Delta further extends SkyMiles benefits, permanently removes award travel fees and more
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
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.
In This Post
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
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first three months of card membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.