I’ve been a SkyMiles member for over a decade, and I can tell you, when used smartly, the program is one of the most flexible and rewarding in the airline industry. But Delta’s loyalty program has evolved, and if you’re not keeping up with how it works in 2025, you could be missing out on serious value.
Delta SkyMiles is free to join, and whether you fly once a year or weekly, you can earn rewards that go far beyond just flight discounts. But the real power of the program comes when you combine smart earning with strategic redemptions, and avoid the common traps that dilute your miles.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how the SkyMiles program works, how to earn miles faster, how to redeem them effectively, and how to get the most value from every mile you collect.
What Is Delta SkyMiles?
Delta SkyMiles is Delta Air Lines’ official frequent flyer program. Members earn miles by flying, spending on co-branded credit cards, booking hotel stays, and shopping with Delta partners. These miles can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, Delta Sky Club access, gift cards, and more.
The program operates on a dynamic pricing model, meaning that the number of miles required for a flight redemption varies based on demand, time, and route. There are no blackout dates, but redemption costs can swing significantly depending on when and where you fly.
How to Earn Delta SkyMiles in 2025
Earning SkyMiles isn’t just about flying anymore. While air travel still generates the bulk of miles for many members, you can rack them up through dozens of other channels.
1. Flying with Delta and Partner Airlines
You earn SkyMiles every time you fly on a paid ticket with Delta or one of its SkyTeam partners. In 2025, miles are awarded based on the base fare and fare class, not distance.
Mileage earning formula (2025):
- General members earn 5 miles per dollar
- Silver Medallion: 7 miles per dollar
- Gold Medallion: 8 miles per dollar
- Platinum Medallion: 9 miles per dollar
- Diamond Medallion: 11 miles per dollar
I always make sure my SkyMiles number is attached to my reservation, even for partner airlines like Air France or Korean Air, so I never miss mileage credit.
2. Spending on Delta Amex Credit Cards
Delta’s co-branded American Express cards are one of the fastest ways to earn SkyMiles, especially if you use them for everyday spending or large purchases.
Popular cards include:
- Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex – No annual fee, earns 2x at Delta
- Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex – 2x at restaurants, no foreign transaction fees
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex – 3x on Delta purchases, companion certificate
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex – Best for Medallion upgrades and lounge access
Using my Platinum Amex card for both Delta flights and groceries, I average over 60,000 miles a year just from spending.
3. Shopping Through SkyMiles Shopping Portal
Delta has its own e-shopping portal where you can earn bonus miles for shopping with brands like Apple, Nike, Macy’s, and Best Buy.
You can earn:
- 1–10 miles per dollar spent, depending on retailer promos
- Seasonal bonuses (e.g. 500 extra miles when spending $150 during a promo window)
I always check the SkyMiles Shopping site before buying electronics or gifts. It’s basically free miles for purchases I’d make anyway.
4. Booking Hotels and Rental Cars
You earn SkyMiles when you:
- Book hotels through Delta’s dedicated hotel booking portal (powered by Rocketmiles or Expedia)
- Rent cars with partners like Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, or National
- Use co-branded cards to pay for stays or rentals
For example, Hertz gives up to 500 miles per rental, and I’ve seen promotions go as high as 2,000 bonus miles.
How to Redeem Delta SkyMiles
Redeeming miles can be simple, but getting high value per mile requires some strategy. Delta has eliminated fixed award charts, so prices in miles vary based on demand and time of booking.
1. Book Award Flights
The most common redemption is using SkyMiles to book flights on Delta or SkyTeam partners.
Average redemption values:
- Domestic economy flights: 10,000–25,000 miles one-way
- Transatlantic economy: 35,000–65,000 miles one-way
- Delta One transatlantic: 120,000–250,000 miles one-way
Tip: Look for flash sales and low-season travel windows. I once booked JFK to LAX in Main Cabin for just 9,000 miles.
2. Upgrade with Miles
SkyMiles can be used to upgrade cash tickets to:
- Comfort+
- First Class
- Delta One (on international routes)
Upgrades start around 5,000–25,000 miles depending on route and seat class.
I often use miles to upgrade from Main Cabin to First on domestic flights under 3 hours, usually for about 9,000 miles.
3. Pay with Miles (Cash + Miles)
Delta lets you pay for cash tickets using a mix of miles and dollars. You can use miles in 5,000-mile increments toward the ticket price.
The fixed redemption rate is usually 1 cent per mile ($50 off per 5,000 miles), which is lower value than award tickets but great if you’re short on cash.
4. Other Redemption Options
- Sky Club memberships
- Seat upgrades
- Vacation packages
- Gift cards and merchandise (lower value)
Personally, I never use miles for gift cards or merchandise. The redemption value is poor, often under 0.7 cents per mile, compared to the 1.2 to 1.5 cents you can get on flights.
How to Maximize the Value of Your SkyMiles
The value of your miles comes down to how strategically you use them. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years to stretch my balance:
1. Be Flexible with Travel Dates
Award pricing fluctuates based on season, demand, and time of booking. Use the flexible date search to spot deals.
2. Use Miles for Expensive Cash Routes
When a cash fare is high but award space is still available, you’ll get a much better value per mile. I recently booked ATL to Bozeman, Montana using miles when cash prices hit $700 round trip.
3. Book in Advance
Some of the best deals are available 60+ days in advance, especially for international travel or premium cabin awards.
4. Avoid Last-Minute Redemptions
Delta often increases award prices close to departure. I’ve seen 25,000-mile tickets jump to over 80,000 miles within a few days of departure.
5. Watch for Award Flash Sales
Delta periodically offers flash sales (e.g. 5,000 miles to certain cities). These deals aren’t always advertised, check the SkyMiles Deals page or subscribe to Delta’s emails.
What Are Delta Medallion Status Levels?
While earning SkyMiles is one thing, earning Medallion status is what unlocks the most valuable perks: free upgrades, priority boarding, waived fees, and more.
In 2025, Delta status is earned based on:
- Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs): Earned through flight spend or eligible partner activity
- MQD Waiver: Earned by spending a certain amount on Delta Amex cards
| Status Level | MQD Requirement (2025) |
| Silver | $5,000 MQDs |
| Gold | $10,000 MQDs |
| Platinum | $15,000 MQDs |
| Diamond | $28,000 MQDs |
Each level comes with:
- Complimentary upgrades
- Priority boarding and security
- Waived baggage fees
- Rollover MQMs (for 2024 elite members)
- Sky Club access for Diamond (or with the Reserve card)
I’ve been Platinum for the last 4 years. The upgrade success rate alone, especially on off-peak routes, makes the status worth maintaining.
Is SkyMiles Worth It?
Absolutely, if you know how to use it. Delta SkyMiles may not have fixed award charts, but it offers flexibility, no expiration on miles, and tons of ways to earn and redeem. I’ve flown for free in Delta One, booked spontaneous getaways with miles, and used SkyMiles to upgrade when I couldn’t justify the full cash price.
The key is to stay informed and avoid the low-value redemptions. Track your offers, use a SkyMiles credit card, and check the award calendar frequently.
If you’re loyal to Delta, or even just a semi-regular traveler, the SkyMiles program can unlock thousands in travel value over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Delta SkyMiles expire?
No. Your miles never expire, even if your account is inactive.
How much is 10,000 SkyMiles worth?
Roughly $100 in Pay with Miles, or more if used for award flights during a sale.
Can I transfer SkyMiles to another person?
Yes, but there’s a fee. It’s better to book an award ticket directly in their name.
What’s the best way to earn SkyMiles without flying?
Use a Delta Amex credit card and the SkyMiles Shopping portal.
Is Delta SkyMiles free to join?
Yes. There’s no cost to enroll in the program.