Delta Air Lines·SkyTeam
Delta Loyalty Program — Earning, Tiers & Redemptions
Delta Loyalty Program — Earning, Tiers & Redemptions — Summary
How the Delta frequent flyer program works: how miles are earned, elite tiers, redemption value, expiry rules and which credit cards help.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- The program: Delta operates SkyMiles.
- How you earn: Miles are earned on dollars spent rather than distance flown — 5 miles per dollar as a base member, rising with Medallion tier.
- Elite tiers: Tiers run: Member → Silver Medallion → Gold Medallion → Platinum Medallion → Diamond Medallion..
- Redeeming: Delta uses dynamic award pricing with no published award chart, so the same seat can cost wildly different mileage on different days.
The program
Delta operates SkyMiles. The currency is SkyMiles.
How you earn
Miles are earned on dollars spent rather than distance flown — 5 miles per dollar as a base member, rising with Medallion tier. Status itself is earned through Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).
Elite tiers
Tiers run: Member → Silver Medallion → Gold Medallion → Platinum Medallion → Diamond Medallion.
Redeeming
Delta uses dynamic award pricing with no published award chart, so the same seat can cost wildly different mileage on different days. Flexible dates matter more here than on chart-based programs.
Do the miles expire?
SkyMiles do not expire. This is unusual among US programs and worth knowing before you rush a redemption.
Credit cards and transfers
The Delta SkyMiles American Express cards confer a free first checked bag, priority boarding and MQD headstarts toward Medallion status.
Baggage benefits from status
First bag free for Delta SkyMiles American Express cardmembers and the cardmember's companions on the same reservation, for Medallion members, for active-duty US military, and for Delta One, First and Premium Select passengers.
Delta loyalty program — common questions
Do Delta miles expire?
SkyMiles do not expire. This is unusual among US programs and worth knowing before you rush a redemption.
What are the SkyMiles elite tiers?
Member, Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, Diamond Medallion. Miles are earned on dollars spent rather than distance flown — 5 miles per dollar as a base member, rising with Medallion tier. Status itself is earned through Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).
What is the best way to redeem SkyMiles?
Delta uses dynamic award pricing with no published award chart, so the same seat can cost wildly different mileage on different days. Flexible dates matter more here than on chart-based programs.
More Delta help
Booking Delta? Talk to a US travel consultant.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.