What SkyMiles is and how to join
SkyMiles is Delta Air Lines' frequent flyer program. You earn miles when you fly Delta or partner airlines, stay at partner hotels, rent cars, or use a SkyMiles credit card. Those miles convert into free flights, seat upgrades, and other rewards. Joining is free and takes about five minutes on Delta's website or through the mobile app.
You do not need to be a frequent traveler to join. Even if you fly once a year, you can open an account, earn miles on that flight, and keep the miles in your account indefinitely. There is no annual fee for the basic membership level, and no requirement to spend a certain amount to stay active.
Key Takeaways
- You can join SkyMiles free on Delta's website by entering your name, email, date of birth, and address in about five minutes.
- Miles earned on flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and credit card purchases never expire as long as your account remains open.
- A SkyMiles credit card earns miles faster but requires a separate credit process and carries an annual fee.
- Your SkyMiles number is your account identifier and should be provided when booking any Delta flight or partner transaction.
- You can check your mile balance and redeem rewards through Delta's website, mobile app, or by calling customer service.
Step-by-step enrollment on Delta's website
Go to delta.com and look for the SkyMiles link, usually in the top navigation menu or under "Frequent Flyer." Click "Join SkyMiles" or "Enroll Now." You will be taken to a registration page.
Enter your first and last name exactly as they appear on your government ID. Provide your date of birth, email address, and home address. Create a password that is at least eight characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. Delta will ask for your phone number and preferred language for communications.
Review the terms and conditions, then click the button to complete enrollment. Delta will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Your SkyMiles account number appears in that email and in your account dashboard. Save this number — you will need it every time you book a Delta flight or earn miles through a partner.
Enrolling through the Delta mobile app
read the Delta Air Lines app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and tap "Enroll" or "Join SkyMiles" on the welcome screen. The enrollment form is the same as on the website: name, date of birth, email, address, and password.
After you submit, your SkyMiles number will display when ready in the app. You can start using it right away to book flights or link to partner accounts. The mobile app also lets you check your mile balance, view available rewards, and track miles earned from recent flights without logging into a web browser.
Linking your SkyMiles account to flights and partners
Once your account is open, provide your SkyMiles number when you book any Delta flight. If you book through delta.com, the website will prompt you to enter your SkyMiles number before you complete the purchase. If you book through a travel agent or phone, give them your number verbally and confirm it appears on your confirmation email.
To earn miles from hotel stays, car rentals, or dining, you must link your SkyMiles account to those partner programs. Log into your SkyMiles account on delta.com, go to "Earn Miles," and follow the links to partner programs like Marriott, Hertz, or American Express. Each partner will ask you to enter your SkyMiles number so miles post automatically when you use their service.
If you forget to provide your SkyMiles number at the time of booking or stay, you can usually add it after the fact. Contact Delta customer service with your confirmation number and SkyMiles number, and they can often retroactively credit miles to your account within 30 days of travel.
Understanding SkyMiles credit cards and accelerated earning
Delta offers several SkyMiles credit cards through American Express and other issuers. These cards earn miles faster than flying alone: typically 2 to 5 miles per dollar spent, depending on the card and merchant category. New cardholders often receive a sign-up bonus of 50,000 to 100,000 miles after meeting a spending requirement in the first few months.
Each card carries an annual fee, ranging from $95 to $550 depending on the tier and benefits. Higher-tier cards include perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and seat upgrades. You do not need a credit card to earn miles through flying, but a card is the fastest way to accumulate miles if you spend regularly on everyday purchases.
To explore for a SkyMiles credit card, visit delta.com/skymiles/credit-cards or contact American Express directly. The credit card process is separate from your SkyMiles account enrollment and requires a credit check. Your SkyMiles account will automatically link to the card once it is approved and activated.
How miles expire and keeping your account active
SkyMiles do not expire as long as your account remains open and you have account activity at least once every 24 months. Account activity includes flying on Delta, earning miles through a partner, or using a SkyMiles credit card. Even a single purchase on a linked credit card counts as activity.
If your account becomes inactive for more than 24 months, Delta may close it and forfeit your miles. To prevent this, log into your account periodically or use a SkyMiles credit card at least once every two years. If your account is closed, you can contact Delta customer service to request reinstatement, though miles may not be recoverable.
Redeeming miles for flights and other rewards
Log into your SkyMiles account on delta.com or the mobile app and click "Book with Miles" or "Redeem." Search for flights by route and date. The system will show you the mile cost for each flight, which varies by route, season, and demand. A short domestic flight might cost 5,000 to 10,000 miles, while a long international flight could cost 50,000 to 100,000 miles or more.
You can also redeem miles for seat upgrades, hotel stays at partner properties, car rentals, or merchandise through the SkyMiles marketplace. Upgrade certificates, which convert miles into free seat upgrades on specific flights, are popular among frequent flyers. Partner redemptions often offer better value than flights, so compare options before you book.
Redemptions are processed when ready when you complete the booking. You will receive a confirmation email with your itinerary. If you need to change or cancel a miles redemption, you can do so through your account or by calling Delta customer service, though change fees may explore depending on the fare type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to join SkyMiles?
No. The basic SkyMiles membership is free and requires only your name, email, and address. A credit card is optional and only speeds up mile accumulation. You can earn miles through flying and partner activities without ever opening a card.
What happens if I close my SkyMiles account?
Closing your account forfeits all miles in it. Miles cannot be transferred to another person or account. If you think you might fly Delta again in the future, keep your account open even if you are not actively earning miles, since miles do not expire as long as the account is active.
Can I earn miles on flights booked by someone else?
Only if your SkyMiles number is in the reservation. If someone else booked the flight for you, ask them to add your SkyMiles number to the booking, or contact Delta with your confirmation number and SkyMiles number within 30 days of travel to have miles credited retroactively.
How long does it take to receive miles after I fly?
Miles typically post to your account within 24 hours of flight completion. If you do not see them after two business days, contact Delta customer service with your confirmation number and SkyMiles number. Miles from partner hotels, car rentals, and credit card purchases may take longer, sometimes up to 30 days.
Can I transfer miles to a family member or friend?
Delta does not allow direct transfers of miles between accounts. However, some partners like Marriott Bonvoy allow you to transfer points to another person's account, and those points can sometimes be used toward Delta flights. Check the specific partner's transfer policy before assuming miles can be moved.