Delta devalues SkyMiles again, partner award rates skyrocket
Delta doesn't publish an official award chart but has kept mostly standard pricing on partner tickets. The airline devalued many U.S.-departing partner awards last October, adding close-in booking surcharges and increasing prices on many awards.
Today, the airline has again devalued partner bookings across the board.
As first reported by One Mile At a Time, we're now seeing higher pricing on all partner flights from the U.S. to Asia and Europe, regardless of airline partner. Business-class tickets were hit the hardest, with price hikes as high as 25,000 SkyMiles on a one-way ticket.
These were also devalued in October when the airline increased one-way business class partner flights to Europe to 95,000 SkyMiles and Asia awards increased to 102,500 SkyMiles. Now, we're seeing these flights start at 120,000 SkyMiles one-way.
Here's a look at the specifics.
U.S. to Europe tickets are significantly more expensive
U.S. to Europe awards saw the biggest devaluations this time around.
For example, this Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) to Paris (CDG) flight operated by Air France now costs 120,000 SkyMiles in business and 35,000 in economy. The flight in question departs nine months from when we searched, so the increased price is not due to close-in booking.
This flight would've cost 95,000 SkyMiles in business class after the last devaluation, representing a huge 25,000-SkyMile increase in price. Thankfully, economy flights have remained the same as in previous months.
We're seeing the same pricing on other routes too. This Virgin Atlantic flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to London-Heathrow (LHR) flight is priced the same as the Chicago to Paris flight discussed earlier.
U.S. to Asia award prices raised across the board
Moving onto Asia, we're seeing higher prices to all parts of the region after this devaluation.
For example, this Korean Airlines flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Seoul (ICN) would have cost 102,500 SkyMiles in business class and 40,000 SkyMiles in economy under the previous devaluation. Now, it starts at 120,000 and 50,000 SkyMiles for business and economy class, respectively.
Partner flights from the U.S. to Southeast Asia now cost 165,000 SkyMiles in business and 67,500 SkyMiles in economy. Business-class previously cost 147,500 in business on these routes.
Finally, flights to India have increased to 120,000 SkyMiles in business class and 45,000 SkyMiles in economy. Previously, this award cost 102,500 SkyMiles in partner business class.
Some close-in booking surcharges increased too
Remember, these awards get even more expensive when you book at the last minute. Delta introduced close-in booking surcharges on partner awards with October's devaluation. Some of these have stayed the same while others increased.
Last-minute flights to Asia now cost 62,500 SkyMiles in economy when booked within 20 days of departure. These cost 50,000 after the previous devaluation.
On the other hand, a Virgin Atlantic flight departing 21 to 59 days from the date of booking still cost 170,000 SkyMiles one-way in business class and 40,000 SkyMiles in economy.
Thankfully, some award tickets remain untouched — for now
A handful of awards haven't been devalued. Most notably, you can still book partner flights from the U.S. to the Middle East for just 85,000 SkyMiles in business class and 37,500 in economy. This is the case even if you transit through Asia to get to the Middle East.
Likewise, intra-Europe flights have remained at pre-devaluation price-points. This KLM flight from Paris (CDG) to Amsterdam (AMS) costs the same 10,000 SkyMiles in economy and 25,000 in business class.
Delta's new partner award chart
As mentioned, Delta doesn't publish an official award chart. Nevertheless, we put together a new unofficial partner award chart to reflect today's changes. Keep in mind that these rates may be higher when booking closer to departure.
| Destination | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|
Central America | 17,000 miles | 35,000 miles |
South America | 25,000 miles | N/A |
Europe | 35,000 miles | 120,000 miles (25k increase) |
Middle East | 37,500 miles | 85,000 miles |
Northern Africa | 35,000 miles | 95,000 miles |
Southern Africa | 50,000 miles | 115,000 miles |
Northern Asia | 50,000 miles (10k increase) | 120,000 miles (17.5k increase) |
Southeast Asia | 67,500 miles | 165,000 miles (17.5k increase) |
India | 45,000 miles (5k increase) | 120,000 miles (17.5k increase) |
Bottom line
Delta isn't holding back on devaluations during the coronavirus pandemic.
Last year's changes were hard enough to stomach, and this round of award price hike puts Delta's award pricing way ahead of the competition. This will make it harder for many travelers to justify earning Delta SkyMiles for international travel.
When asked about the devaluation, Delta released the following statement to TPG:
"Delta regularly evaluates Award Pricing which can result in the increase or decrease of the mileage amount you need to purchase an Award Ticket."
I think this is a trend of things to come for Delta SkyMiles. The airline has distanced itself from SkyTeam over the years, instead opting for independent partnerships. Now, the airline is making it clear that it wants its members to redeem miles Delta-operated flights.
Feature photo of Virgin Atlantic A350 Upper Class by Nicky Kelvin / The Points Guy
Additional reporting by Benji Stawski
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- 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.
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| 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. |
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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.