Delta SkyMiles is one of the most polarizing airline loyalty programs. Delta has often been the first to implement changes that are less than friendly to its customers. Earning miles based on the price of your ticket? Delta did that first. Eliminating award charts? Also Delta’s idea.
Longtime frequent flyers are still bitter about Delta’s stance that it can make changes at any time without providing notice to members. Since Delta doesn’t publish award charts, that’s not as much of an issue anymore.
American and United have followed in Delta’s footsteps with revenue-based mileage earning and variable pricing for award tickets, making airline loyalty programs largely indistinguishable.
SkyMiles Redemptions I’ve Made Over the Years
Personally, I’ve always been able to find value in Delta SkyMiles. In 2019, we spent 55,000 miles each way for Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy tickets. And over a decade ago, I redeemed 80,000 miles for business class on a Virgin Australia flight from L.A. to Sydney—it truly feels like a lifetime ago.
I used to think the best way to redeem SkyMiles was for business class tickets with Delta’s partners, so I let my miles accumulate between trips. But it turns out there’s another redemption option that offers decent value.
The lowest value I’d redeem SkyMiles for airfare is 1 cent per point (CPP). If the redemption value falls below that, the Pay with Miles option or simply paying cash often makes more sense.
Finding Unexpected Value in Short-Haul Flights
Lately, I’ve noticed Delta’s shorter flights are priced much lower in miles. For example, flights from Orlando to New York start at 6,000 miles plus $5.60 for Basic Economy. Main Cabin tickets cost 9,000 SkyMiles.
Paying cash for the same ticket would cost $69 or $104. That works out to a value of 1.05 to 1.08 cents per point.
A seat in Comfort+ is a slightly worse value at 1.04 CPP, while First Class seats provide a similar value at 1.08 CPP.
Remember, if you have a Delta co-branded Amex card, you get a 15% discount on award redemptions, making using points an even better deal.
Final Thoughts: A Deal Worth Taking
It’s not a glamorous redemption, but if I can save $208 by spending 15,200 miles, that’s a deal I’m happy to take.
Next time you book a Delta flight, check the mileage cost—you might be pleasantly surprised.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
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