Delta SkyMiles are so much more than a nice-to-have. They're your ticket to travel most of us only dream about. Like those envy-worthy, travel adventures Instagram influencers and travel bloggers are always bragging about. Or so it can seem. But is that always the case?! In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about Delta SkyMiles - we're talking the stuff no talks about.
Not Just for Cool Kids or Frequent Flyers. You Can Buy Miles
Delta SkyMiles are a reward currency you earn. A large part of their appeal is that they're so versatile. You can use them for everything from flights with Delta to car rentals. Unlike other rewards programs, Delta actually gives you the option to purchase miles. That can be very handy like if you’re a few miles away from something like an award tick or cabin upgrade.
Buying a small amount to close the gap often means you don't have to worry about paying full cash prices, especially for premium travel. Delta’s frequent promotions also make buying miles more appealing. We're taking bonus miles and discounts, reducing the cost per mile and increasing their value.
Need to book a last minute flight, this is where you Delta SkyMiles are especially useful. Cash fares can be unpredictable and tend to skyrocket. In these cases, SkyMiles are a lifesaver, offering more stables rates and the chance to secure a luxurious seat. Just keep in mind that if the cost per mile exceed the value you expect t receive, it's probably not a great deal. If you find yourself in this situation, we can help. Reach out about selling your miles and turn them into real cash.
But No One Talks About the Dollars and Cents of Miles
Cost per mile analysis. This might not mean anything to you. But it's an essential part of buying miles. This looks at the total cost of the miles you’re purchasing when divided by the miles you’re receiving. Don't skip this. This is how truly to understand the value of your miles.
This is the first step. The next thing you need to consider is the value for redeemed miles. Sound easy, but this is the tricky part. Things like route, cabin class and even time of booking can cause the value to drop. But don’t worry. There are many online tools to help you estimate the value of SkyMiles. By comparing your cost per mile to the estimated value per mile, you’ll get a good sense of whether this is a good option for you.
Another thing to check is to compare the cost of using miles to book a flight versus what it would cost to purchase the same ticket with cash. This is important. Prices can fluctuate so it’s important you check this thoroughly before moving forward. This can be done easily by checking how much your flight would cost using cash and miles on Delta’s website. Be sure to factor in things like additional fees or taxes. If the price of using miles is lower, that’s a good indication miles are probably the way to go.
Miles and the doors they can open are tempting. But don’t forget about opportunity cost: when choosing to use your miles you’re saying no to other opportunities. This is something so many overlook. In this context, the opportunity cost of buying SkyMiles is the alternative ways you could use that money, such as paying for other travel expenses, investing it, or saving for a different goal. This is something you need to consider carefully. Is what you can get with your miles worth more than other benefits or savings.
Get the Most out of Your Miles
If you’ve decided to purchase miles, now it’s time to think how best to use them so you get the most bang for your buck. One of the best options is to use your purchased SkyMiles for premium cabin awards. Business and first-class tickets typically offer the highest value per mile.
Then there are Delta’s SkyTeam partners. Often they offer better deals and enticing discounts. We recommend researching these options because they're an easy way to stretch your miles even further. Timing also plays a big role. Taking advantage of Delta’s promotions and delaying your booking to take advantage of different specials is a great way to get the most value for your money.
Where So Many People Go Wrong
While purchasing miles isn’t rocket science, you need to know what you’re doing if you don’t want to lose out. One of the biggest mistakes we see people make is overpaying. Always have a clear plan for how you’ll use them and ensure the redemption justifies the cost.
While SkyMiles don’t expire as long as you maintain regular account activity, Delta’s terms can change, and there are often restrictions on award flights, especially during peak seasons. Be sure to read the fine print before purchasing, and avoid buying more miles than you realistically need, as unused miles can lose their value over time.
It Starts and Ends With The Fine Print
Most people gloss over the terms and conditions. Don't. Please don't. You're so much better than that. Also - this is the only way to avoid unexpected restrictions and hidden fees. So once you've done all your other checks, take the time to study Delta's terms and conditions. Your future self will thank you for it.
There's a lot to love about buying miles. There's a lot we love about buying miles. But you have to know what you're doing otherwise you're wasting your time. Ready to get started? Check Delta’s promotions to see if buying miles now makes sense for your upcoming trip. And if you have unused miles, we can help you turn them into cold, hard cash. Reach out and let’s turn your miles into cash.
