11 Best Ways To Redeem 150,000 Delta SkyMiles For Max Value

Delta Air Lines‘ loyalty points program, Delta SkyMiles, is often overlooked because it doesn’t have an award chart, which makes the number of miles needed for an award flight ambiguous.

Once you get a handle on the trends in award searches and where to find the best values, you can leverage the program to your advantage.

The unfortunate news is that Delta SkyMiles has been devalued significantly over the years, which means flight awards will be more expensive than you would expect. Nonetheless, there are still incredible ways to get outsized value, which we’ll discuss below.

Earning Delta SkyMiles

Let’s first talk about how you can earn Delta SkyMiles!

Delta provides 3 primary ways to earn SkyMiles:

Co-Branded American Express Delta Cards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card

This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

50,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$600

Annual Fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Frequent Delta flyers will love the Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card. The card offers great benefits that will help save you money, effectively mimics low-level elite status with Delta SkyMiles, and helps you earn miles even faster, all for a low annual fee. Let’s dive into the benefits to see if the Delta Gold card is a good fit for your needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• $100 Delta Stays Credit: You can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
• Receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year.
• Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.

Cons

• Moderate annual fee
• Earn rate for Delta flights is relatively low compared to other travel cards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
• Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
• Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• With Send & Split^®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$720

Annual Fee

$350

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card can be a great option for those seeking additional ways to obtain a higher level of status — or to maintain their current status — with the airline.

A key feature of this card is the ability to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) that are essential for earning Delta status. This could help you get closer to earning a handful of valuable benefits with the airline.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta purchases
• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases made directly with hotels
• 2x SkyMiles per $1 spent at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and U.S. supermarkets

Cons

• $350 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn $1 Medallion^® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Resy Credit: When you use your enrolled Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $10 back each month in statement credits.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $350 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

70,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$840

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card is a stellar option for frequent travelers who always fly with Delta thanks to its MQD Headstart towards status boost, lounge access, annual companion certificate, and many other great benefits.

Here is a full look at everything the Delta Reserve card can offer to you to help you decide whether the card deserves a place in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x SkyMiles per $1 on Delta purchases.
• 1x SkyMile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights.

Cons

• $650 annual fee (rates & fees)
• No bonus categories other than Delta purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club^® when you fly Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
• Receive four Delta Sky Club^® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion^® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Earn $1 Medallion^® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

Hot Tip: If you’re looking for more information about these cards, explore our dedicated article on Delta credit cards. 

Recommended American Express Cards (Personal)

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

BEST FOR DINING

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Our favorite way to earn Delta SkyMiles is by using any of the following American Express cards and transferring those points to Delta. You’ll typically accrue more points this way through large sign-up bonuses combined with generous everyday category bonuses than using a Delta card directly.

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards (Personal)

You can also accrue SkyMiles by earning Marriott Bonvoy points and then transferring the points over to your Delta account. See our list of the best Marriott credit cards in our detailed guide.

11 Best Ways To Redeem 150,000 Delta SkyMiles

Delta does not publish an award chart, which can make it challenging to determine the value of the SkyMiles you want to redeem.

Even though there’s no award chart, the Delta search engine is useful. The ability to search for most SkyTeam and Delta partners and the 5-week flexible search function are reasons we recommend using Delta to search for SkyTeam availability.

Delta bases its pricing on the revenue cost of each flight, so the number of miles required may change when you are running your award search.

For even more ways to use your Delta SkyMiles, see our other “best use” redemption article for SkyMiles.

1. Delta One to Europe: 120,000 Miles in Business Class, One-Way

Delta transatlantic business-class flights from the U.S. to Europe can provide significant value, particularly when the equivalent cash price of those flights is high.

With 120,000 Delta SkyMiles, you can book a one-way business class flight on Delta. You could also book 3 one-way economy flights on Delta for 105,000 SkyMiles (35,000 miles each way).

Examples of transatlantic flights on Delta include:

• Atlanta (ATL) to Rome (FCO)
• Detroit (DTW) to Frankfurt (FRA)
• Minneapolis (MSP) to London (LHR)
• New York (JFK) to Brussels (BRU)
• Salt Lake City (SLC) to Paris (CDG)
• Seattle (SEA) to Amsterdam (AMS)

Taxes and fees for one-way business class and economy flights will be $5.60.

Need help booking an award flight? Here’s our step-by-step guide to booking Delta One.

2. Virgin Atlantic From the U.S. to Europe: 120,000 Miles in Upper Class, One-Way

Another transatlantic flight to use your Delta SkyMiles on is Virgin Atlantic. The airline flies into multiple U.S. cities, giving you options when it comes to booking an award flight.

With 120,000 Delta SkyMiles, you can book a one-way Upper Class flight on Virgin Atlantic.

Virgin Atlantic flies the following routes from the U.S. to London (LHR):

Taxes and fees for one-way Upper Class flights from the U.S. to the U.K. will be just $6!

Need help booking an award flight? Here’s our guide to booking Virgin Atlantic Upper Class.

3. Air France From the U.S. to Europe: 120,000 Miles in Business Class, One-Way

If the first 2 transatlantic options didn’t catch your attention, here’s another to check out. Air France, like Virgin Atlantic, is another airline where you can use your Delta SkyMiles.

With 120,000 Delta SkyMiles, you can book a one-way business-class flight on Air France.

Air France flies the following routes from the U.S. to Paris (CDG):

Taxes and fees for one-way business class flights from the U.S. to Paris will be $6.

4. LATAM Business Class From the U.S. to South America: 95,000 Miles Business Class, One-Way

LATAM isn’t a member of any airline alliance, but it maintains a strong partnership with Delta.

In this case, LATAM offers nonstop service with a lie-flat business class seat between the U.S. and South America, offering a convenient and comfortable redemption option.

With 95,000 Delta SkyMiles, you can book a one-way business-class flight on LATAM. Here are a few superb routes you can book:

• Los Angeles (LAX) – Lima (LIM)
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Santiago (SCL)
• Miami (MIA) – Santiago (SCL)
• New York (JFK) – Santiago (SCL)
• Orlando (MCO) – Lima (LIM)

Taxes and fees for a one-way business class flight from the U.S. to South America will be about $21.

Need to earn more SkyMiles? Here are our best ways to earn lots of Delta SkyMiles.

5. Saudia Business Class From the U.S. to the Middle East: 85,000 Miles Business Class, One-Way

When it comes to flying to the Middle East using Delta SkyMiles nonstop, you can basically only book 2 airlines:

• Delta (via Tel Aviv)
• Saudia (via Jeddah or Riyadh)

Delta One flights to Tel Aviv are in very high demand, which means they’ll be hard to locate award space on and is incredibly expensive. Luckily, Saudia has exceptional award availability for a great mileage price, which could get you on a nonstop flight to the Middle East.

With 85,000 Delta SkyMiles, you can book a one-way business-class flight on Delta. You could also book a round-trip economy flight for 75,000 Delta SkyMiles.

Examples of flights on Saudia include:

• New York (JFK) – Jeddah (JED)
• New York (JFK) – Riyadh (RUH)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Jeddah (JED)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Riyadh (RUH)

Remember, you don’t need to end your trip in Saudi Arabia — you can visit Dubai, Oman, and Jordan for the same mileage price.

Taxes and fees for one-way business-class and round-trip economy flights from the U.S. to the Middle East on Saudia will be $277 and about $177, respectively.

Need more ways to redeem SkyMiles? Here are our best ways to redeem SkyMiles for maximum value.

6. China Airlines From the U.S. to Asia: 120,000 Miles Business Class, One-Way

One of the best airlines to fly on transpacific itineraries is with SkyTeam partner China Airlines. The airline is based in Taipei and has a few non-stop routes from the U.S.

With 120,000 Delta SkyMiles, you can book a one-way business-class flight on China Airlines. Or, you could book a round-trip economy flight for 70,000 Delta SkyMiles.

Examples of transpacific flights on China Airlines include:

• Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), or San Francisco (SFO) to Taipei (TPE)

Taxes and fees for one-way business class and round-trip economy flights from the U.S. to Asia will be $5.60 and about $46, respectively.

Need another business class option in Taipei? Here are our best ways to book EVA Air business class.

7. Aerolíneas Argentinas From the U.S. to South America: 80,000 Miles Economy, Round-Trip

In South America, you have a couple of non-stop flights on SkyTeam partner Aerolíneas Argentinas. With Delta SkyMiles, you can book a round-trip economy flight on Aerolíneas Argentinas.

The only 2 flights that you can book are from Miami (MIA) or New York (JFK) to Buenos Aires (EZE).

Taxes and fees for a round-trip economy flight from the U.S. to South America will be about $98.

Hot Tip: If you’re in South America and have SkyMiles to use, consider intra-South American flights on Delta partners Aerolíneas Argentinas, GOL, and LATAM.

8. Korean Air From South Korea to Australia or New Zealand: 75,000 Miles Business Class, One-Way

SkyTeam partner Korean Air can provide value if you want to fly from Asia to Australia. With 75,000 Delta SkyMiles, you can book a one-way business-class flight on Korean Air. You could also book a round-trip economy flight for 80,000 SkyMiles.

Korean Air flies from Seoul (ICN) to Sydney (SYD), Brisbane (BNE), and Auckland (AKL).

Taxes and fees for one-way business class and round-trip economy flights will be about $70 and $162, respectively.

Need help booking an award flight? Here’s our step-by-step guide to booking Korean Air business class.

9. China Eastern From the U.S. to Asia: 120,000 Miles Business Class, One-Way

A third transpacific flight to check out is with SkyTeam partner China Eastern. The airline flies from a handful of U.S. cities to Shanghai, giving you a few award flight options.

With 120,000 Delta SkyMiles, you can book a one-way business flight from the U.S. to Asia. You could also book a round-trip economy flight for 100,000 SkyMiles (50,000 miles one-way).

China Eastern flies the following routes from the U.S. to Shanghai (PVG):

• Chicago (ORD)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• New York (JFK)
• San Francisco (SFO)

Taxes and fees for one-way business class and round-trip economy flights from the U.S. to Shanghai will be about $258 and $36 to $451, respectively.

Hot Tip: SkyTeam has a significant presence in Asia with many airlines based there including China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Garuda Indonesia, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines. 

10. Partner Airlines From the U.S. to India: 120,000 Miles Business, One-Way

Since India is a faraway destination, there are often a lot of different ways you can fly between the U.S. and India on a variety of airlines.

In the case of Delta and its partners, you can redeem 120,000 Delta SkyMiles on a one-way business class flight aboard partner airlines like Virgin Atlantic, KLM, and more.

If you booked a round-trip economy flight, you’d spend 90,000 Delta SkyMiles.

Taxes and fees for a one-way business class flight and a round-trip economy flight ultimately vary depending on the airline, but will ultimately be about $24 to $50 and $100 to $150, respectively.

For complex itineraries to South Asia, you may not see all the available options by searching online; you can also call Delta at 800-221-1212 to look for award space.

Need more ways to fly to India? Check out our best ways to fly to India with points and miles.

11. Korean Air From the U.S. to South Korea: 120,000 Miles Business Class, One-Way

A fourth transpacific flight option for Delta SkyMiles is with Korean Air. The airline flies into numerous U.S. cities and 2 Canadian cities, opening up a ton of award options.

With 120,000 Delta SkyMiles, you can book a one-way business-class flight on Korean Air. You could also book a round-trip economy flight for 100,000 SkyMiles.

Korean Air flies the following routes from the U.S. to Seoul (ICN):

Taxes and fees for one-way business class and round-trip economy flights will be about $26 and $88 respectively.

Have Korean Air miles? Check our best ways to redeem Korean Air SkyPass miles.

List of SkyTeam Partners

List of Non-Alliance Delta Airline Partners

Final Thoughts

Delta’s revenue-based program makes it challenging to determine the value you’re receiving with your SkyMiles. It’s important that you spend time using the Delta search engine to understand the value of your miles.

Delta SkyMiles can provide value if you know where to look. With a number of Delta flights and SkyTeam partner flights to Asia, that’s likely the area of the world where you’ll find the most value for your SkyMiles.

Read our article to find out how you can discover some of the best Delta SkyMiles deals.