or online. In 2025, Delta gift cards are commonly available at Target, Best Buy, Staples, Kroger, and other large retailers. I usually stick with Delta’s official website to avoid issues with activation or resale scams.
How to Use a Delta Gift Card
Redeeming a Delta gift card is simple and does not require a separate account or login. If the card is digital, you just need the card number and PIN. For physical cards, the same details are printed on the back.
When you are ready to book a flight, go to delta.com and start your search as usual. After selecting your flights and entering passenger details, you will reach the payment screen. This is where you enter your gift card information.
Delta allows you to use up to three forms of payment per ticket. That means you can combine up to three Delta gift cards on a single booking. If the ticket costs more than the value of your card, you can pay the difference with a credit card. If the ticket costs less, the remaining balance stays on the gift card and can be used later.
Gift cards can also be redeemed by calling Delta Reservations, but I find booking online is faster and avoids service fees.
What Can You Buy with a Delta Gift Card
Delta gift cards can be used to pay for airfare and any associated government taxes or fees that are part of the base ticket price. You can use them for travel on Delta or Delta Connection flights, including one-way, round-trip, and multi-city itineraries.
You cannot use gift cards for upgrades, baggage fees, in-flight purchases, or Delta Vacations packages. They are not valid for buying Sky Club memberships, award ticket taxes, or services outside of direct flight bookings.
I once tried using a Delta gift card to cover a seat upgrade after booking, but Delta confirmed that only the initial ticket purchase qualifies for gift card use. Keep that in mind if you plan to buy add-ons later.
Can You Transfer or Resell Delta Gift Cards
Delta gift cards are not refundable or redeemable for cash, except where required by law. Once purchased, the value is fixed to the card and cannot be transferred to another person unless you give them the card directly to use.
There is no registration or name requirement tied to the gift card. Technically, anyone with the number and PIN can use it. That makes them easy to give, but also easy to misuse if lost or shared accidentally. I always recommend treating them like cash. If you lose the card and do not have the number recorded, Delta cannot reissue or replace it.
Tips for Buying and Using Gift Cards Wisely
Over time, I have developed a few practices to make the most of Delta gift cards. First, I only buy them directly from Delta or major authorized retailers. That avoids issues with unregistered or inactive cards, which are a known problem on resale websites.
Second, I store all digital gift card confirmations in one email folder, along with a spreadsheet to track remaining balances. Since the cards do not expire, I often apply them toward a portion of larger trips months after the original purchase.
Lastly, I always use gift cards first when booking. Once applied, the card balance is locked to the new ticket, which gives me more control over rebooking or canceling later without losing the value.
Final Thoughts
Delta Airlines gift cards are one of the easiest ways to pay for flights if you want flexibility and no expiration pressure. Whether you are gifting a trip to someone or spreading out your own travel costs, they are a reliable tool that works across Delta’s entire domestic and international network.
Unlike flight credits or promo vouchers, you do not have to worry about blackout dates or complex rules. Just enter the card details at checkout and you are ready to go. I have used Delta gift cards for both personal and business travel, and they have never let me down, provided I keep track of them and use them only for eligible purchases.
If you are looking for a practical gift or want to set aside travel funds for the year, Delta gift cards are one of the better tools available among US carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Delta gift cards expire
No. They do not expire and have no service fees.
Can I use a Delta gift card for international flights
Yes, but only if the trip originates in the United States and is paid in US dollars.
Can I use more than one gift card on the same booking
Yes. Delta allows up to three gift cards per ticket purchase.
Can Delta gift cards be used for upgrades or baggage
No. They are only valid for the initial ticket purchase on delta.com or by phone.
What happens if I cancel a ticket paid with a gift card
You will receive an eCredit for the ticket value, but the original gift card is not refunded.