I am a frequent traveler, both for work and for personal trips. Trying to take as many trips as possible is important to my wife and I, as well as constant travel for my 9-5. Since I live in Atlanta, my airline of choice is Delta Airlines, based right here out of my home airport. I take around 30 Delta flights per year, and am a proud Skymiles member who looks to extend these airline miles as far as possible for my personal trips to Europe or inevitably Disney World. There are a few ways to max out your Skymiles account to score some potential free flights:
1. Fly! Flying is the quickest (usually) way to accrue Skymiles, and your Medallion status will affect the calculation. The more you spend, the higher your points will fly.
2. Spend! Delta has an extensive relationship with American Express and offers three versions of their travel cards in both personal and business card variations. Skymiles can be found most easily in the credit card sign-up bonuses when first opening these cards, and in the category multipliers. Just make sure you can justify the annual fee every calendar year, especially for the Reserve Card that hits you for $550 per year.
3. Skymiles Shopping!
As a frequent Delta flyer or someone looking to maximize your travel rewards, you may have heard of the Delta SkyMiles Shopping Portal. It's one of the easiest ways to earn bonus miles and eventually enjoy free (or cheaper) travel. In this article, we'll delve into this lesser-known platform, exploring how you can earn extra miles, and discover the best ways to use your miles for maximum savings.
What is Delta's SkyMiles Shopping Portal?
Delta's online shopping portal is a platform designed for Delta loyalty members to earn bonus SkyMiles on their online purchases. By shopping at your favorite stores through the portal, you can accumulate miles on top of the standard miles earned with your Delta SkyMiles credit card or other eligible financial products.
Delta SkyMiles Shopping Portal: How it Works
To start earning bonus miles, follow these simple steps:
Sign up for a free SkyMiles Shopping account using your SkyMiles number.
Browse the portal for special offers and deals from your favorite stores.
Click the retailer's online store link on the portal, which will redirect you to their own proprietary website.
Complete your eligible purchases and earn a certain number of miles (X miles) per dollar spent.
You can also use the portal's button browser extension to ensure you never miss out on earning extra miles.
Maximizing Your Earnings: Delta SkyMiles Credit Card and Bonus Categories
One of the main ways to maximize your miles is by using a co-branded credit card, such as the Gold American Express Card or the Platinum American Express Card. These cards offer a higher rewards rate on Delta purchases and other eligible bonus categories, like U.S. supermarkets or Lyft rides.
Additionally, Delta's SkyMiles Shopping portal often runs limited-time offers, such as the Mother's Day bonus or new promotion, where you can earn extra miles on select purchases.
Don't Forget: SkyMiles Dining and Other Partners
SkyMiles Dining is another great way to earn bonus miles, as you can accumulate miles when dining out or ordering takeout from participating restaurants. Car rentals, hotel stays, and gift cards are also eligible for earning miles through the Delta SkyMiles program.
The European Economic Area - Shop to Earn More
For those based in or traveling to the European Economic Area, the Delta portal offers a great opportunity to earn additional miles on your online purchases.
Tips and Tricks for the Savvy Shopper
Use coupon codes and promotional offers found on the portal to score the best deal.
Compare different credit cards, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, to find the best credit card for your needs.
Keep an eye on the bonus period and special offers, like the annual-fee Delta SkyMiles card or the one-time bonus, to take advantage of limited-time promotions.
Redeeming Your Miles: Free Flights and More
Once you've accumulated enough Delta miles, you can redeem them for free flights or discounted travel. SkyMiles Medallion Members can also enjoy benefits like a free first checked bag and priority boarding. If you're a frequent flyer, the Delta SkyMiles program can make your next journey even more rewarding.
Final Thoughts
The Delta SkyMiles Shopping Mall offers a fantastic opportunity for frequent Delta flyers to earn bonus miles on their everyday online purchases. By using a co-branded Delta credit card, shopping through the portal, and taking advantage of limited-time offers, you can enjoy free flights or discounted travel sooner than you think. So, why not start earning those extra miles today?
