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Delta will soon let you redeem miles for bag fees on many more flights

Sept. 17, 2022
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3 min read
Delta New Terminal LaGuardia NYC LGA
Delta will soon let you redeem miles for bag fees on many more flights
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Want to check a bag on your upcoming Delta Air Lines flight? That'll cost you $30. Or, if you go with a new option, it'll cost 3,000 SkyMiles.

While the $30 fee for a checked bag has long been a staple in the industry, Delta this month is rolling out the ability to pay luggage fees with SkyMiles.

Delta first trialed this offering back in late 2019 for flights departing from Columbus, Ohio, and Greensboro, North Carolina; however, it put the program on pause for much of the pandemic. Now, the airline is ready to expand the trial.

"SkyMiles members with flights originating from most domestic airports can pay for standard checked bags fees with miles instead of paying in cash during check-in on Delta.com, the Fly Delta app and at a kiosk at the airport," according to the carrier's newly updated website.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

This option will soon be available on bookings with up to nine passengers. It's set to roll out in the coming days and weeks for flights departing from most domestic airports, according to carrier spokesperson Drake Castaneda.

Earlier this month, Delta launched this alternative payment method for flights departing from seven key airports, though the airline declined to specify which airports.

That said, if you don't see the option to pay with SkyMiles during check-in, you're likely not alone. It'll take some time for the carrier to deploy the technology nationwide, and Delta expects to communicate more information about this option early next month.

The last domestic airports that'll receive this functionality will be hubs, such as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), due to the complex nature of the bag operations there.

At the outset, SkyMiles can only be used to cover standard checked bag fees. Flyers can't use miles to pay excess and overweight baggage fees.

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Expect to pay 3,000 SkyMiles for the first bag. Compared to the cash cost of $30, it's likely not worth redeeming your miles well below the 1.41 cent per point TPG valuation. It wasn't immediately clear how much Delta would charge for a second checked bag, which usually retails for $40.

Of course, if you have just a few miles in your account with no particular use in mind, then it might make sense to redeem them for bags.

Delta Medallions, SkyTeam elite members and premium-cabin customers who are entitled to complimentary checked bags will continue to receive those benefits without any interruption.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Alternatively, if you hold a Delta co-branded credit card, you can get the first checked bag free for you and up to eight additional traveling companions.

Of all the U.S. airlines, Delta has been perhaps the most aggressive about blurring the lines between cash and miles. The airline has rolled out the ability to purchase upgrades and many other ancillaries with miles.

In fact, you can even purchase a bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne in the Sky Club using miles. At 13,000 miles for a $195 bottle, it's actually one of the best deals out there.

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
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.

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Why We Chose It

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.