Tips for Using Delta Reward Points

Here’s a more detailed guide on how to use your reward points on Delta Airlines, along with some examples:

1. Become a SkyMiles Member: If you’re not already a member, sign up for the Delta SkyMiles program on their official website. As a member, you’ll earn SkyMiles for every eligible flight you take with Delta or their partner airlines, as well as for hotel stays, car rentals, and purchases made with Delta’s partners.
2. Accumulate SkyMiles: There are multiple ways to accumulate SkyMiles. For example, let’s say you frequently fly between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) for business. By booking and flying those routes with Delta, you can earn SkyMiles based on the distance flown and your fare class. Additionally, you can earn bonus miles by using a Delta co-branded credit card for your everyday purchases or by staying at partner hotels like Hilton or Marriott.
3. Check Your SkyMiles Balance: Before you start planning your trip, check your SkyMiles account balance either online or through the Delta mobile app. For instance, let’s say you have accumulated 50,000 SkyMiles from your previous flights and credit card spending.
4. Find Available Flights: Visit Delta’s website or use their mobile app to search for flights. For example, let’s say you’re planning a vacation and want to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Orlando (MCO) in the near future. Enter your travel details, including the departure and destination airports, dates, and the number of passengers.
5. Choose “Pay with Miles” Option: Once the search results appear, look for flights that have the “Pay with Miles” option available. For example, you may find a round-trip flight from Chicago to Orlando priced at $300 or 25,000 SkyMiles. Select this option to use your reward points.
6. Enter SkyMiles Information: During the booking process, you’ll be prompted to enter your SkyMiles account information. Provide your SkyMiles number and password to access your account.
7. Redeem SkyMiles: Select the number of SkyMiles you want to redeem for your desired flight. For instance, if the round-trip flight from Chicago to Orlando costs 25,000 SkyMiles, you can choose to redeem the full amount or a partial amount depending on your preference and the available balance in your account.
8. Confirm and Complete Booking: After selecting the number of SkyMiles to redeem, review the flight details, including the departure and arrival times, and proceed to complete the booking. Delta will deduct the corresponding number of SkyMiles from your account, and you’ll receive a confirmation of your booking.

1. Q: How can I use my reward points (SkyMiles) on Delta Airlines? A: You can use your SkyMiles to book flights, upgrades, seat selections, and other travel-related benefits. Simply log in to your Delta SkyMiles account on their official website, search for flights, and choose the option to pay with miles during the booking process.

2. Q: Can I use my reward points to book flights for someone else? A: Yes, you can use your SkyMiles to book flights for friends, family, or anyone else. During the booking process, you’ll have the option to enter the passenger’s information and use your SkyMiles to pay for their ticket.

3. Q: Can I combine cash and reward points to pay for a flight? A: Yes, Delta allows you to use a combination of cash and reward points to pay for flights. This gives you flexibility if you don’t have enough reward points to cover the full cost of a ticket.

4. Q: Can I use my reward points to upgrade my seat on Delta flights? A: Absolutely! Delta offers various upgrade options using SkyMiles. You can use your reward points to upgrade to a higher class of service, such as Delta One or First Class, subject to availability.

5. Q: Do reward points have an expiration date? A: As of September 2021, Delta SkyMiles do not expire. However, it’s always a good idea to review Delta’s official policy or check your account for any updates regarding expiration or changes to the program.

6. Q: Can I earn SkyMiles on partner airlines or through other activities? A: Yes, Delta has a wide range of partner airlines and participating brands where you can earn SkyMiles. This includes flights with SkyTeam alliance members, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. Make sure to check Delta’s partner list to maximize your SkyMiles earning potential.

7. Q: How can I check my SkyMiles balance and transaction history? A: You can conveniently access your SkyMiles account online or through the Delta mobile app. Logging into your account allows you to view your SkyMiles balance, track your transactions, and manage your rewards.