Delta SkyMiles: How to Earn & Use for Upgrades

Delta SkyMiles can be used for more than just booking flights—they can also unlock premium cabin upgrades on both domestic and international routes. This guide explains how to earn miles efficiently and how to use them for upgrades, including the different upgrade types, how to request them, and what to do when things don’t go as planned.

What You’ll Need

• A Delta SkyMiles account (free to join at delta.com)
• A Delta ticket booked in a main cabin fare (upgrades are not available on Basic Economy)
• Enough SkyMiles in your account to cover the upgrade cost
• Access to the Delta app or website to manage your booking

Step-by-Step

1. Earn SkyMiles on every flight. When you book a Delta flight, your SkyMiles account number must be attached to the reservation. You earn miles based on the ticket price (excluding taxes and fees) multiplied by a fare-class multiplier. For most main cabin fares, you earn 5 miles per dollar. Premium cabin fares earn more (e.g., 7.5 miles per dollar in Delta Premium Select, 11 miles per dollar in Delta One). Always check your boarding pass or receipt to confirm the miles were credited.
2. Earn miles without flying. Use the Delta SkyMiles credit card for everyday purchases—you’ll earn miles on every dollar spent. Also, shop through the Delta SkyMiles Shopping portal, dine at participating restaurants via SkyMiles Dining, or book hotels and rental cars through Delta’s partners. These are easy ways to accumulate miles faster.
3. Check your upgrade options. After booking a main cabin ticket, log in to your Delta account and go to “My Trips.” Look for the “Upgrade with Miles” section. Delta offers two types of mileage upgrades: Mileage Upgrade Awards (MUAs) and Pay with Miles upgrades. MUAs are typically used for international flights and require a specific fare class (usually Y, B, M for Delta One). Pay with Miles upgrades are more flexible and available on domestic flights.
4. Request a Mileage Upgrade Award. If you see the option, click “Request Upgrade” and choose the cabin you want (Delta One, Delta Premium Select, or First Class). You’ll be shown the number of miles required, which varies by route and fare class. Confirm the request, and Delta will add you to the upgrade waitlist. You can also call Delta Reservations to request an MUA if you don’t see it online.
5. Use Pay with Miles for instant upgrades. For domestic flights, Delta often offers an immediate upgrade option at booking or in your trip details. This shows a specific number of miles to upgrade to First Class. If you see it and want it, click to confirm—the upgrade is instant, and you’ll be re-seated in the premium cabin right away.
6. Monitor your upgrade status. If you’re on a waitlist, keep an eye on the Delta app. Upgrades are confirmed based on your Medallion status (if any), the fare class you booked, and the time of request. You’ll receive an email if you’re upgraded, but you can also check the app up to check-in.
7. At the airport, ask at the gate. If you haven’t been upgraded by check-in, you can ask the gate agent about using miles for an upgrade. Sometimes last-minute space opens up, and the gate agent can process a mileage upgrade if you have enough miles in your account.

Common Mistakes

• Booking Basic Economy. Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for any upgrades, including mileage upgrades. Always book Main Cabin or higher if you plan to use miles for an upgrade.
• Not checking fare class eligibility. Mileage Upgrade Awards require specific fare classes (e.g., Y, B, M). If your ticket is in a discounted fare class (like Q or T), you may not be able to use an MUA even if you have miles.
• Ignoring the partner airline rule. If you’re flying on a Delta partner like Air France or KLM, mileage upgrades may not be available or may require different conditions. Always check before assuming you can use miles.
• Forgetting to attach your SkyMiles number. If you book through a travel agency or don’t add your number, you won’t earn miles for the flight. Double-check your reservation.

Tips

• Earn more with elite status. Medallion members earn bonus miles (up to 120% extra for Diamond). Even Silver Medallion gets 40% bonus, which adds up quickly.
• Use the Delta Amex for large purchases. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve cards earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar elsewhere. The Reserve card also offers an annual companion certificate and access to the Sky Club.
• Book flexible fares. Higher fare classes (refundable, fully flexible) are more likely to be eligible for upgrades and also earn more miles per dollar.
• Check upgrade pricing regularly. The miles required for an upgrade can change. If you see a low number, grab it—it may not last.
• Combine with a credit card annual fee. Some Delta cards offer an annual companion certificate that can be used for a free round-trip flight, which can be a better value than an upgrade for short trips.

Troubleshooting

• Upgrade not showing online. If you don’t see the upgrade option, try calling Delta Reservations. Sometimes the website doesn’t display all options, especially for partner flights or complex itineraries.
• Miles not credited after a flight. Wait 72 hours after the flight. If miles still don’t appear, submit a missing mileage request online. You’ll need your boarding pass and receipt.
• Upgrade waitlisted but not confirmed. If you’re not upgraded, you won’t be charged the miles. The miles are only deducted when the upgrade is confirmed. If you don’t get it, you keep your miles.
• Upgrade confirmed but seat assignment not showing. Sometimes the system lags. Check the app after a few hours. If it still doesn’t show, call Delta to confirm your seat.
• Miles deducted but upgrade not applied. This is rare, but if it happens, call Delta immediately. They will either rebook you in the premium cabin or refund the miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many miles do I need for an upgrade?

It varies widely. Domestic first class upgrades can start at 15,000 miles each way, while international Delta One upgrades can be 40,000-80,000 miles. The exact amount depends on route, fare class, and demand.

Can I use miles to upgrade a Basic Economy ticket?

No. Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for any upgrades, including mileage upgrades. You must book at least Main Cabin.

Do I need Medallion status to use miles for upgrades?

No, but status helps. Anyone can request a mileage upgrade (if the fare class is eligible), but Medallion members get priority on the waitlist.

Are mileage upgrades refundable?

If you cancel the upgrade request or the upgrade doesn’t clear, the miles are returned to your account. If you cancel the entire flight, you’ll get the miles back as well.

Can I upgrade a partner airline flight (e.g., Air France) with SkyMiles?

Yes, but it’s more complex. You can use Mileage Upgrade Awards on some partner flights, but availability is limited and you must book a qualifying fare. Call Delta to check.

What’s the difference between a Mileage Upgrade Award and Pay with Miles?

Mileage Upgrade Awards are for international flights and require specific fare classes; they put you on a waitlist. Pay with Miles upgrades are typically for domestic flights and are instant if available.

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