Delta SkyMiles Named Best Rewards Program

Image: PHOTO: Delta Airplane exterior (Photo via Delta)
Image: PHOTO: Delta Airplane exterior (Photo via Delta)
TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 7:30 PM ET, Tue March 5, 2019

WHY IT RATES: For four years running, Delta has been named the top loyalty program in the industry.-Mia Taylor, TravelPulse Senior Writer.


Delta SkyMiles has been named the top airline rewards program for four consecutive years, according to a new study from personal finance site WalletHub.

In its annual report, WalletHub studied the loyalty programs of the 10 largest U.S. airlines across 23 key metrics, including the number of daily flights, destinations served, booking blackout dates and miles expiration.

The personal finance site created three consumer spending profiles of light, average and frequent flyers to evaluate how well each airline meets the various budgeting needs of travelers. Delta SkyMiles earned the top score, with a nearly five-point lead ahead of the runner up.

This award by WalletHub also follows Delta SkyMiles being named a Best Travel Rewards Program for 2018-2019 by U.S. News & World Report for the second year running. Among the program's unique benefits attributed to its high ranking are:

-Miles don't expire

-No blackout dates for Award Tickets on any Delta Air Lines flight

-Miles can be redeemed to travel to more than 1,000 cities with Delta and its partners

-Industry-leading Medallion Benefits like: Complimentary Upgrades to Delta One on all domestic flights, Rollover Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Choice Benefits for Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members

"All 80,000 Delta employees have contributed to another humbling recognition of our SkyMiles loyalty program," said Sandeep Dube, S.V.P. - Customer Engagement & Loyalty, and CEO - Delta Vacations. "It's one of many ways in which our valued customers have validated the industry-leading position of our loyalty program. Customers who choose to be SkyMiles Members will continue to enjoy superior benefits, and we're proud to offer celebrated differentiators such as miles not expiring because we know how important they are to customers."

Not only does the SkyMiles program make it easy for customers to earn miles on everyday purchases with the brands they love, like Airbnb and Lyft, but customers can also easily redeem miles on everything from attending once-in-a-lifetime events through SkyMiles Experiences to enjoying a premium drink at a Delta Sky Club.

Members can also now use their miles to purchase seat upgrades with ease through Delta.com or the Fly Delta app after buying their ticket. Each of these enhancements is part of Delta's innovative investment as the global airline expands the value of miles and the ability to use them.


SOURCE: Delta press release


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Sell More Great Lakes Cruises with Victory Cruise LinesWednesday, September 9, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Cris Desouza, VP of Sales, and Barbara Davis, Director of Sales, for an inside look at what’s new...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...
Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Sell More Great Lakes Cruises with Victory Cruise LinesWednesday, September 9, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Cris Desouza, VP of Sales, and Barbara Davis, Director of Sales, for an inside look at what’s new...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...