Delta further extends SkyMiles benefits, permanently removes award travel fees and more
On April 5, Delta was the first of the Big 3 U.S. carriers to announce sweeping status extensions for its Medallion members.
Later that day, United matched. The following week American did too.
Well, Delta's leading the industry again. This time, the carrier is further extending the validity of loyalty benefits, permanently adjusting the award fee structure, making SkyMiles more flexible and more. Read on for the full details.
Stay up-to-date on airline and aviation news by signing up for our brand-new aviation newsletter.
Delta extends loyalty benefits again
In April, Delta announced extensions for most co-branded credit card benefits, such as companion certificates and flight credits. However, with the pandemic keeping most flyers grounded, the airline is making additional customer-friendly adjustments to the expiration policy. You'll see the new extensions updated automatically in your account over the coming weeks.
Specifically, the Atlanta-based carrier is making the following adjustments for its co-branded card benefits.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card members who earn a $100 Delta flight credit will have the expiration date for that credit extended to Dec. 31, 2021.
- Any unused Companion Certificates (including those issued in 2019) from the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card will now expire on Dec. 31, 2021. Note that you must book and travel by the end of 2021 to use these certificates.
- Unused Sky Club guest passes from the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card will now expire on Dec. 31, 2021.
Delta's also extending Sky Club memberships that were active as of March 1, 2020. Now, those eligible memberships will expire on June 30, 2021. Additionally, SkyMiles Select members will receive an additional six-month extension to the benefits, including any unused drink vouchers.
Each year, Platinum and Diamon Medallion elites can select some additional perks from the Choice Benefits package, including upgrade certificates, Sky Club memberships, travel vouchers and more.
As previously announced, Delta is offering Platinum and Diamond elites another pick at Choice Benefits for the 2021 program year without needing to requalify. 2020 Choice Benefits will not be extended further, as confirmed by a Delta spokesperson. So, if you still haven't made your selection for 2020, choose wisely.
Also, don't forget that existing Medallion status has already been extended through Jan. 31, 2022. Additionally, all Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) earned in 2020 will roll over to 2021.
Related: Delta becomes the first US airline to extend elite status and more
Delta permanently removes most award fees
United jolted the industry when it announced that it's permanently eliminating (most) change fees.
American and Delta didn't let UA have the spotlight, though. Less than 24 hours later, the two other major legacy carriers matched.
However, Delta's announcement "felt rushed" and was missing some key details, like whether the policy applies to award tickets.
Well, the Atlanta-based carrier has announced that effective immediately, it is removing change and redeposit fees for (most) domestic award tickets.
Previously, the pesky $150 award redeposit and reissue fee was waived for top-tier elites, but now all SkyMiles members will enjoy fee-free changes and cancellations to all domestic awards, excluding basic economy fares. (It remains to be seen if the carrier will introduce a new benefit to replace fee-free redeposits.)
Related: How airline no-change-fee policies stack up against Southwest
Delta awards are more flexible than ever
But Delta isn't stopping there. In addition to eliminating (most) award change fees, the airline is also making SkyMiles tickets more flexible.
One of the downsides to redeeming SkyMiles is that you typically can't make voluntary changes or cancellations to itineraries within 72 hours of departure. If you do, you'll forfeit the miles paid for your ticket.
Effective immediately, Delta is permanently dropping this policy for domestic awards. Now, every SkyMiles member can change and cancel a domestic award (excluding basic economy fares) up to the scheduled departure time.
This is great news for Delta flyers. Hopefully, the airline will soon make similar adjustments to international award tickets as well.
Related: How to change or cancel a Delta Air Lines flight
Delta will give you credit if you switch to a cheaper flight
As part of Tuesday's announcement, Delta has also clarified that it will offer future travel credit if you decide to switch to a less expensive flight.
For example, if you've booked a $2,000 ticket to Hawaii but decide to switch to a $200 flight to Florida, you'll receive the $1,800 difference as a remaining balance for future travel. If you switch to a cheaper award fare, you'll receive the SkyMiles difference instantly credited back to your account.
Of the Big 3, both American and Delta will credit the difference when moving to a less expensive flight. United, unfortunately, will not. Hopefully, the competitive pressure will cause United to reconsider.
As a reminder, there are no change fees for any Delta ticket purchased between March 2020 and the end of the year. Come 2021, however, change fees will only be eliminated for domestic flights, excluding basic economy tickets but including awards.
Related: The 48-hour timeline that led to airline no-change-fee policies
Bottom line
Once again, Delta is first to announce sweeping adjustments to its loyalty program benefits. Certain certificates and Sky Club membership will receive a second extension.
The airline is also permanently eliminating change and redeposit fees for domestic awards. Plus, you'll now be able to make changes to a domestic SkyMiles ticket right up until scheduled departure.
With just about three months left of 2020, it's only a matter of time before we hear from American and United about their loyalty-related updates for 2021.
All photos by Zach Griff/The Points Guy
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- 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.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- 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.