Transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to Delta SkyMiles typically takes one to seven business days to complete. It's important to remember that these are average estimates, and the actual time can vary. For most transfers, you'll see the miles post to your Delta account within a few business days, but it's crucial to plan ahead, especially if you're trying to book a specific award flight.
Step 1: Check Your Accounts and Plan Your Transfer
Hey there! Thinking of using your hard-earned Marriott Bonvoy points for a Delta flight? That's a great way to unlock some amazing travel experiences. Before you dive in, let's make sure you've got everything in order. The first and most important step is to plan ahead.
The 3:1 Transfer Ratio
Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Delta SkyMiles at a 3:1 ratio. This means for every 3,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer, you'll receive 1,000 Delta SkyMiles. It's a straightforward conversion, but keep this ratio in mind when calculating how many points you need.
❌ No Transfer Bonus for Delta
Most airlines offer a 5,000-mile bonus when you transfer 60,000 Marriott points. However, it's important to know that Delta SkyMiles is one of the exceptions to this rule. This means if you transfer 60,000 Bonvoy points, you'll get exactly 20,000 Delta miles, not 25,000. Keep this in mind when you're deciding if a transfer is the right move for you.
⏱️ Why Time is Crucial
Because transfers aren't instantaneous, you run the risk of losing the award seat you want while you wait for your miles to arrive. The best practice is to find a flight with good award availability and potentially place it on hold if the airline allows it.
Step 2: Access the Transfer Points Page on Marriott's Website
Now that you've got a plan, let's get the transfer started. This part is surprisingly simple and can be done entirely online.
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account. Head over to the official Marriott Bonvoy website and sign in with your credentials.
Navigate to the "Transfer Points to Miles" page. This is usually found under the "Use Points" or "Redeem" section of your account. You can also use the search bar on the website to find it quickly.
Step 3: Initiate the Transfer to Delta SkyMiles
This is where you'll select Delta as your airline partner and specify the amount you want to transfer.
Select Delta SkyMiles from the drop-down menu. Marriott has a long list of airline partners, so make sure you choose the correct one.
Enter your Delta SkyMiles account number. The name on your Marriott Bonvoy account and your Delta SkyMiles account must match exactly. If they don't, the transfer will be rejected. This is a critical step, so double-check your account numbers to avoid any delays.
Specify the number of points to transfer. You'll need to enter the amount in Marriott Bonvoy points. The system will automatically calculate how many Delta SkyMiles you'll receive based on the 3:1 ratio. Remember the minimum transfer amount is 3,000 points.
Step 4: Confirm and Monitor the Transfer
Once you've entered all the information, it's time to confirm the transfer and wait for your miles to arrive.
Review the details and confirm the request. Before you finalize the transfer, take a moment to review all the information you've entered. Once you submit the request, it is irreversible. You can't transfer the miles back to your Marriott account.
Keep an eye on your email. Marriott will send you an email confirmation of your transfer request. You'll also receive a notification when the transfer is complete.
Check your Delta SkyMiles account. While the email notifications are helpful, the best way to monitor the transfer is by logging into your Delta SkyMiles account periodically to see when the miles have posted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check the status of my point transfer?
The best way to check the status is to log in to your Delta SkyMiles account and look at your activity. While Marriott sends confirmation emails, the Delta account is the source of truth for when the miles have arrived.
How to transfer Marriott points to another person's Delta account?
You can't directly transfer your Marriott points to someone else's Delta account. However, you can first transfer your Marriott points to their Marriott Bonvoy account (up to 100,000 points per year), and then they can initiate the transfer from their Marriott account to their Delta account.
How to know if my account names match for the transfer?
Your name on both your Marriott Bonvoy account and your Delta SkyMiles account must be identical. A simple typo or a missing middle initial can cause the transfer to fail. Check both accounts and update any discrepancies before initiating the transfer.
How to get a transfer bonus when moving points?
Unfortunately, you won't get a transfer bonus when moving points from Marriott Bonvoy to Delta SkyMiles. The 5,000-mile bonus is not applicable for this specific partnership.
How to cancel a point transfer?
Once you've confirmed the transfer, it is irreversible. You cannot cancel a transfer request. This is why it's so important to double-check all the details before you hit that final confirmation button.
How to get the best value from my Marriott points?
The best value for Marriott points is often found when redeeming them for hotel stays. However, if you have a specific flight redemption in mind that offers a great value for the miles, transferring is a solid option. Always compare the value of the flight to what you could get from a hotel stay.
How to deal with a transfer that is taking too long?
If your transfer has exceeded the average time frame (seven business days), you should first contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service. Have your transfer confirmation number and both your Marriott and Delta account numbers ready.
How to find award availability on Delta?
You can search for award availability directly on Delta's website by logging into your SkyMiles account and searching for flights using miles instead of cash. Being flexible with your dates and destinations can help you find better deals.
How to determine if a transfer is a good idea?
A point transfer is a good idea if you have a specific, high-value redemption in mind and you're confident you can book it before the award availability disappears. Avoid speculative transfers, as you could be stuck with miles in a program you don't use often.
How to prevent award availability from disappearing during a transfer?
Some airlines, though not all, allow you to place an award ticket on hold. Call Delta's customer service and ask if you can put the specific award flight you want on hold while you wait for your miles to transfer. This is the safest way to ensure you don't lose your seat.
