Key takeaways
- With over 20 global airline partners, Delta offers access to hundreds of destinations around the world.
- Delta SkyMiles can be redeemed easily for travel on Delta and most of its partner airlines.
- SkyMiles can be earned by flying on Delta, using a partner airline or company, or through credit card spend.
Delta, one of the largest American airlines, leads the way in connecting people around the world. In conjunction with its worldwide partners, the airline connects 200 million passengers each year with flights to over 275 destinations representing 50 countries. With over 4,000 daily flights, Delta and its partners can transport you to more destinations than you might think.
Best of all, members of the Delta SkyMiles frequent flyer program can earn miles toward award flights and more when you fly with Delta or its more than 20 airline partners through the SkyTeam alliance. Keep in mind, Delta SkyMiles never expire too.
In this article, learn more about Delta Air Lines, its partners, and how you can earn and redeem Delta SkyMiles to use on future travel.
Delta Air Lines partners
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- Aeromexico
- Air France
- China Eastern
- KLM
- Korean Air
- Latam Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- WestJet
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- Aerolineas Argentinas
- Air Europa
- Air Baltic
- Cape Air
- China Airlines
- China Eastern
- Czech Airlines
- El Al
- Garuda Indonesia
- Hawaiian Airlines
- ITA Airways
- Kenya Airways
- Middle East Airlines (MEA)
- Riyadh Air* (a new airline beginning flights in 2025)
- SAUDIA Airlines
- TAROM
- Vietnam Airlines
- Xiamen Air
How to earn Delta SkyMiles with partners
When it comes to earning Delta SkyMiles, you will earn points every time you fly with Delta or one of its partner airlines. Keep in mind, Delta does not offer SkyMiles for flights booked in their Basic Economy class. To understand the number of miles you will earn, it is important to pay attention to the airline operating your flight.
For example, if you fly with Air France, one of Delta’s core global partners you will earn miles based on the number of miles you fly multiplied by a percentage designated to the fare class you book. These percentages can also change depending on whether you’re flying only within Europe or to other international destinations.
So, if you fly from Paris to Accra with Air France on a regular economy fare ticket, you’ll earn 50 percent to 100 percent of the miles you actually fly, depending on your purchase. On a business class ticket, you’ll earn a boosted 200 percent of the total miles in SkyMiles.
Delta’s website offers an in-depth look at different earning rates with each of its partners.
Earning Delta SkyMiles with credit cards
In addition to earning SkyMiles by flying with Delta or its partner airlines, you can earn them through spending with credit cards. Another effective method for accumulating miles is by using a Delta co-branded card in partnership with American Express. These cards offer a specific number of miles for each dollar spent, with bonuses varying based on the card you choose. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card provides 3X miles on Delta purchases. With multiple co-branded credit card options available at different annual fee levels, you can select the one that aligns best with your preferences. If you’re not ready to commit to a full airline rewards card, you can also consider a general travel rewards card that earns American Express Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to your Delta SkyMiles loyalty account. Delta Airlines currently has a wide array of non-airline partners that offer various opportunities for earning and redeeming SkyMiles. Here’s a breakdown of some of Delta’s key non-airline partners:
**Hotel Partners**
– Marriott Bonvoy
– IHG One Rewards
– Radisson Rewards Americas
– Accor Hotels
– World of Hyatt
– Langham Hospitality Group
– Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
– World Hotels
– Airbnb
**Car Rental Partners**
– Hertz
– Dollar
– Thrifty
– Alamo
– Enterprise
– National
– Europcar
– Carmel
– Sixt
**Other Partners**
– Lyft
– Turo
– Starbucks
– Instacart
– Ticketmaster
– FTD
– Vinesse Wines
– Select energy companies
If you frequently fly with Delta, maximizing your SkyMiles can lead to significant savings and benefits while traveling. Here are some tips on how to make the most out of your Delta SkyMiles:
**1. Shop with Partners**
Link your SkyMiles account with various partners like Starbucks to earn miles for your everyday purchases. By taking advantage of partner offers, you can accumulate more miles over time.
**2. Use the Right Credit Card**
Consider using a co-branded Delta credit card or a rewards credit card that allows you to transfer points to Delta at a 1:1 ratio. Choose a card that aligns with your spending habits to maximize your SkyMiles earnings.
**3. Be Flexible with Redemptions**
Explore flexible date options when booking award flights to get the most value out of your SkyMiles. Delta’s dynamic pricing system allows you to compare costs and find the best redemption value for your desired travel dates.
Delta Air Lines offers a vast network of global partners, giving you the flexibility to earn and redeem miles for travel worldwide. By strategically maximizing your SkyMiles, you can enjoy free award flights, upgrades, and other travel perks. Take the time to research and plan your redemptions to ensure you make the most out of your Delta SkyMiles.
For more travel tips and tricks on how to enhance your travel experience with credit cards, check out Bankrate’s travel toolkit.