Delta Air Lines operates the SkyMiles loyalty program to recognize customer loyalty and provide rewards for qualifying travel activities. Membership allows travelers to accumulate miles through eligible Delta flights and participating airline partners. These miles can be used toward award travel and other redemption opportunities. The program also includes an elite membership structure called Medallion Status, which offers additional travel privileges based on qualification requirements.
The SkyMiles program is designed to provide rewards to travelers who regularly use Delta Air Lines and its participating partners. Members can join the program without paying a standard enrollment fee and receive a SkyMiles account to manage their mileage activity.
Miles are generally earned according to eligible ticket spending rather than simply the distance traveled. For qualifying Delta-marketed flights, general members earn five miles per eligible dollar spent on qualifying fares, excluding government-imposed taxes and fees. However, certain fare categories have different earning rules, and Delta Main Basic tickets are not eligible for mileage accumulation.
Members can collect miles through several qualifying activities, depending on the applicable program conditions.
Delta flights: Earn miles when traveling on eligible Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flights.
Partner airlines: Collect miles through qualifying flights with participating airline partners.
Hotel reservations: Earn miles through selected hotel partners and eligible travel arrangements.
Car rentals: Receive mileage credit through participating rental companies.
Eligible credit cards: Certain Delta co-branded American Express cards provide opportunities to accumulate miles through qualifying purchases.
SkyMiles members can redeem their accumulated miles for award flights. Redemption requirements vary depending on the destination, travel dates, availability, and ticket conditions. Taxes and applicable fees may still apply when booking award tickets.
Members can manage their accounts, review mileage balances, and monitor eligible transactions through Delta's website and Fly Delta mobile application. These digital tools help travelers understand their accumulated rewards and available redemption opportunities.
In addition to standard membership, Delta offers four Medallion Status levels: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. These levels recognize eligible customer spending and provide additional privileges for frequent travelers.
Members qualify for Medallion Status by accumulating Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) during the qualification year. For the 2027 Medallion Year, the published qualification thresholds based on 2026 activity are $5,000 for Silver, $10,000 for Gold, $15,000 for Platinum, and $28,000 for Diamond.
Each membership level provides different advantages.
Silver Medallion: Includes priority check-in, priority boarding, complimentary upgrade eligibility, and qualifying baggage fee waivers.
Gold Medallion: Provides additional priority services, complimentary upgrade opportunities, and selected airport benefits.
Platinum Medallion: Offers higher upgrade priority, additional travel privileges, and access to eligible Choice Benefits.
Diamond Medallion: Represents the highest membership tier, with enhanced upgrade priority, premium customer support, and additional Choice Benefits.
Complimentary upgrades may be available to eligible Medallion members on qualifying flights, subject to availability, fare restrictions, and upgrade priority. Certain benefits also extend to eligible companions traveling on the same reservation.
International travelers may also benefit from Delta's participation in the SkyTeam airline alliance. Eligible Medallion members can receive selected partner-airline privileges, including access to qualifying international SkyTeam lounges, subject to membership level and travel conditions.