Delta SkyMiles is Delta Air Lines' frequent flyer program, originally launched in 1981. Frequent flyer programs have been around since the early 80s to reward travelers who often fly with the same airline (in order to encourage brand loyalty). In 2006, the Delta SkyMiles program was selected the Best Frequent Flyer Program at the Best in Business Travel Awards.
Join SkyMiles. Before you can begin receiving perks for frequent travel through Delta Air Lines, you must first sign up for Delta SkyMiles. For the quickest way to apply, go to "Join SkyMiles" under the SkyMiles tab on the Delta website (see Resources). Fill out all required information and submit. You'll be assigned a personal SkyMiles number.
Use your SkyMiles number when booking flights. It is essential to fill in your personalized SkyMiles number when booking flights. The Delta website, travel agents and other flight-booking websites all give you the chance to fill in your personalized number. If you don't have your card with you when you book your flight, or if you forget to include your number, all you have to do is fill out the "request mileage form" under the SkyMiles section of the Delta website.
Receive miles as a gift or purchase miles from Delta. Delta makes it easy to accumulate miles. It's easy to transfer miles from one account to another (as a gift or favor) or to buy them to add to your account.
Earn miles through participating partners. Through Delta and the SkyMiles program, you can earn miles through participating partners. Partners often have promotions going on for SkyMiles customers where travelers can earn up to double the amount of points for every dollar spent at their location. Qualifying partners include Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt Hotels, Netflix, Orkin, Neiman Marcus and Hertz Car Rental. More than 100 companies are teaming up with Delta (see Resources).
Don't let your miles expire. Delta makes it easy to keep your miles current. All you have to do is take at least one Delta flight every two years to prevent any expiration on your accumulated miles.
