How to join Delta SkyMiles
You can join Delta SkyMiles for free on Delta's website or through the SkyMiles mobile app in about five minutes. You'll need a valid email address and a few pieces of personal information — your name, date of birth, and home address. Once you complete the enrollment, you receive a SkyMiles number when ready and can start earning miles on your next Delta flight or through partner purchases.
You don't need to be a frequent flyer to join. The program is open to anyone, and there's no annual fee for the basic membership. Miles don't expire as long as you have some account activity — a flight, a credit card purchase, or a partner transaction — at least once every 24 months.
Key Takeaways
- You can enroll in SkyMiles free on Delta.com or the SkyMiles app and receive your membership number within minutes.
- You earn miles on Delta flights, partner airlines, hotel stays, car rentals, and credit card spending, depending on which earning method you choose.
- A SkyMiles credit card from American Express or Bank of America can accelerate your mile accumulation and unlock additional perks.
- Miles can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotel nights, car rentals, and other travel rewards through the SkyMiles marketplace.
- Your account remains active as long as you earn or redeem miles at least once every 24 months.
Enroll on Delta.com or the mobile app
Go to delta.com and click "Join SkyMiles" in the top navigation menu, or open the SkyMiles app and select "Enroll Now." You'll be asked to enter your first and last name, date of birth, email address, home address, and phone number. Create a password for your account.
Delta will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Click the link in that email to verify your account. Once verified, your SkyMiles number appears in your account dashboard, and you can use it when ready on your next booking or share it with Delta partners.
If you already have a Delta.com account from a previous booking, you can link it to your new SkyMiles membership. During enrollment, select "I have a Delta account" and sign in with your existing credentials. Delta will merge your booking history with your new SkyMiles account.
Ways to earn miles after you join
Once enrolled, you earn miles on every Delta flight you take. The number of miles depends on the distance flown and your ticket type — basic economy tickets earn fewer miles than main cabin or first class. You can check your earning rate before you book by entering your SkyMiles number at checkout.
You also earn miles through Delta partners without flying. Hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott, and IHG credit miles to your SkyMiles account when you stay and provide your membership number at check-in. Car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, and Budget do the same. Dining programs like Dining Rewards let you earn miles when you eat at participating restaurants.
A SkyMiles credit card is the fastest way to accumulate miles if you don't fly frequently. American Express and Bank of America both issue SkyMiles cards. You earn miles on every dollar you spend, plus a large sign-up bonus after you meet a spending threshold in the first few months. These cards also waive your first checked bag on Delta flights and offer other travel perks.
What you can do with your miles
The most common use is booking a free or discounted flight. Log into your SkyMiles account, search for a flight, and select "Use miles" at checkout. You can also bid for upgrades on flights you've already booked — if you win, your miles are deducted and your seat moves to a higher cabin.
Beyond flights, you can redeem miles for hotel nights, car rentals, vacation packages, and gift cards through the SkyMiles shopping portal. You can also transfer miles to airline and hotel partners, though the exchange rate varies. Some partners offer better value than others, so compare before you transfer.
Understanding SkyMiles membership tiers
SkyMiles has four status levels: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. You reach each tier by flying a certain number of miles or segments in a calendar year, or by holding a premium SkyMiles credit card. Higher tiers unlock benefits like priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, waived change fees, and lounge access.
You don't need status to earn and redeem miles — that's available to all members. Status is a bonus that rewards frequent flyers with perks that make travel more convenient. If you fly Delta regularly or spend enough on a premium credit card, you may reach status automatically.
Keeping your account active
Your SkyMiles account stays open indefinitely as long as you have account activity within any 24-month period. Activity includes flying on Delta, earning miles through a partner, redeeming miles, or making a purchase with a SkyMiles credit card. If your account goes inactive for 24 months, Delta may close it and forfeit your miles.
If you're worried about inactivity, the easiest way to keep your account alive is to use a SkyMiles credit card for everyday purchases. Even small transactions count as account activity. You can also transfer miles to a family member's account or to an airline partner to reset your activity clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to join SkyMiles?
No. Joining SkyMiles is free, and there's no annual membership fee. You only pay for flights or other travel you book. A SkyMiles credit card does have an annual fee, but that's optional and separate from the free membership.
Can I use my SkyMiles number on flights I've already booked?
Yes. If you booked a Delta flight before joining SkyMiles, you can add your membership number to the reservation after the fact. Log into your Delta.com account, find the booking, and add your SkyMiles number. Miles will post to your account after the flight.
What happens if I don't use my miles for 24 months?
If your account has no activity for 24 months, Delta may close it and you'll lose your miles. Activity includes flying, earning miles through partners, redeeming miles, or using a SkyMiles credit card. Even one small purchase keeps your account active.
Can I transfer my miles to someone else?
You can transfer miles to a family member or friend, but there's a fee per mile transferred. The cost and rules vary, so check your SkyMiles account for current transfer options. You can also pool miles with a household member if you're both enrolled.
How long does it take to receive my SkyMiles number?
You receive your SkyMiles number when ready after you complete enrollment and verify your email address. You can use it right away on your next booking or share it with Delta partners to start earning miles.