Delta bills itself as the world's largest airline by serving more than 170 million passengers in 66 countries. This figure does not include flights from its Skyteam alliances or partner, Northwest. The airline awards points called Skymiles, which can be turned in for free flights, merchandise and magazines. And you don't even have travel to receive these points.
A quick and easy way to get points is to sign up for Delta's Gold Skymiles Credit card, which is sponsored by American Express. You receive one mile for every dollar you charge to the card. For tickets on qualifying Delta and Northwest flights, you receive two miles for every dollar charged. One disadvantage is the $95 annual fee, which is waved for the first year.
Like to eat out? Then register with Skymiles Dining, so you can receive three miles for every dollar you spend at participating restaurants, including tax and tip. You simply specify the credit or debit card you want to use and use that card to pay for any meals. You can enter a ZIP code through the website under Resources to find restaurants in a particular area.
Spending money at one of the partner businesses gains a set number of miles per purchase or several miles per dollar spent. These merchants include car rentals like Avis, hotels like Hyatt and retailers like Bergdorf Goodman. Check the website under Resources for a complete list of partners.
The traditional way of earning is still available: traveling on Delta or one of its airline partners. You get the actual number of miles flown, with a 500-mile minimum. Business or First Class tickets earn 150 percent more but only on Delta flights. Class bonuses do not apply on partner flights. You must do the actual traveling to receive the points. If someone else flies on a ticket you pay for, she receives the mileage, not you.
Delta offers frequent opportunities for gaining miles that last only for a short time. For example, the first year of credit card use can net 25,000 miles while flights on certain days or to certain destinations yield extra points. When you join Skymiles, you automatically receive notices of these special offers via email.
