Three Everyday Ways to Maximize Your SkyMiles Membership
For frequent travelers and even those who only take a few trips a year, loyalty programs can make a tremendous difference in the overall travel experience. Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles program continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of modern flyers, ensuring that every interaction with the airline brings added value. One of the most exciting aspects of the program today is that Members no longer need to rely solely on flying to move closer toward Medallion® Status. By expanding opportunities to earn miles and rewards in everyday life, Delta has positioned SkyMiles as more than a frequent flyer program—it is now a lifestyle program.
As we move into the second half of the year, many travelers are reflecting on their personal goals, upcoming holiday travel, or simply wondering how to maximize the benefits of their SkyMiles Membership. The good news? With Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) thresholds remaining unchanged for 2027 Status, and with new partnerships that extend earning potential well beyond the airport, Members have more control than ever before.
Here are three detailed and practical ways to get the most out of your SkyMiles Membership every day—no flights required.
1. Earn Toward Medallion® Status (With No Changes to MQD Thresholds)
For many, Medallion Status represents the pinnacle of the SkyMiles program. From priority boarding and waived baggage fees to complimentary upgrades and preferred seating, the benefits are designed to transform the travel experience. Earning Status might once have required heavy flying schedules, but today the path is more accessible than ever.
SkyMiles Members can accumulate Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) through a variety of channels:
- Flying on Delta or partner airlines: Every trip taken helps build progress toward Status.
- Using Delta SkyMiles® American Express Cards: Eligible purchases earn MQDs, giving Members an everyday path toward higher tiers.
- Booking through Delta Vacations: Even leisure travel purchases can push Members closer to Status.
One of the most reassuring aspects for frequent and occasional travelers alike is that MQD thresholds will not increase for 2027 Medallion Status. This stability allows Members to plan with confidence, knowing exactly what is required to achieve Diamond, Platinum, Gold, or Silver tiers.
Additionally, Delta SkyMiles Platinum, Platinum Business, Reserve, and Reserve Business American Express Card Members enjoy an MQD Headstart of $2,500 MQDs per card type each year. This means that simply holding one of these cards gives Members a significant boost toward Status before they’ve even taken their first trip of the year.
Travelers loyal to other airlines aren’t left out either. Through the Medallion Status Match Challenge, Delta offers an opportunity to switch elite status from another airline over to Delta—for free. For those who have already earned premium recognition elsewhere, this program provides a way to test the SkyMiles experience without starting from scratch.
For anyone just beginning the journey, Delta makes it easy to track progress. The Fly Delta app includes a SkyMiles section that outlines how many MQDs have been earned and what remains for the next level. Combined with the Medallion Program Overview available online, this transparency helps Members plan strategically and take full advantage of opportunities.
2. Turn Everyday Purchases Into Miles
Flying may be the foundation of most airline loyalty programs, but Delta has extended SkyMiles into the fabric of everyday life. From rideshares to dining to shopping online, nearly everything you already do can contribute to your next trip.
Uber and Uber Eats
Since April, Delta’s exclusive partnership with Uber has unlocked a powerful new way to earn. More than one million SkyMiles Members have already linked their Uber accounts, and for good reason. Once linked, Members automatically earn up to three miles per eligible dollar spent on qualifying Uber rides and Uber Eats orders within the United States. This requires no additional effort—just set it up once, and miles accumulate every time you ride or order in.
To sweeten the deal, eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members can enjoy a limited-time Uber One monthly credit. By paying for an auto-renewing Uber One membership with an eligible card before June 25, 2026, Members can earn up to $9.99 back each month for as many as 6 or 12 consecutive months, depending on the card type. This is essentially a built-in discount on top of earning SkyMiles.
SkyMiles Dining
Food lovers have a delicious way to earn. With SkyMiles Dining, Members earn miles simply by linking a credit or debit card and using it at participating restaurants. Whether dining in, grabbing takeout, or ordering delivery, every eligible purchase moves Members closer to their next trip.
There are thousands of participating restaurants across the U.S., ranging from small local gems to well-known chains. Depending on your SkyMiles Dining status, you can earn up to five miles per dollar spent, with no cap on total earnings. New Members can also collect a 1,000-mile bonus after their first dine, adding immediate value.
SkyMiles Shopping
From household necessities to luxury treats, SkyMiles Shopping transforms online purchases into travel rewards. With over 1,000 participating stores, including big-name retailers and specialty shops, Members can earn miles on nearly every transaction.
The program also offers a browser extension, The Button, which alerts shoppers when miles are available and can even help maximize rewards by offering opportunities to earn up to double the standard miles. This seamless integration ensures that Members never miss a chance to earn.
Beyond Everyday Purchases
SkyMiles Members also benefit from Delta’s wide network of travel partnerships. Whether booking cruises, car rentals, hotels, or even short-term rentals, there are countless opportunities to both earn and redeem miles. Delta Vacations packages, in particular, provide curated experiences with the added perk of earning toward Status on select bookings.
Best of all, miles never expire. Whether you’re steadily collecting from small purchases or rapidly accumulating through travel and card spend, your miles remain available until you’re ready to use them.
3. Access Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences
While many travelers use miles for flights, SkyMiles also unlocks exclusive opportunities that go far beyond traditional rewards. Through SkyMiles Experiences, Members can use their miles to bid on unforgettable events and activities, ranging from sporting moments to luxury getaways.
Imagine throwing the first pitch at a professional baseball game, enjoying a personalized styling session with a celebrity fashion expert, or indulging in an all-inclusive wellness retreat designed to restore balance and relaxation. These experiences transform miles into memories, offering value that money alone cannot buy.
For Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members, the Card Member Collection within SkyMiles Experiences provides even more curated options. From a VIP weekend at the prestigious Cannes Yachting Festival to private dining with award-winning chefs or a spa weekend in Paris, these opportunities showcase the versatility of miles as a currency.
Why SkyMiles Membership Matters
Even if you’re not a frequent flyer, joining SkyMiles can be worthwhile. Membership is free and comes with immediate perks, including fast, complimentary Wi-Fi on most Delta flights thanks to T-Mobile sponsorship. From the very first day, Members have access to benefits, exclusive offers, and a clear path toward even greater rewards.
Delta has clearly shifted its loyalty program into a space that rewards not just travel but lifestyle. By incorporating everyday spending, dining, ridesharing, and shopping, the airline has ensured that miles are always within reach. For those aiming for Medallion Status, stability in qualification thresholds makes the journey predictable, while the ability to use miles for once-in-a-lifetime experiences elevates the value far beyond free flights.
The SkyMiles program is more than a frequent flyer system—it’s a comprehensive rewards ecosystem designed for modern life. Whether you’re chasing Medallion Status, earning miles from your everyday purchases, or bidding on unforgettable experiences, every interaction with Delta and its partners has the potential to create value.
For travelers in 2025 and beyond, maximizing a SkyMiles Membership comes down to awareness and engagement. Link your Uber account, sign up for SkyMiles Dining, explore the SkyMiles Shopping portal, and keep an eye on unique experiences available through the program. By doing so, you’ll not only enhance your travel journey but also turn everyday moments into opportunities for adventure.