Delta is Attempting to Poach Alaska Flyers from Seattle
If Delta and Alaska Airlines had a Facebook relationship status, it'd certainly be "It's Complicated." The two airlines are partners — allowing members to earn and redeem miles on one another and reciprocating elite benefits. However, the relationship has soured over the past couple of years. The carriers have gone from working cooperatively to competing hard against each other. The battle between the two frenemies has been especially fierce at Seattle (SEA).
This week, we found out about another shot fired: Delta currently has an enticing offer for Seattleites who haven't already joined SkyMiles. If you join SkyMiles and fly one qualifying round-trip, Delta will give you 5,000 bonus miles. If you complete a second round-trip, Delta will also grant you mid-tier Gold Medallion status through January 31, 2017. Finally, you'll earn double SkyMiles for all mileage-eligible flights between registration and November 30, 2016.
The 5,000-mile bonus isn't too special; at current TPG valuations, these miles are worth about $60. However, Delta Gold Medallion status is another story. Based on using this status for at least 60,000 miles, we value Gold Medallion status at $1,955. However, make sure to factor in that you'd only be getting this status for a maximum of five months. If you want to continue to receive these Delta elite benefits through 2017, you'll have to re-qualify by flying 50,000 Medallion-Qualifying Miles (MQMs) and spending $6,000 Medallion-Qualifying Dollars (MQD) before the end of 2016.
As always, restrictions apply:
- Offer is only available to Washington state residents who aren't currently SkyMiles members.
- Travelers must enroll in SkyMiles through this promotion.
- The round-trip flights must be completed by November 30, 2016.
- Flights flown prior to enrollment don't qualify.
- Only round-trip flights "departing from and returning to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are eligible for the promotion."
- Delta's Basic Economy (E Fare Class) flights don't count as qualifying flights for this promotion. In case you aren't familiar, these are bare-bones flight options that Delta introduced to compete with ultra-low cost carriers like Spirit.
Bottom Line
If you aren't a Delta SkyMiles member, live in Washington and have upcoming flights over the next three months, this is certainly an offer to explore. In reality, this promotion probably won't move the needle much in Delta's battle for Seattle. However, it should definitely work to further undermine Delta's partnership with Alaska Airlines.
H/T: View From The Wing
[card card-name='Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express' card-id='22034414' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees