So, you've got an American Express card that earns you Delta SkyMiles. That's fantastic! You're holding a key to some incredible travel opportunities, but you might be wondering, "Okay, now what? How do I actually use these miles?"
You're not alone. The world of airline rewards can seem a little complicated at first, but with a few simple steps, you'll be on your way to booking your next adventure using those hard-earned miles. Let's break down the process and unlock the full potential of your American Express SkyMiles.
Step 1: Log In and Get to Know Your Miles
Before you can spend your miles, you need to know how many you have and what they are. This is the most crucial first step, so let's do it together!
1.1 Accessing Your Delta SkyMiles Account
First things first, head over to the Delta Air Lines website. If you haven't already, you'll need to create a SkyMiles account. It's a separate program from your Amex account, but they're linked. When you signed up for your Amex SkyMiles card, your SkyMiles account was likely created automatically and linked to your card.
Go to Delta.com: Navigate to the official Delta Air Lines website.
Sign In: Look for the "Sign In" button, usually located in the top right corner.
Enter Your Credentials: Use your SkyMiles account number and password to log in. If you've forgotten your login information, use the "Forgot SkyMiles number or password?" link to retrieve it.
1.2 Verifying Your Miles Balance
Once you're logged in, you should see your SkyMiles balance prominently displayed on your account dashboard. This is your personal treasure chest of travel currency! Take a moment to see how many miles you've accumulated. It's a great feeling to watch that number grow with every purchase on your American Express card.
Step 2: Choose How to Redeem Your SkyMiles
Your SkyMiles aren't just for flights. There are a few different ways you can use them, each with its own advantages. The two primary methods for cardholders are Award Travel and Pay with Miles.
2.1 Award Travel: The Classic Redemption
This is the most common way to use your miles. You're essentially booking a flight with miles instead of cash.
Go to the Flight Search Engine: On the Delta.com homepage, enter your travel details (departure city, destination, and dates).
Select "Shop with Miles": This is a critical step! Make sure you check the box that says "Shop with Miles" before you hit the search button. This will display flight options in miles instead of dollars.
Book Your Trip: The search results will show you the number of miles required for each flight. The number of miles needed can vary based on the route, date, and cabin class (e.g., economy, first class). Select the flight that works best for you and follow the prompts to complete your booking. You will still be responsible for paying taxes and fees with your Amex card.
2.2 Pay with Miles: Flexible Savings
This is a fantastic benefit specifically for American Express Delta SkyMiles cardholders. It allows you to use your miles to reduce the cost of a ticket you're paying for with cash.
Search for a Flight Normally: On Delta.com, search for your desired flight without selecting "Shop with Miles."
Look for "Pay with Miles": On the trip summary page after you select your flights, you will see the option to use "Pay with Miles."
Apply Your Miles: You can apply your miles in increments of 5,000 miles, with each 5,000 miles providing a $50 discount. For example, if your ticket costs $250, you could use 20,000 miles to reduce the cost by $200, and then pay the remaining $50 with your Amex card. This is a great option if you don't have enough miles for an entire Award Travel ticket or if the cash fare is a great deal.
Important Note: The Pay with Miles benefit is only available on flights operated by Delta or Delta Connection and is limited to Basic Card Members.
Step 3: Unlock Your Card-Specific Benefits
Your American Express Delta SkyMiles card comes with more than just earning miles. It also provides a host of other benefits that can be redeemed to enhance your travel experience.
3.1 Free Checked Bag
One of the most popular benefits is the first checked bag free for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation. This alone can save you a significant amount of money.
Booking Your Flight: The free checked bag benefit is automatically applied when you book your Delta flight using your eligible American Express Delta SkyMiles card.
At the Airport: When you check in, the system will recognize your card and waive the fee for your first checked bag.
3.2 Companion Certificate
Depending on the specific Amex SkyMiles card you hold (typically Platinum and Reserve), you may be eligible for an annual Companion Certificate. This allows you to bring a companion on a round-trip flight for just the cost of taxes and fees.
Find Your Certificate: Your Companion Certificate will be available in your SkyMiles account on Delta.com. You will receive an email notification when it is ready to be used.
Book a Qualifying Flight: The certificate has specific terms and conditions, such as the class of service and eligible destinations. Read the fine print carefully and follow the booking process on Delta.com.
3.3 Lounge Access and Priority Boarding
Certain Amex SkyMiles cards, particularly the Platinum and Reserve cards, offer benefits like discounted or complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club lounges and priority boarding, which can make your time at the airport much more comfortable.
Lounge Access: Present your eligible American Express card and your same-day Delta boarding pass at the lounge entrance.
Priority Boarding: Your boarding group will be automatically assigned based on your cardholder status when you check in for your flight.
By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the world of American Express Delta SkyMiles and make the most of your travel rewards. Happy travels!
10 FAQ Questions with Quick Answers
How to book a flight using my American Express SkyMiles?
To book a flight, log in to your Delta SkyMiles account on delta.com, select "Shop with Miles" when searching for flights, and choose from the available Award Travel options.
How to use the Pay with Miles benefit?
First, log in to your Delta account and search for a flight. On the trip summary page, you'll see a "Pay with Miles" option to apply miles in 5,000-mile increments to reduce the ticket cost.
How to get a free checked bag with my Amex SkyMiles card?
The free first checked bag benefit is automatically applied when you use your eligible American Express Delta SkyMiles card to pay for your Delta flight.
How to use a Companion Certificate?
Your annual Companion Certificate can be found in your Delta SkyMiles account on delta.com and is used to book a qualifying round-trip flight for a companion for just the cost of taxes and fees.
How to transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles?
You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to your Delta SkyMiles account through the Amex website or app. Transfers are typically at a 1:1 ratio.
How to check my Delta SkyMiles balance?
You can view your Delta SkyMiles balance by logging in to your account on delta.com or on the Fly Delta app.
How to use my Amex SkyMiles card for lounge access?
If your card provides this benefit, simply present your eligible Amex SkyMiles card and your same-day Delta boarding pass at the Delta Sky Club lounge entrance.
How to earn more SkyMiles with my Amex card?
You can earn more miles by using your Amex SkyMiles card for everyday purchases, especially in bonus categories like Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets, depending on your specific card.
How to get priority boarding?
Your boarding group is automatically assigned based on your cardholder status. You will receive Zone 5 priority boarding on Delta flights when you use your eligible Amex SkyMiles card.
How to use my SkyMiles for upgrades?
You can use your SkyMiles to upgrade your seat on a confirmed Delta-marketed and-operated flight. Check the "Upgrade with Miles" page on delta.com for more details and availability.
