Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card’s New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Earn Miles on Delta Purchases and Everyday Spending
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card continues to offer lucrative rewards for both Delta-specific purchases and everyday spending. Cardholders can earn up to 11 miles per dollar Delta flights, depending their Medallion status, as well as bonus miles Delta Vacations packages. The card also provides a $200 Delta flight credit and a $100 Delta stays credit, making it a compelling option for frequent Delta flyers. The Delta SkyMiles program itself allows members to earn miles through a variety of means, including credit card spending, airline tickets, and partnerships with hotels and rental car companies. Delta's SkyMiles Platinum Card offers a unique way to earn bonus miles vacation packages booked through Delta Vacations, providing up to 10,000 additional miles depending the booking value. Cardholders can take advantage of a 15% discount award travel when using their miles to book flights directly through delta.com or the Fly Delta app, a perk not commonly seen with other airline credit cards. Interestingly, Delta SkyMiles can be earned not only through Delta-marketed flights but also by transferring miles from other loyalty programs, such as American Express Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, albeit with high transfer fees. Contrary to the popular belief that earning miles is limited to flying, Delta SkyMiles can be accrued through various everyday spending activities, including dining and shopping, providing a convenient way for cardholders to boost their mileage balance. While most airline loyalty programs cap the number of miles that can be earned per flight, Delta's SkyMiles Platinum Card allows Medallion members to earn up to 11 miles per dollar spent Delta-marketed flights, making it one of the most generous earning structures in the industry. Surprisingly, despite the ability to transfer miles from other programs, Delta discourages the practice of transferring miles between individual SkyMiles accounts due to the high fees associated with such transactions, a unique policy compared to other airline loyalty programs.
What else is in this post?
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Earn Miles on Delta Purchases and Everyday Spending
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Complimentary Companion Certificate for Roundtrip Flights
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Preflight Meal and Elevated Status with Hertz
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Statement Credits for Dining and Rideshare Services
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Generous Welcome Bonus and Annual Travel Credits
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Flexible Award Pricing for Flights
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Priority Boarding and Complimentary Checked Bags
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Complimentary Companion Certificate for Roundtrip Flights
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card now offers a valuable Companion Certificate benefit, allowing cardholders to bring a companion on eligible round-trip domestic, Caribbean, or Central American flights for just the cost of taxes and fees.
This can be a significant savings for those who frequently travel with a partner or family member, making the card an even more attractive option for frequent Delta flyers.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's Companion Certificate for roundtrip flights allows cardholders to bring a companion on eligible domestic, Caribbean, or Central American flights for just the cost of taxes and fees, which can be up to $
To use the Companion Certificate, cardholders must log into their Delta SkyMiles account, go to the "Certificates, eCredits & Vouchers" section, and select the certificate for the reservation.
The Companion Certificate can only be used on certain round-trip flights within the contiguous US, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.
Cardholders must have an eligible address on file with SkyMiles in those locations to use the Companion Certificate for flights to those destinations.
The Delta Platinum SkyMiles card is one of the Delta Amex cards that offer the annual Companion Certificate benefit.
Eligible Platinum Card Members will receive complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club or Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight, from September 14, 2023, through January 31,
Eligible Platinum Card Members may bring either up to two guests, or their immediate family (spouse/domestic partner and children under 21) for an additional fee to the Delta Sky Club or Grab and Go.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card now offers access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges as part of its new travel benefits.
Cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when they are flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or operated flight, and access to select Centurion Lounges when they have a same-day ticket for a Delta-marketed or operated flight and present their card, boarding pass, and ID.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card also provides access to domestic and select international Centurion Lounges, including Hong Kong and London, with an annual fee of $550.
The Delta Sky Club at Newark Liberty International Airport, Terminal 4 is one of the best Delta Sky Club lounges in the US and is open from 5 am to 10 pm, featuring design elements inspired by different New York City landmarks or design eras.
For Centurion Lounge access with the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card, cardholders must have a same-day ticket for a Delta-marketed or operated flight and present their card, a same-day boarding pass, and a valid government-issued ID.
Starting from January 1, 2024, all customers traveling with Delta Sky Club membership must adhere to the new rules outlined in the updated Delta Sky Club Guide.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card provides access to domestic and select international Centurion Lounges, including in Hong Kong and London, with an annual fee of $
Delta Medallion Members can purchase Sky Club Membership in two ways - for up to $1,495 or 149,500 Delta SkyMiles, allowing them to access more than 100 Delta Sky Club lounges around the world.
Any Delta traveler can purchase an annual membership to access the Delta Sky Club lounges for $545, while those with Delta elite status can buy an annual membership for a standard fee of $
Access with Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights is valid only on Delta-marketed flights, despite the partnership between the two airlines.
The Platinum Card from American Express and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card are some of the credit cards that grant access to the Delta Sky Clubs, in addition to the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Preflight Meal and Elevated Status with Hertz
The new partnership between Delta and Hertz provides additional benefits for SkyMiles Platinum members.
They can now earn extra miles on Hertz rentals based on their Delta status, with Platinum Medallion members earning 7 miles per dollar spent.
Additionally, all SkyMiles Medallion elite members are eligible for complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards status, offering perks like space-available upgrades.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card holders can now earn up to 7 miles per $1 spent on Hertz car rentals, a significant increase from the previous earning rate.
Platinum Medallion members can receive complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President's Circle status, granting them access to enhanced benefits like guaranteed car availability and dedicated customer service.
Silver Medallion members can match their status to Hertz Five Star, allowing them to enjoy a 25% bonus on points earned and access to a wider selection of vehicles at Hertz Ultimate Choice lots.
Delta Platinum Card holders can now receive a free preflight meal at select airport restaurants when they present their card and a same-day boarding pass, helping them fuel up for their journey.
Interestingly, the Delta Platinum Card's preflight meal benefit is only available at participating restaurants and not all airport dining establishments, so cardholders should research their options beforehand.
Critics point out that the preflight meal benefit is limited to a select few items on the menu, potentially leaving some cardholders unsatisfied with the limited options.
Hertz has equipped its rental car locations at major US airports with self-service kiosks, enabling Delta Platinum Card holders to bypass the counter and expedite their rental process.
Surprisingly, the Delta Platinum Card's Hertz status match is not automatically renewed each year, requiring cardholders to re-qualify for the elevated status annually to maintain the associated benefits.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Statement Credits for Dining and Rideshare Services
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card now offers up to $120 in annual statement credits for eligible rideshare purchases with services like Uber, Lyft, Curb, Revel, or Alto.
Cardholders can also earn up to $10 per month in statement credits for purchases at US Resy restaurants, providing a potential $120 in annual savings.
These new dining and rideshare credits, coupled with the card's other benefits like the annual companion certificate, make it an increasingly attractive option for frequent Delta flyers.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card now offers up to $10 in statement credits per month for eligible purchases at US Resy restaurants, totaling up to $120 in annual savings.
Cardholders can also receive up to $10 in statement credits per month for rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, Curb, Revel, or Alto, amounting to $120 in potential annual credits.
To maximize the statement credits, it's crucial to avoid making last-minute prepaid bookings at the end of the year, as transactions posted after December 31st will not be eligible.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve cards provide these dining and rideshare statement credits for both the personal and business versions of the cards.
Interestingly, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card also offers Global Dining Access by Resy, allowing cardholders insider access to reservations at sought-after restaurants.
The $240 Resy Credit on the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, combined with the rideshare and dining credits, can potentially offset the card's $550 annual fee.
Surprisingly, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's Resy and rideshare credits are only available after enrolling through the Card account, so cardholders must proactively opt-in to receive the benefits.
Critics point out that the Resy credit is limited to a select few menu items, potentially leaving some cardholders unsatisfied with the limited dining options.
Contrary to popular belief, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's statement credits for dining and rideshare services are not automatically renewed each year, requiring cardholders to re-enroll to maintain the benefits.
Interestingly, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's dining and rideshare credits are not transferable to other Delta SkyMiles accounts, unlike the card's other benefits like the Companion Certificate.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Generous Welcome Bonus and Annual Travel Credits
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card offers a robust welcome bonus of 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first six months, providing a substantial head start for cardholders to build their mileage balance.
Additionally, the card features valuable annual travel credits, with up to $150 in combined value, including a $150 Delta Stays credit, making it a compelling option for savvy flyers who can maximize these benefits.
The card offers a welcome bonus of up to 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months, providing a substantial boost to a traveler's mileage balance.
Cardholders can earn up to $150 in statement credits for Delta stays, making it a valuable perk for those who frequently book Delta hotel packages.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card features an impressive 0% intro APR for 12 months from the date of purchase, followed by a regular APR of 24% - 24%.
In addition to the welcome bonus, the card provides nearly $400 in annual travel credits, helping offset the $350 annual fee for savvy flyers.
Surprisingly, the card's annual companion certificate benefit, which allows cardholders to bring a companion on eligible round-trip flights for just the cost of taxes and fees, can provide significant savings.
Contrary to industry norms, Delta discourages the practice of transferring miles between individual SkyMiles accounts due to the high fees associated with such transactions.
Interestingly, the card's Resy dining credits are limited to a select few menu items, potentially leaving some cardholders unsatisfied with the limited options.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's Hertz status match is not automatically renewed each year, requiring cardholders to re-qualify for the elevated status annually to maintain the associated benefits.
Critically, the card's dining and rideshare statement credits are not automatically renewed each year, necessitating cardholders to re-enroll to continue receiving these benefits.
Uniquely, the card's dining and rideshare credits are not transferable to other Delta SkyMiles accounts, unlike the Companion Certificate and other perks.
Interestingly, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, with an annual fee of $550, provides access to domestic and select international Centurion Lounges, including in Hong Kong and London.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Flexible Award Pricing for Flights
Delta's SkyMiles program uses a flexible award pricing system, meaning the number of miles required for a flight can vary widely depending on factors such as route, demand, and time of booking.
This dynamic pricing model can lead to unpredictable award ticket prices, with a one-way flight from Seattle to Seoul potentially ranging from 70,000 to 120,000 miles.
However, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card offers the TakeOff 15 benefit, which can help reduce the required miles for a flight.
Delta's flexible award pricing for flights means the number of miles required for a flight can vary widely depending on factors like route, demand, and time of booking, leading to unpredictable pricing.
For example, a one-way award flight from Seattle to Seoul could cost as low as 70,000 miles in April, but then spike to 120,000 miles on a different day, highlighting the dynamic nature of Delta's award pricing.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum, Platinum Business, Reserve, and Reserve Business American Express Card Members will receive an MQD Headstart of 2500 MQDs per Card type for the current Medallion Qualification Year, giving them a head start on elite status.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card members can also use MQD Boost, a unique benefit that can help them qualify for higher elite status levels.
The Delta SkyMiles program's TakeOff 15 benefit, available to holders of eligible Delta credit cards, can help reduce the required miles for a flight by up to 15%.
Delta award tickets, excluding basic economy, now include fee-free changes and cancellations, although changes are subject to repricing, meaning passengers may need to pay more miles if the ticket price has increased.
Delta implements schedule changes each Saturday, which can allow for fee-free changes and cancellations if booked far enough in advance, providing flexibility for savvy flyers.
Delta enforces married-segment logic for SkyMiles award seats, requiring all segments of a journey to be priced together as a single itinerary, which can impact award availability and pricing.
Delta offers deals and flash sales on its web portal, providing opportunities for savvy flyers to maximize their miles and find discounted award flights.
Upgrade Certificates, available to some Delta Platinum and Diamond Medallion members, can now be applied to award tickets and Miles + Cash tickets on Delta-operated flights, adding more value to these elite benefits.
Strategies for earning Delta SkyMiles include leveraging co-branded credit cards with American Express and taking advantage of SkyMiles award deals on the Delta website, which can help flyers accumulate miles quickly.
Surprisingly, Delta discourages the practice of transferring miles between individual SkyMiles accounts due to the high fees associated with such transactions, a unique policy compared to other airline loyalty programs.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's New Travel Benefits Uncovered 8 Perks for Savvy Flyers - Priority Boarding and Complimentary Checked Bags
As a Delta SkyMiles Platinum cardholder, you can enjoy priority boarding in the Main Cabin 1 group, allowing you to board the plane before most other passengers.
Additionally, you will receive complimentary checked bags, which means you can check two bags for free on domestic flights and one bag on international flights.
However, it's worth noting that Silver Medallion Members will not have a dedicated Priority Boarding zone on Delta flights departing from certain airports due to Air France-KLM boarding policies, despite the card's other Sky Priority benefits like dedicated check-in and boarding lanes, as well as priority baggage handling.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Cardholders can enjoy priority boarding in the Main Cabin 1 group, allowing them to board the plane before most other passengers.
Cardholders are entitled to a free checked bag for themselves and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation, a significant perk for frequent flyers.
Surprisingly, Silver Medallion Members will not have a dedicated Priority Boarding zone on Delta flights departing from Amsterdam (AMS) and Paris (CDG) due to Air France-KLM boarding policies.
In addition to priority boarding and free checked bags, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Cardholders also receive Sky Priority benefits, including dedicated check-in and boarding lanes, as well as priority baggage handling.
Interestingly, these priority boarding and free checked bag perks are not exclusive to Delta SkyMiles Platinum Cardholders, as they can also be accessed by non-Sky Priority members through select travel credit cards, such as the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.
Silver Medallion Members who hold an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card can receive a second bag free, with up to two free bags at 70 lbs or 32kg each for travel within the US and Canada.
Contrary to popular belief, the priority boarding and free checked bag benefits are subject to the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's terms and conditions, and may not be automatically renewed each year.
Interestingly, the free checked bag benefit is not transferable to other Delta SkyMiles accounts, unlike the card's other perks like the Companion Certificate.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's priority boarding and free checked bag benefits can provide significant savings for frequent flyers, potentially offsetting the card's annual fee.
Critically, Delta discourages the practice of transferring miles between individual SkyMiles accounts due to the high fees associated with such transactions, a unique policy compared to other airline loyalty programs.
Surprisingly, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's priority boarding and free checked bag benefits are not automatically renewed each year, requiring cardholders to re-qualify for the elevated status annually to maintain the associated benefits.
Interestingly, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's priority boarding and free checked bag benefits are not transferable to other Delta SkyMiles accounts, unlike the card's other perks like the Companion Certificate.
Critics point out that the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's priority boarding and free checked bag benefits are limited in scope, potentially leaving some cardholders unsatisfied with the limited options.