The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Melissa Klurman is a freelance travel reporter. Combining her journalism background with her love of exploring, Melissa turned her passion for travel into a profession, venturing everywhere from the Arctic to Zimbabwe in search of stories. She has worked as an editor at both Frommer's and Fodor's travel guides, editor at large for Bonnier's Travel Group (Islands/CTL/Saveur) and was a media spokesperson for both Fodor's and Travelocity. At Fodor's she created the first Southern Africa and African Safari guidebooks, which in turn has led to more than a dozen trips to southern and eastern Africa, including gorilla trekking in Uganda and a comically unfortunate horseback ride in the Kalahari Desert.
December 4, 2024 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
Jet lag occurs when rapid travel across multiple time zones disrupts your internal clock, leading to symptoms like disturbed sleep and reduced alertness.
Eastward travel generally causes more severe jet lag than westward travel due to greater time loss.
Experts recommend preparing before travel by adjusting your schedule, staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol and stimulants.
Strategies to minimize jet lag include choosing newer aircraft with better cabin environments, using sleep aids if needed, leveraging apps to adjust your schedule and seeking daylight exposure upon arrival.
What to consider
Severity and duration of jet lag depend on the number of time zones crossed, direction of travel and individual adaptability.
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, staying hydrated and aligning sleep with your destination's time zone are key recommendations from medical professionals.
Using tools like neck pillows, eye masks and adjustment apps can further ease the transition.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of expert-backed tips and real-world traveler experiences for overcoming jet lag efficiently.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Editor’s note: This post was updated with new information.
It’s the best of times; it’s the worst of times. You arrive at a new destination far from your home, full of the promise of new discoveries. However, it’s also in a new time zone, many hours removed from your usual schedule. Even though you want to get out and explore, your body often has another idea: bed. But when you’re ready to sleep, boom, you’re wide awake.
Welcome to the world of jet lag.
No matter how well I think I’ve prepared for a long-haul flight by hydrating, trying to get some shut-eye during the flight and being in the sunlight as much as I can when I land, I often find myself completely deflated and exhausted the first day or two of an overseas trip and ready for a nap (for the record, I’m strongly in the pro-nap camp when traveling).
That made me wonder: Why do our bodies get so topsy-turvy when we hop time zones? I reached out to some experts to find out more.
What is jet lag?
GCSHUTTER/GETTY IMAGES
“The reason people experience jet lag is because of our internal clock or circadian rhythm,” Dr. Jenny Yu of Healthline (a Red Ventures company) said. “When there is rapid travel across at least two or more time zones, the circadian system is not able to adjust to the change, resulting in jet lag symptoms.”
Those symptoms can include disturbed sleep, reduced alertness and headache.
“Air cabin pressure can also contribute to jet lag symptoms,” Yu added.
As we’ve noticed in our travels and as Yu confirms, eastward travel is worse for jet lag than westward travel because more time is lost while traveling.
How long does jet lag last?
“How one’s circadian rhythm resynchronizes depends on various factors — how many time zones traveled, the direction of travel and the person’s ability to adjust,” Yu said.
The good news is that jet lag will always go away eventually. The key is to speed up the acclimation process so that the effects cause as little interference as possible.
In addition to talking to medical experts, I also consulted with one of the best sources I know: TPG’s staff of world travelers, who have plenty of experience dealing with time-zone hopping. Here are all their combined tips, tricks and techniques to use when you travel to get over the jet lag hump, in addition to other suggestions from various travel experts.
Dr. Yu tells us that you can start combating jet lag before you set foot in the airport.
“Prep before you travel by staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, getting better quality sleep ahead of the trip and slowly adopting the new schedule,” Yu said.
This prep work can help you experience fewer symptoms once you're in a new destination, Yu explained.
Book a flight on a Dreamliner
Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
The kind of plane you fly on can make a big difference in how to avoid jet lag. Clint Henderson, a managing editor at TPG, swears by this flight tip.
“I always try to get on a newer plane,” he said. “The 787 Dreamliners have better cabin humidity and are better pressurized, which cuts down on jet lag and is a more conducive cabin environment to achieve better sleep.”
Skip the alcohol during the flight
You may want to rethink that inflight glass of wine or beer.
“Alcohol can disrupt sleep both on your flight and after you land,” says Dr. Henry Ting, Delta Air Lines‘ chief health officer, who advises flyers to be mindful of alcohol intake. “Alcohol is a diuretic, so it can increase dehydration, making symptoms of jet lag worse."
But if you are going to have a drink, Ting says, "It’s important to enjoy alcohol in moderation to feel your best.”
While you're on the plane, Yu says it’s important to stay hydrated and avoid stimulants such as caffeine and/or sugar in addition to alcohol. Then, try to sleep on the flight, especially if that aligns with the destination’s time.
“If you need to be alert when you arrive at your destination, work with your doctor to advise on taking melatonin or Benadryl to assist in sleep during a long flight,” she said.
Additionally, Ting also suggests investing in a memory foam neck pillow “for a comfortable neck position” and a memory foam eye mask to block out the light and help passengers sleep in flight.
“If you want to be on the time zone of your destination, use an app like Timeshifter,” advises Genter. “It can be a bit annoying, and some of the recommendations of when to sleep while in transit can be inconvenient — but it does work.”
Get outside in the daylight after you arrive
THOMAS BARWICK/GETTY IMAGES
The easiest tip to follow is also the most recommended by the experts I spoke with and TPG staff: Get outdoors after you arrive at your destination so you can spend time in the fresh air and sunlight.
“Natural light exposure is the best mechanism to influence the internal clock [circadian rhythm], so get plenty of light if possible,” Yu said. “A walk outside helps, and stay on the destination schedule — which means no nap that first day.”
Ting agrees. “Try to stay on daylight/night cycles regardless of destination and sleep when it is dark [out],” he said. “Exercise is great during daylight for endorphins and to stay on the correct circadian rhythms.”
Bottom line
Loathe as we are to say it, if you're traveling long-haul and crossing different time zones, it's quite likely that you'll experience jet lag to some degree. The good news, however, is that while it can be an inevitability when you're traveling to a far-flung destination, it doesn't have to ruin your trip, and with these tips, you can limit its effects and speed up the time it takes you to recover.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Earn 2 Delta Comfort Flight Certificates + 50K Miles
Annual fee
$650
Regular APR
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Excellent to Good
Pros + cons
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
More details
Earn two round‑trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card during a calendar year. Reserve Card Members can also enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
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 domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight 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: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases.
Global Dining Access by Resy gives you special access to sought-after U.S. Resy restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from Resy.com or the Resy app.
$120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
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.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
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 two round‑trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card during a calendar year. Reserve Card Members can also enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
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 domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight 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: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases.
Global Dining Access by Resy gives you special access to sought-after U.S. Resy restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from Resy.com or the Resy app.
$120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
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.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
Earn 2 Delta Comfort Flight Certificates + 50K Miles
Annual fee
$650
Regular APR
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Excellent to Good
Pros + cons
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
More details
Earn two round‑trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card during a calendar year. Reserve Card Members can also enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
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 domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight 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: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases.
Global Dining Access by Resy gives you special access to sought-after U.S. Resy restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from Resy.com or the Resy app.
$120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
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.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
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 two round‑trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card during a calendar year. Reserve Card Members can also enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
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 domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight 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: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases.
Global Dining Access by Resy gives you special access to sought-after U.S. Resy restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from Resy.com or the Resy app.
$120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
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.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
Earn 2 Delta Comfort Flight Certificates + 50K Miles
Annual fee
$650
Regular APR
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Excellent to Good
Pros + cons
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
More details
Earn two round‑trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card during a calendar year. Reserve Card Members can also enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
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 domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight 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: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases.
Global Dining Access by Resy gives you special access to sought-after U.S. Resy restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from Resy.com or the Resy app.
$120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
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.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
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 two round‑trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card during a calendar year. Reserve Card Members can also enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
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 domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight 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: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases.
Global Dining Access by Resy gives you special access to sought-after U.S. Resy restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from Resy.com or the Resy app.
$120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
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.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
Earn 2 Delta Comfort Flight Certificates + 50K Miles
Annual fee
$650
Regular APR
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Excellent to Good
Pros + cons
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
More details
Earn two round‑trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card during a calendar year. Reserve Card Members can also enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
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 domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight 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: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases.
Global Dining Access by Resy gives you special access to sought-after U.S. Resy restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from Resy.com or the Resy app.
$120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
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.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
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 two round‑trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card during a calendar year. Reserve Card Members can also enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
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 domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight 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: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases.
Global Dining Access by Resy gives you special access to sought-after U.S. Resy restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from Resy.com or the Resy app.
$120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
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.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
