Delta SkyMiles are often discounted because of their seemingly low value on many redemptions, but there are actually a bunch of great reward options possible!
Here is all the information you need about using SkyMiles with partner airlines, ways to earn miles through credit cards, and the best redemptions currently available to book award travel with the Delta SkyMiles frequent flyer program.
Table of contents
- Using Delta SkyMiles With Airline Partners
- Earning Delta SkyMiles With Partner Cards
- The 13 Best Ways To Use Your Delta SkyMiles
- Delta One-way Awards Within the U.S. for as Low as 5,000 SkyMiles
- Virgin Atlantic to London in Upper Class for 120,000 SkyMiles Each Way
- Book Air France Business Class for 120,000 SkyMiles Each Way
- Aerolíneas Argentina and GOL to Patagonia for 100,000 SkyMiles in Business Class Each Way
- Aeromexico to Mexico City and Madrid From 82,500 SkyMiles in Economy Round-trip
- Fly Asian Airlines in Business Class for 120,000 SkyMiles Each Way
- Fly From Japan to Australia or New Zealand in Business Class for 75,000 SkyMiles
- Add a Side Trip to Vietnam for 45,000 SkyMiles in Business Class
- Head to Guam for 80,000 SkyMiles in Business Class
- Fly Garuda Indonesia from Indonesia to Amsterdam for 95,000 SkyMiles in Business Class
- Access Extra Award Availability on Delta One Suites to Europe Far in Advance for 120,000 SkyMiles
- Fly From the U.S. to The Maldives in Business Class for 100,000 SkyMiles
- List of SkyTeam Alliance Delta Air Lines Partners
- Non-Alliance Delta Air Lines Partners
- Final Thoughts
Table of Contents
- Using Delta SkyMiles With Airline Partners
- Earning Delta SkyMiles With Partner Cards
- The 13 Best Ways To Use Your Delta SkyMiles
- 1. Delta One-way Awards Within the U.S. for as Low as 5,000 SkyMiles
- 2. Virgin Atlantic to London in Upper Class for 120,000 SkyMiles Each Way
- 3. Book Air France Business Class for 120,000 SkyMiles Each Way
- 4. Aerolíneas Argentina and GOL to Patagonia for 100,000 SkyMiles in Business Class Each Way
- 5. Aeromexico to Mexico City and Madrid From 82,500 SkyMiles in Economy Round-trip
- 6. Fly Asian Airlines in Business Class for 120,000 SkyMiles Each Way
- 7. Fly From Japan to Australia or New Zealand in Business Class for 75,000 SkyMiles
- 8. Add a Side Trip to Vietnam for 45,000 SkyMiles in Business Class
- 9. Head to Guam for 80,000 SkyMiles in Business Class
- 10. Fly Garuda Indonesia from Indonesia to Amsterdam for 95,000 SkyMiles in Business Class
- 11. Access Extra Award Availability on Delta One Suites to Europe Far in Advance for 120,000 SkyMiles
- 12. Fly From the U.S. to The Maldives in Business Class for 100,000 SkyMiles
- List of SkyTeam Alliance Delta Air Lines Partners
- Non-Alliance Delta Air Lines Partners
- Final Thoughts
Using Delta SkyMiles With Airline Partners
Delta is part of the SkyTeam alliance and is partnered with a few other airlines that are unaffiliated with an alliance. Virgin Atlantic and LATAM are particularly popular for awards through Delta’s partnership with them.
This alliance membership and partnership with other airlines opens up even more opportunities for redemption for you.
You can search for SkyTeam award tickets and can easily redeem SkyMiles on flights with Delta Air Lines and partner carriers. Many airline partners (but not all) are available to search online. For some, you have to call Delta to confirm availability and book.
When you’re searching for availability, simply elect to view the price in miles to see how many SkyMiles it will cost to take the award flight.
Hot Tip: Look through all options because even when sorting by lowest price, cheaper options on partner airlines may be placed below Delta options, if, for instance, the partner flight miles are cheaper but taxes and charges are higher.
Earning Delta SkyMiles With Partner Cards
SkyMiles can be earned by signing up for various credit cards, including co-branded Delta credit cards offered by American Express.
American Express Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards
With the following cards, you can earn Delta SkyMiles without needing to transfer your miles to SkyMiles. They also include great welcome bonus offers to help you quickly earn your first Delta award ticket.
Recommended Delta Cards
In addition to the Delta-specific cards, other American Express cards and other issuer cards will earn points that you can transfer to Delta.
American Express Membership Rewards Credit Cards
If you like earning Amex Membership Rewards, they can be transferred to Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 ratio. These cards also include great welcome bonus offers.
Recommended American Express Cards (Personal)
Business Owner? Check out our article on the best Amex business cards that earn Membership Rewards.
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points and transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Delta at a transfer rate of 3:1. Plus, for every 60,000 Marriott points that you transfer, you’ll receive an extra 5,000 Delta SkyMiles bonus.
Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards
The 13 Best Ways To Use Your Delta SkyMiles
Since Delta doesn’t publish an official award chart anymore, it can be tough to determine the lowest price available for a given flight you want to book.
Hot Tip: When you search for award availability, you should select the 5-week flexible award option to improve your chances of finding a low-level award.
From a 5-week search, drill down to specific dates to verify availability since the calendar is not perfect. Some days may not show the cheapest option on the calendar.
Even if you don’t have flexibility, finding the lowest price will at least tell you how much of a premium you’ll be paying to fly on your ideal date and might lead you to investigate booking with other airlines instead.
Delta has imposed much higher prices on most awards booked with 21 days of travel (known as close-in bookings). Delta has also raised the lowest award prices on partners compared to travel on Delta.
For the below redemptions, the SkyMiles amount mentioned is generally accepted as the lowest level mileage price that Delta currently charges. If you randomly search on any given day, you may see significantly higher prices. However, the SkyMiles price for Delta partners will be pretty consistent.
When you search on specific dates, make sure to sort by price from the drop-down menu since that’s not the default sort option.
1. Delta One-way Awards Within the U.S. for as Low as 5,000 SkyMiles
Delta Airbus A220 economy class. Image Credit: Greg Stone
It is actually possible to find Delta flights as low as 5,000 SkyMiles one-way on select routes like San Francisco (SFO) to Seattle (SEA).
Sometimes, these are announced as limited-time flash sales; other times, they pop up when cash ticket prices are cheap.
These low-cost flights can be a great deal, especially last minute when Delta flight prices tend to be higher. However, if you’re searching a month out on this route, you will probably see one-way prices around $89, making the redemption mediocre.
When considering transferring your American Express Membership Rewards points to Delta, there is something else you need to think about: American Express charges a fee to transfer Membership Rewards to any U.S.-based program, including Delta SkyMiles.
The fee is quite small: only 0.06 cents per point up to a maximum of $99. If Delta has award availability on a flight you want, this fee shouldn’t be enough to stop you from transferring your SkyMiles and booking the ticket, but it’s something to be aware of nonetheless.
2. Virgin Atlantic to London in Upper Class for 120,000 SkyMiles Each Way
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class. Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic
Many people rave about Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class (its business class) experience, especially on the ground at London-Heathrow. For flights across the Atlantic Ocean, you can really get the full experience of its lie-flat seats and great food.
There are a few different programs that will grant you access to book award travel on Virgin Atlantic. One of the best redemptions available is to use Delta SkyMiles.
Tickets from the U.S. to London are available on both Delta and Virgin Atlantic, but you generally won’t find low-level availability for Delta’s own flights and should look to fly on Virgin Atlantic.
When you do your search on delta.com, look for VS in the corner of the box displaying the flight details. The VS indicates it’s a flight on Virgin Atlantic.
Image Credit: Delta
Your lowest fare from any major U.S. city to London one-way in economy class is 35,000 SkyMiles or 120,000 SkyMiles in Upper Class. That’s a round-trip flight in economy for as low as 70,000 SkyMiles, even from the West Coast!
You can connect onward to anywhere else in Europe, provided there’s availability with either Virgin Atlantic or another Delta partner. Virgin Atlantic flies nonstop from Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), and a handful of other U.S. cities.
Get the greatest value out of the Upper Class experience by flying from the West Coast since your flight time will be 10.5 hours instead of 7 from the East Coast. The number of SkyMiles you’ll need to redeem your ticket is generally the same regardless of flight time.
It’s even better to fly Virgin Atlantic back to the U.S. from Europe because you’ll have access to the wonderful Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse during your stay at London Heathrow. You’ll only want to book Europe to the U.S. as part of a round-trip flight starting in the U.S. because Delta sneakily adds a huge cash surcharge for awards originating in Europe.
The new Upper Class product can be found on:
- London-Heathrow (LHR) – Atlanta (ATL)
- London-Heathrow (LHR) – Los Angeles (LAX)
- London-Heathrow (LHR) – New York (JFK)
- London-Heathrow (LHR) – Orlando (MCO)
Hot Tip: Consider signing up for Global Entry before making your journey to enjoy quickly passing through customs when you come back to the U.S. You can get the $100 fee reimbursed with numerous cards, including the Amex Platinum card.
3. Book Air France Business Class for 120,000 SkyMiles Each Way
Air France exudes French elegance and classic luxury. Image Credit: Air France
Air France business class space is released to Air France Flying Blue members 359 days ahead of time, and the same space is generally released to Delta SkyMiles members 331 days before the departure date. Still, if you have Delta SkyMiles, you can certainly use them on Air France business class flights.
Even if Paris isn’t your final destination, you can connect onward to most other areas of Europe and beyond.
Flights from the U.S. to Europe in economy can be booked for as low as 35,000 SkyMiles one-way, while one-way in business class will cost 120,000 SkyMiles. Just keep in mind that taxes and fees will be around $6 when departing the U.S. and $350 when returning to the U.S. from Europe.
4. Aerolíneas Argentina and GOL to Patagonia for 100,000 SkyMiles in Business Class Each Way
Use your SkyMiles to fly to beautiful Patagonia in Aerolíneas Argentina economy class. Image Credit: Aerolíneas Argentinas
In 2012, Aerolíneas Argentina joined the SkyTeam alliance and GOL joined Delta as a non-alliance partner. There are limited flights directly from the U.S. (only New York (JFK) or Miami (MIA)), but the options within South America are numerous. Since LATAM is one of the only other airlines dominating the region, SkyMiles are very valuable for flights within South America on Aerolíneas Argentinas and GOL.
Patagonia is a very popular destination, especially for those inclined to spend time in the great outdoors. You can fly to El Calafate (FTE) in economy for 35,000 SkyMiles one-way or 100,000 SkyMiles in business class.
This flight has a layover in Buenos Aires (EZE), so if you don’t want to go all the way to Patagonia, you can fly to Buenos Aires for the same number of SkyMiles.
5. Aeromexico to Mexico City and Madrid From 82,500 SkyMiles in Economy Round-trip
Aeromexico 787-9 business class. Image Credit: Aeromexico
Delta’s partnership with Aeromexico is one of the few that has been relatively unaffected by several recent devaluations in Delta SkyMiles.
You can fly to Mexico or (if you’re really feeling adventurous) do a multi-city tour to Mexico and then to Europe. Mexico City (MEX) has great award availability on flights to London (LHR), Paris (CDG), and Madrid (MAD).
When the option is available, choose to view the 5-week flexible dates calendar in your search. This will help you find the lowest SkyMiles award ticket prices.
You’ll need to book your flight to Mexico, then to Europe, and finally back to the U.S. through Delta’s advanced multi-city search option. Multi-city will only let you search specific dates, and you may end up on a different airline than AeroMexico on your way back from Europe to the U.S. (e.g., Delta, Aeroflot, etc.)
If you were to put together a multi-city itinerary like this, you would pay:
- New York (JFK) – Mexico City (MEX) one-way in economy class for 20,000 SkyMiles or in business class for 35,000 SkyMiles
- New York (JFK) – Mexico City (MEX) – Madrid (MAD) – New York (JFK) in economy class for 90,000 SkyMiles or in business class for 170,000 SkyMiles
Hot Tip: When putting together a multi-city itinerary with Delta, it makes sense to search both the entire itinerary as a multi-city search and each segment individually. In some cases, the price may be better booking one-way versus the other.
6. Fly Asian Airlines in Business Class for 120,000 SkyMiles Each Way
China Airlines business class. Image Credit: China Airlines
China Airlines is consistently praised for its business class product. China Airlines is generally thought to offer one of the best airline experiences.
When using your Delta SkyMiles, you have the ability to book China Airlines (based in Taipei), China Eastern (based in Shanghai), and Xiamen Airlines (based in Xiamen) one-way in business class for only 120,000 SkyMiles or economy class for only 50,000 SkyMiles.
All of these airlines can be searched on delta.com for award availability. However, results for China Eastern frequently display award availability that isn’t there (it will have an error if you try to purchase), and connecting itineraries often incorrectly price each segment additively rather than as a single one-way.
Calling Delta won’t help with availability, though sometimes the agents can fix incorrect pricing. Using another SkyTeam program like Air France/KLM Flying Blue or Korean Air SKYPASS is a backup to booking these airlines.
With China Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, you usually won’t encounter these pricing and ticketing problems.
7. Fly From Japan to Australia or New Zealand in Business Class for 75,000 SkyMiles
Korean Air business class Prestige Suites. Image Credit: Korean Air
If you want to tack on an extra destination to your trip, flying from Japan to Australia or New Zealand with Korean Air in business class is a great way to experience a taste of luxury for fewer SkyMiles.
Overall, you’ll end up with about 13 hours of flight time, plus a layover in Korean Air’s Seoul-Incheon hub with a great lounge to visit. It is possible to work in a longer layover and have time to head out into Seoul for a day of sightseeing as well.
8. Add a Side Trip to Vietnam for 45,000 SkyMiles in Business Class
Vietnam Airlines 787-9 business class. Image Credit: Stephen Au
Vietnam Airlines is part of SkyTeam, which means you have the option to redeem your Delta SkyMiles for flights to and within Vietnam.
If you were already planning on flying to Japan, you can add a side trip to Vietnam from Japan for only 17,500 SkyMiles in economy or 45,000 SkyMiles in business class on Vietnam Airlines.
9. Head to Guam for 80,000 SkyMiles in Business Class
Image Credit: Korean Air
Availability might not be the easiest to find, but if you can get it, you surely won’t regret using your Delta SkyMiles to get to Guam, one of the most unique Pacific Islands.
You’ll save a boatload of money by redeeming SkyMiles for your flights — economy class redemptions from the U.S. start at 35,000 SkyMiles and business class redemptions start at 80,000 SkyMiles.
There’s a good chance you’ll end up flying Korean Air to Guam, and their business class will ensure that you hit the ground running.
10. Fly Garuda Indonesia from Indonesia to Amsterdam for 95,000 SkyMiles in Business Class
Garuda Indonesia business class. Image Credit: Garuda Indonesia
Garuda Indonesia’s long-haul footprint is shrinking. Known for its exceptional first class product, this airline also has a business class product worth trying.
For 95,000 SkyMiles plus minimal taxes and fees, you can fly nearly 14 hours on Garuda’s only ultra-long-haul route from Jakarta (CGK) to Amsterdam (AMS).
You’ll pay around $30 in taxes and fees, which will definitely keep your out-of-pocket costs low. With generous business class award availability, you’ll be all set to try one of the world’s most underrated business class products in no time. This specific route is operated by a 777-300ER, and it is one of the only ones that has a 2-class cabin: business and economy.
Garuda Indonesia’s business class seats are arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, which is similar to that of Asiana Airlines.
Delta One Suites. Image Credit: Delta Air Lines
Delta has a number of nonstop routes to Europe with Delta One Suites, but to find flights with loads of award availability fit for family travel in one of the hottest business class products on some of the most lucrative airline routes takes quite a bit of work.
If your travel dates are flexible, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to take your entire family to Europe on Delta One Suites for as little as 120,000 SkyMiles per person. Keep in mind that these tickets are generally very difficult to find, but those who work diligently can redeem 120,000 SkyMiles instead of 320,000 SkyMiles per person.
Here are some routes to focus your search on:
- Atlanta (ATL) – Paris (CDG)
- Detroit (DTW) – Amsterdam (AMS)
- Minneapolis (MSP) – London-Heathrow (LHR)
12. Fly From the U.S. to The Maldives in Business Class for 100,000 SkyMiles
Saudia business class. Image Credit: Saudia
Another amazing use of SkyMiles is to fly to the Maldives in business class on a number of transpacific or transatlantic routes. For upwards of 20 to 24 hours in business class seats, it’s a hugely worthwhile redemption to consider — you just need to be creative about finding routes to the Maldives!
Check out some great example redemptions:
- Chicago (ORD) – Rome (FCO) – Malé (MLE) on ITA business class
- Los Angeles (LAX) – Paris (CDG) – Malé (MLE) on Air France business class
- Miami (MIA) – Moscow (SVO) – Malé (MLE) on Aeroflot business class
- New York (JFK) – Milan (MXP) – Malé (MLE) on Delta One and ITA business class
- San Francisco (SFO) – Shanghai (PVG) – Malé (MLE) on China Eastern business class
- Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Riyadh (RUH) – Malé (MLE) on Saudia business class
List of SkyTeam Alliance Delta Air Lines Partners
The Delta Air Lines partners include SkyTeam airlines as well as some non-alliance partners as well. Image Credit: SkyTeam
Delta frequent flyer partners include SkyTeam and non-alliance partners. SkyTeam partners include:
Aeroflot (temporarily suspended) | ITA Airways |
Aerolineas Argentinas | Kenya Airways |
Aeromexico | KLM |
Air Europa | Korean Air |
Air France | Middle East Airlines |
Delta Air Lines | Saudia Airlines |
China Airlines | Tarom |
China Eastern | Vietnam Airlines |
Czech Airlines | Xiamen Airlines |
Garuda Indonesia | |
Non-Alliance Delta Air Lines Partners
Non-alliance partners are some other great Delta partner airlines that aren’t a part of other alliances:
- Cape Air
- China Southern Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- LATAM
- Virgin Atlantic
- WestJet
Using Your Delta SkyMiles: The Delta Award Chart
Delta currently has a revenue-based award program, but it still has a somewhat zone-based award program for flight redemptions.
The Delta award chart was removed at the beginning of 2015, so it is sometimes a challenge to determine which destinations are in what zone as well as the prices to various zones.
Though overall Delta still has a zone-based program, some flight options don’t quite fit this mold, which makes it very difficult to make sure you are getting a good deal for your flights.
As a general rule, Delta sticks pretty close to its old award chart for flights on Delta. For partner airline flights, the prices have increased across the board. Some regions such as Southeast Asia have seen big increases on all business class awards.
Final Thoughts
This article outlines the best ways to redeem your Delta SkyMiles for flights once you’ve earned enough of them. When you use your Delta SkyMiles and compare the pricing offered to the lowest cash price available, you can be confident that your SkyMiles can get you great value.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, click here.