After flying with Delta for over a decade, across domestic hops, international long-hauls, last-minute rebookings, and mileage redemptions, I’ve formed a very clear picture of what the SkyMiles program actually offers. I’ve earned and burned hundreds of thousands of miles, hit Medallion Status in multiple years, and watched the program evolve, sometimes for the better, sometimes not.
So the big question: Is Delta SkyMiles worth it in 2025? The answer is: it depends. If you fly Delta regularly, especially from one of their hub airports, SkyMiles can absolutely deliver meaningful value. But the program has changed in major ways, and you need to understand the structure to know how to extract the most from it.
Let me walk you through it all, the good, the not-so-good, and the parts that still make it one of the most usable airline loyalty programs today.
What Is Delta SkyMiles?
Delta SkyMiles is the airline’s frequent flyer and loyalty program, allowing you to earn miles through flights, credit card spending, hotel and rental car partners, and shopping portals. You redeem those miles for flights, seat upgrades, or even gift cards and experiences (though I rarely recommend those non-flight options).
Unlike traditional programs that used distance flown as the core metric, SkyMiles is now spend-based. You earn based on how much you pay, not how far you fly. That matters a lot in how you evaluate its value.
How Do You Earn SkyMiles?
You earn miles in several ways, but the fastest comes from Delta-operated flights and Delta’s American Express co-branded credit cards.
1. Earning on Flights
Delta awards base miles based on ticket cost (base fare + carrier-imposed surcharges), not taxes or fees.
- General Members: 5 miles per $1
- Silver Medallion: 7 miles per $1
- Gold Medallion: 8 miles per $1
- Platinum Medallion: 9 miles per $1
- Diamond Medallion: 11 miles per $1
If you book a $300 ticket (excluding taxes), you’ll earn 1,500 miles as a general member. That same fare gives a Diamond Medallion 3,300 miles.
Expert insight: If you’re flying international partner airlines like Air France or KLM, earnings are based on fare class and distance, not dollars, so the returns can be weaker or stronger depending on the fare type.
2. Credit Card Spending
Delta and American Express offer a range of co-branded cards. I personally use the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex, primarily for the MQD head start and companion certificate.
Some earn rates:
- 2x miles at restaurants and Delta purchases
- 1x miles on everything else
- Select cards offer Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) boosts as well
If you spend a lot on travel or business expenses, these cards are a crucial part of qualifying for elite status without always being on the road.
What Are SkyMiles Worth?
Let’s talk redemption. This is where most people misunderstand the value of SkyMiles.
Unlike United or American Airlines, Delta doesn’t publish an award chart. It uses a dynamic pricing model, meaning the number of miles needed for a flight changes based on demand, cash price, timing, and availability.
Typical Redemption Values:
- 1.1 to 1.3 cents per mile on average for economy flights
- 0.8 to 1.0 cents per mile for first class (less efficient)
- 2.0+ cents per mile is possible on flash sales or international business class
- 0.6 cents or less on merchandise or gift cards (not recommended)
Expert insight: I usually target at least 1.2 cents per mile in value. If a $300 ticket costs 24,000 miles, I’ll pass. If it costs 18,000 miles, I’ll book.
SkyMiles aren’t the most valuable currency out there (Alaska and Aeroplan tend to have higher redemption value), but they’re the easiest to use, especially with no blackout dates on Delta-operated flights.
What Can You Redeem SkyMiles For?
You can redeem SkyMiles for a wide range of rewards, but flights offer the best value by far.
Best Uses of SkyMiles:
- Main Cabin and Comfort+ tickets during Delta SkyMiles sales
- One-way domestic flights (as low as 4,500 miles + $5.60)
- Business class international deals (occasionally under 100k miles roundtrip)
- Flash sales (Delta often publishes discounted SkyMiles fares monthly)
Less Valuable Redemptions:
- Gift cards
- Merchandise
- Upgrade certificates (decent, but limited availability)
- Magazines or experiences
Personal experience: I once booked ATL to CDG (Paris) in Delta One for 86,000 miles, an incredible value when the cash fare was $3,500. But that same route has also shown up as 340,000 miles, which is laughable. It all depends on when you book.
How Does Delta Medallion Status Work?
Earning Medallion elite status in 2025 is based solely on Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). The mileage and segment requirements are gone. That’s a major shift, and it benefits high spenders over frequent fliers.
2025 Medallion MQD Requirements:
- Silver: $5,000 MQDs
- Gold: $10,000 MQDs
- Platinum: $15,000 MQDs
- Diamond: $28,000 MQDs
You earn MQDs via:
- Cash fares on Delta and partners
- Eligible Amex credit card spending (status boosts or thresholds)
- Delta Vacations packages
- Upgrade purchases and certain fees
Expert take: This rewards business travelers and high-spend leisure travelers, but it’s punishing for frequent flyers on cheap tickets. If you’re not spending thousands per year, elite status will be tough to reach unless you lean heavily on credit card boosts.
Is It Easy to Use Miles on Delta?
Yes. That’s one of the strongest features of SkyMiles. You don’t need to hunt for award space. If there’s a seat for sale, you can usually book it with miles.
Key Usability Strengths:
- No blackout dates on Delta-operated flights
- Miles never expire
- Award tickets can be changed or canceled without fees
- Mix miles + cash on most bookings
- Can book for anyone (not just SkyMiles members)
Personal advice: Always run a cash price comparison before redeeming. If the fare is low, pay cash and save your miles for high-value flights.
Is Delta SkyMiles Better Than Other Airline Loyalty Programs?
That depends on your goals. Here’s a brief comparison based on my own usage across programs:
Program | Best For | Weaknesses |
Delta SkyMiles | Easy to earn and redeem | Lower redemption value, no award chart |
United MileagePlus | Great partner redemptions | Dynamic pricing creeping in |
American AAdvantage | Strong for Oneworld awards | Complex elite status structure |
Alaska Mileage Plan | Great value on partners | Limited coverage outside U.S. West |
Delta wins on simplicity, customer service, and domestic reliability. It loses out on aspirational international award travel unless you’re flexible or catch flash sales.
Is Delta SkyMiles Worth It?
For me, yes, but only when used strategically.
If you’re a frequent Delta flyer, especially from a hub like Atlanta, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, or New York-JFK, SkyMiles adds real value to your experience. Booking award flights is frictionless, miles are easy to earn (especially with Amex cards), and the program integrates beautifully with the Fly Delta app.
But you have to accept what SkyMiles is, and isn’t. It’s not a premium redemption currency like Aeroplan or Emirates Skywards. It’s a practical, user-friendly, and reliable loyalty program. When used correctly, it pays you back in real travel, not just status badges.
If you travel for business or spend significantly on Delta Amex cards, you can climb the Medallion tiers with benefits like upgrades, waived fees, and lounge access. If you fly a few times a year, SkyMiles is still worth joining for free redemptions and account tracking.
My advice: Sign up, get the right Amex card, and treat miles like a travel rebate, not a retirement account. Use them frequently and wisely.
FAQs About Delta SkyMiles
Is Delta SkyMiles free to join?
Yes, it’s free to sign up at delta.com.
Do SkyMiles expire?
No, Delta SkyMiles never expire.
How do you earn SkyMiles?
You earn miles from Delta flights, partner airlines, and Amex Delta credit cards.
What are SkyMiles worth?
On average, 1 SkyMile is worth about 1.2 cents when used for flights.
Can you use SkyMiles for any flight?
Yes, if seats are available, you can use miles with no blackout dates on Delta flights.
What’s the best way to redeem SkyMiles?
Flights, especially domestic or flash sale deals, offer the best value.
Is elite status with Delta worth it?
Yes, if you fly Delta often or spend heavily on a Delta Amex card.
Can I use SkyMiles for someone else’s ticket?
Yes, you can book flights for anyone using your SkyMiles.
Are upgrades available using SkyMiles?
Yes, but availability is limited and varies by route.