Creating Your Delta SkyMiles Account
You can create a Delta SkyMiles account directly on Delta's website in about five minutes. Go to delta.com, click "SkyMiles" in the top navigation, then select "Enroll Now" or "Create Account." You'll enter your name, email address, date of birth, and a password. Delta will send a confirmation email — click the link in that email to set up your account. Once confirmed, your SkyMiles number appears in your account dashboard when ready.
You do not need to book a flight or have a Delta credit card to open an account. The account itself is free. You start earning miles as soon as you fly Delta, book through their website, or use a partner airline or hotel that feeds into the SkyMiles program.
Key Takeaways
- Go to delta.com, find the SkyMiles section, and click "Enroll Now" to start the account creation process.
- You will need a valid email address, your full name, date of birth, and a password you create yourself.
- Delta sends a confirmation email — you must click the link inside it to finish activating your account.
- Your SkyMiles number is ready to use when ready after confirmation, even if you have not yet booked a flight.
- You can link your account to a Delta credit card, hotel stays, car rentals, and other partners to earn miles faster.
What Information You Need Before You Start
Have your email address ready — this is where Delta sends the confirmation link and where you'll receive all future SkyMiles statements and offers. Use an email you check regularly, because you need to open that confirmation message within a few days or the link may expire.
You'll also need your date of birth in the format Delta requests (usually MM/DD/YYYY). Your full name should match your government ID if you plan to use your miles for flights, though you can update it later if needed. Choose a password that is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols — Delta's system will tell you if it does not meet their requirements as you type.
Step-by-Step Account Creation Process
Step 1: Go to the SkyMiles enrollment page. Open delta.com in your browser. Look for "SkyMiles" in the main navigation menu at the top of the page. Click it, then look for a button that says "Enroll Now," "Create Account," or "Join SkyMiles" — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it will be the most prominent option on that page.
Step 2: Enter your personal information. Fill in the fields that appear: first name, last name, date of birth, and email address. Double-check your email address because this is how Delta contacts you. If you make a typo, you won't receive the confirmation email.
Step 3: Create your password. Type a password you have not used elsewhere. Delta requires at least 8 characters and a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (like ! or #). Write it down or save it in a password manager — you'll need it to log in later.
Step 4: Confirm your email. After you submit the form, Delta sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. Open your email inbox (check spam if you don't see it within a few minutes) and click the link inside the email. This link takes you back to Delta's site and activates your account.
Step 5: Log in and find your SkyMiles number. Once confirmed, go back to delta.com and log in with your email and password. Your SkyMiles number appears on your account dashboard — it is a long number that starts with a letter. Write it down or take a screenshot, because you'll need it when you book flights or link other accounts.
Linking Your Account to Flights and Partners
After your account is active, you can start earning miles. When you book a Delta flight on delta.com, log in before you complete your purchase — Delta automatically adds the miles to your account. If you book through a travel agent or phone, give them your SkyMiles number so they can attach the miles to your account after the flight.
You can also earn miles through Delta partners without flying. Link your SkyMiles account to hotel chains (Hilton, Marriott, IHG), car rental companies (Hertz, Avis), and credit card issuers. Each partner has its own linking process, but you usually log into their website, find the loyalty program section, and enter your SkyMiles number. Miles post to your account within a few days of your stay or purchase.
If you open a Delta credit card later, the card issuer will ask for your SkyMiles number during the process. Provide it so the card is linked from the start — this ensures sign-up bonuses and everyday spending miles go directly to your account.
What Happens If You Forget Your Password
Go to delta.com and click "Log In" in the top right. Below the password field, click "Forgot Password?" Enter the email address you used to create your account. Delta sends a password reset link to that email. Click the link, create a new password, and log in with it when ready.
If you no longer have access to the email address you used, contact Delta SkyMiles customer service at 1-800-221-1212. They can verify your identity using your SkyMiles number, date of birth, and other information, then help you regain access to your account or update your email address on file.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
You did not receive the confirmation email. Check your spam or junk folder first — confirmation emails sometimes land there. If it is not there, wait a few minutes and check again. If more than an hour has passed, go back to delta.com and try enrolling again with the same email address. Delta may send a new confirmation link, or the system may recognize the email and let you proceed directly to password creation.
The enrollment form rejects your information. Make sure your date of birth is in the exact format Delta requests (usually MM/DD/YYYY with slashes, not dashes). If your name contains special characters or accents, try typing it without them first — you can update it later. If your password is rejected, it likely does not meet the character requirements; try adding a number and a special character.
Your account is created but your SkyMiles number does not appear. Log out completely and log back in. Sometimes the number takes a few minutes to populate in the dashboard. If it still does not show after 10 minutes, refresh the page or try a different browser. If the problem persists, contact Delta SkyMiles at 1-800-221-1212 with your email address and date of birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Delta credit card to create a SkyMiles account?
No. A SkyMiles account is free and separate from any credit card. You can earn and use miles without ever explore for a Delta credit card. The card is optional and is useful only if you want to earn miles on everyday purchases.
Can I create an account for someone else, like a family member?
No. Each person needs their own account with their own email address and date of birth. If you are creating an account for a child, use their real name and date of birth, and an email address you control. They can use the account to earn miles on flights booked in their name.
What if I already flew Delta before creating an account?
Miles from flights you took before opening your account cannot be added retroactively. Going forward, always provide your SkyMiles number when you book or check in. If you flew Delta recently and did not have an account, contact Delta SkyMiles at 1-800-221-1212 with your confirmation number and ticket information — they may be able to add those miles if the flight was within the last 90 days.
Can I have more than one SkyMiles account?
Delta's terms allow one account per person. If you create multiple accounts, Delta may consolidate them or close duplicates. If you have an old account you no longer use, you can keep it open or contact Delta to close it, but do not create a new one.
How long does it take to earn my first mile?
Miles post to your account after your flight lands and Delta processes the booking — usually within 24 to 48 hours. If you book through a partner hotel or car rental, miles may take a few days longer because the partner has to report the transaction to Delta.