Lexi Webster
Delta SkyMiles is the loyalty program for Delta Air Lines, one of the largest airlines in North America and globally. Delta SkyMiles members can earn miles through everyday spending via partnerships with companies like Starbucks and Uber, flying, spending on Delta co-branded cards, travelling with partners, and dining and shopping through designated programs. These miles can then be redeemed for flights on Delta, its SkyTeam alliance partners, and other affiliated airlines worldwide. Delta SkyMiles members can also redeem miles for seat upgrades, SkyMiles Marketplace purchases, and other promotions. The number of miles required for a free flight depends on the distance, airport, dates, and cabin, with Main seats requiring fewer miles than Comfort+ and First Class seats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum SkyMiles required for a free flight | 4,500 |
| Maximum SkyMiles required for a free flight | 495,000 |
| SkyMiles required for a free flight to Australia | 10,000+ |
| SkyMiles required for a free upgrade | 20,000-370,000 |
| SkyMiles required for a free flight to Europe | 105,000 |
| SkyMiles required for a free flight to Asia | 86,000 |
| SkyMiles required for a free flight to Mexico | Less than 105,000 |
| SkyMiles required for a free flight on a partner airline | 75,000-86,000 |
| SkyMiles required for a free flight on a Delta Connection carrier | 3,800 |
| SkyMiles required for a free flight on a Delta Shuttle carrier | 3,800 |
| SkyMiles required for a free flight on a SkyTeam partner airline | 3,800 |
| SkyMiles required for a free flight on a codeshare partner airline | 3,800 |
| SkyMiles required for a free flight with a Delta SkyMiles Credit Card | 3,800 |
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What You'll Learn
Delta SkyMiles redemption rates
Delta SkyMiles can be redeemed in several ways, including Award Travel flights, Delta Vacation packages, car rentals, hotels, and vacation rentals. SkyMiles can also be redeemed for culinary experiences and luxury destination getaways. Additionally, SkyMiles can be used to cover fees for standard checked bags on flights originating from select U.S. airports.
Historically, Delta-operated flights to Australia required 85,000 SkyMiles for a one-way booking in business class. In 2017, Delta increased prices for partner Premium cabin awards to Asia (excluding Australia) booked within 21 days of departure. In 2018, Delta lowered the cost of partner award fares to North Asia, reducing business-class redemptions to 85,000 SkyMiles.
More recently, in September 2023, Delta removed the option to start the journey in Mexico and then fly to Australia, which was previously a more economical option. While Delta does not publish specific redemption rates for flights to Australia, data points from SkyMiles members indicate that a first-class flight to Australia could cost over 500,000 SkyMiles.
It is important to note that Delta SkyMiles redemption rates are dynamic and subject to change based on demand and other factors. The rates mentioned above may not be indicative of the current redemption rates for flights to Australia. To determine the most up-to-date redemption rates, SkyMiles members can search for Award Travel flights on Delta's website or mobile app.
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Earning SkyMiles
SkyMiles is a loyalty program by Delta Air Lines that allows you to earn miles through flying, using your Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, or through Delta's partnerships. Here are some ways to earn SkyMiles:
SkyMiles Members can earn miles when they fly with Delta or any of its partner airlines. When booking a flight, you can enter your SkyMiles number to ensure that you earn miles for your trip. Basic Economy tickets do not earn miles; only the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges are eligible to earn miles, excluding government-imposed taxes and fees.
You can earn miles on everyday purchases by using your Delta SkyMiles American Express Card. Card Members can earn up to 8 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases. Additionally, Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Reserve Card Members earn an extra 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases.
Delta has partnerships with various companies, including Hertz, Starbucks, Airbnb, Ticketmaster, and more. For example, completed stays booked through Delta earn 2 miles per $1 spent. Similarly, car rentals booked through Delta with select brands earn 2 miles per $1 spent. Delta also has partnerships with over 20 airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, Air France, KLM, and Aeromexico, where you can earn miles on partner flights booked through Delta.
SkyMiles Members can earn bonus miles with Delta Vacations packages, which include Delta flights, Delta-coded flights operated by airline partners, and flights operated by specific airline partners. Bonus miles are awarded for purchasing flight and hotel stays, flight and car rentals, or a combination of flight, hotel, and car rentals.
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SkyMiles Medallion membership tiers
Delta SkyMiles Medallion membership is divided into four tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Each tier offers an added level of service, exclusivity, and rewards. Here is a detailed breakdown of each tier:
Silver Medallion Tier
Silver Medallion is the first Medallion tier in the SkyMiles program. Silver Medallion members enjoy benefits such as priority service when contacting a SkyMiles representative, personalized Medallion credentials, and the ability to select and personalize bag tags. They earn 7 miles per dollar spent, which includes 2 additional miles per dollar on top of the 5 miles per dollar earned by General SkyMiles members. Silver Medallion members also have access to member-only rates for CLEAR's biometric service, which offers expedited security screening at select airports.
Gold Medallion Tier
Gold Medallion is the second Medallion tier. Gold Medallion members receive all the benefits of the Silver tier, plus additional perks. They earn 8 miles per dollar spent, which includes 3 additional miles per dollar on top of the General SkyMiles member earnings. Gold Medallion members also enjoy priority boarding on Delta flights, with the exception of certain Air France-KLM boarding policies. They also have access to CLEAR's biometric service at a discounted rate.
Platinum Medallion Tier
Platinum Medallion is the third Medallion tier and offers even more exclusive benefits. Platinum Medallion members are rewarded with unlimited complimentary upgrades, access to the full Sky Priority suite of services, and a customized Choice Benefit. They earn 9 miles per dollar spent, which includes 4 additional miles per dollar. Platinum Medallion members also enjoy exclusive savings with Delta Vacations.
Diamond Medallion Tier
Diamond Medallion is the highest Medallion tier, offering the most prestigious benefits. Diamond Medallion members receive the highest priority for complimentary upgrades and boarding among Medallion members. They also have access to exclusive benefits such as complimentary CLEAR Plus membership, Delta Sky Club access, and customizable Choice Benefits. Diamond Medallion members earn the highest number of miles per dollar spent, with a total of 11 miles per dollar, including 6 additional miles per dollar.
It's important to note that the number of miles required for a free flight to Australia may vary depending on factors such as the specific flight, availability, and other factors. Additionally, Delta SkyMiles can be redeemed for Award Travel on partner flights, providing more access to global destinations, including Australia.
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SkyMiles redemption on partner flights
SkyMiles can be redeemed on partner flights, which means more access to global destinations. Delta Air Lines has several airline partners, including:
- Virgin Australia International
- Virgin Atlantic International
- Virgin Australia Limited NZ dba Virgin Australia
- Aeromexico
- Air Europa
- Air France
- China Airlines
- China Eastern
- ITA Airways
- Kenya Airways
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Korean Airlines
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
- Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS)
- Shanghai Airlines
- Vietnam Airlines
- Aeromexico Connect
- Air Baltic
- China Southern
- El Al Israel Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Air France Hop
- KLM Cityhopper
- LATAM Airlines
- Transavia Airlines
- WestJet
- Airlinair
- Air One
- Air One City Liner
- BritAir
- CSA Czech Airlines
- Air France
- Alitalia
- Endeavor Air, Inc.
- Republic Airways
- SkyWest Airlines
- Air France
- China Airlines
- China Eastern
- China Southern
- ITA Airways
- KLM
- Korean Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- LATAM Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- WestJet
- Air Europa
- Air France
- China Airlines
- China Eastern
- China Southern
- ITA Airways
- KLM
- Korean Airlines
In addition, Medallion Members or Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Members residing in Japan may redeem miles toward Award Travel on Skymark flights throughout Japan. Destinations include Haneda, Kobe, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Naha, and Ibaraki.
It is important to note that blackout dates may apply on partner airline-operated flights and are defined by individual carriers. Additionally, Delta may change, suspend, or terminate the redemption program at any time with or without notice.
When redeeming SkyMiles on partner flights, the same rules and conditions apply as for Delta-operated flights. These include mileage redemption being applied toward the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, and taxes and fees being the responsibility of the passenger and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked.
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SkyMiles redemption on Delta-operated flights
SkyMiles is Delta Air Lines' frequent-flyer program, allowing members to earn miles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more. While the number of SkyMiles needed for a free flight to Australia is unclear, Delta offers its members several ways to redeem their miles.
Redeeming SkyMiles on Delta-Operated Flights
Delta SkyMiles members can redeem their miles for Award Travel flights to their desired destinations. Award Travel flights are available on Delta flights and partner flights booked through Delta. There are no blackout dates on Delta-operated flights, meaning members can redeem their miles on any Delta flight with availability.
Pay with Miles
Delta SkyMiles American Express Card members can use their miles to pay for all or part of the price of eligible Delta-operated flights. To use Pay with Miles, members must have at least 5,000 miles in their SkyMiles account. Each 5,000 miles is worth up to $50 for Card Members. Basic Economy fares do not earn miles or count towards Medallion Status. However, Medallion Members can earn MQDs towards their next Medallion Status tier with Award Travel on Delta and select partner airlines.
Miles + Cash
The Miles + Cash option allows all SkyMiles members to pay for their flights using a combination of miles and dollars. This redemption option is available for Award Tickets and must be booked on delta.com. It is not available on codeshare flights.
Delta Vacations
Members can use their miles to book vacation packages through Delta Vacations to any destination at any time. This includes flights, accommodations, rides, and activities. Additionally, members can use their miles to book hotels, vacation rentals, and car rentals through Delta.
Baggage Fees
SkyMiles can also be used to cover fees for standard checked bags on flights departing from select U.S. airports. Members can select "Pay with Miles" during check-in on the Delta website, Fly Delta app, or at an airport kiosk.
Upgrades
Members can use their miles to upgrade their seats or purchase a Delta Sky Club membership if they have Medallion Status.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of Delta SkyMiles needed for a free flight to Australia is subject to change. However, sources suggest that a one-way economy flight on Delta requires at least 5,000 SkyMiles, with some flights requiring up to 495,000 SkyMiles.
Comfort+ and First Class seats can cost anywhere from 20,000 to 370,000 more SkyMiles per one-way flight.
Anyone can join the Delta SkyMiles program for free. SkyMiles can be earned through everyday spending with Delta's partners, such as Starbucks and Uber, as well as through flying, spending on Delta co-branded cards, travelling with partners, and dining and shopping through designated programs.
Delta SkyMiles are generally valued at around 1 cent each, though this can vary. According to NerdWallet, SkyMiles are valued at 1.2 cents apiece.
