Where Delta SkyMiles Really Shine

While some have criticized the Delta SkyMiles program for its less-than-great mileage options, they do offer some inexpensive domestic award flights that make using this program worthwhile. On top of that, Delta is a member of SkyTeam Alliance, meaning you can redeem your SkyMiles with any SkyTeam Alliance member. These airlines include:

Aerolíneas ArgentinasITA AirwaysAeromexicoKenya AirwaysAir EuropaKLMAir FranceKorea AirChina AirlinesMiddle East AirlinesChina EasternSaudiaCzech AirlinesTAROMDelta Air LinesVietnam AirlinesGaruda IndonesiaXiamenAir

Unfortunately, Delta was one of the first airlines to get rid of its public award chart and change to a dynamic pricing system for award flights.

12k Delta Miles Roundtrip to Mexico Instead of 35k

Delta has put many routes between the US and Mexico on "sale" right now. I say "sale" because Delta doesn't have a published award chart anymore, but we know from charts maintained by people like us online that the standard lowest level US > Mexico award price is 17,500 Delta miles one way. Right now many routes are only 12,000 SkyMiles roundtrip.

New Amex Offers: 20k points for $1k Spend with Air France or KLM

American Express is offering some lucrative incentives to spend on their cards right now. Not everyone will have these Amex Offers available as they are targeted.

Targeted Promotion: 10% Off Delta Awards (up to 100k Off)

Delta SkyMiles is offering a 10% rebate on awards booked by May 13th, for travel between the dates of August 14 and November 14, 2018. The maximum amount of miles you'll get back is 100,000.

This offer is not available to everyone. Check here to see if you were targeted.

To be clear, you must have the total amount of miles required to book the award. Rebate will apply to entire amount of miles redeemed, even if there are others aside from you on the reservation.

Surprise! Delta Lowers Award Price to North Asia

In an interesting departure from Delta SkyMiles' typical behavior, the price of Delta

Delta Flash Sale: 20k to Alaska & 35k to Hawaii Roundtrip

Through September 14, 2017 (tomorrow) at 11:59 PM ET, you can book roundtrips between the continental United States and Alaska for 20,000 Delta miles and Hawaii for 35,000 miles. The travel period for the sale is January 8 through March 23, 2018.
Sale Routes
Delta states that the sale applies to roundtrip award flights in economy from the 48 continental United States with the following destinations:

Honolulu, HI (HNL)
Kahului, HI (OGG)
Kona, HI (KOA)
Lihue, HI (LIH)
Anchorage, AK (ANC)
Fairbanks, AK (FAI)

Flights don't have to be direct to be on sale.

Delta Flash Sale: 80k Roundtrip in New Premium Select Cabin to Asia

Through August 16, 2017 (tomorrow) at 11:59 PM ET, you can book roundtrips between the United States and Tokyo, Seoul, and Beijing in Delta's new Premium Select Cabin for 80k Delta miles roundtrip, or 65k roundtrip in economy.

Attention Delta Status Chasers: Amex Reserve Card Has a New Bonus

The Delta Reserve is a niche credit card. Many won't want to pay $450 for a card that earns solely Delta miles. But the Delta Reserve's ability to earn Delta redeemable miles is not why people should open this card.

The Delta Reserve Card from American Express comes with 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) for spending $3,000 on the card within three months of opening it.

Back to School Shopping Portal Bonuses

United, American, Delta, and Southwest are all offering bonuses for shopping through their portals. The bonuses are in addition to what you'd already be earning by shopping through the portal. Shopping portals allow you to earn miles by making your normal online purchases through your favorite online stores. Just by starting at the loyalty program’s portal and using its link to your favorite online retailer, you can get extra miles for your purchases.

With each back to school promotion, the more you spend, the higher your return is.

Delta Flash Sale: 20k Roundtrip Domestic Awards

Through July 12, 2017 (tomorrow) at 11:59 PM ET, you can book roundtrips within the United States (on select routes) for travel September 6 through October 31, 2017 for only 20,000 Delta miles.
Sale Routes
Delta states that the sale applies to award flights with the following origins/destinations:

Washington, DC
Jackson, WY
Bozeman, MT
Idaho Falls, ID
Reno, NV
Phoenix, AZ
Knoxville, TN
Philadelphia, PA
Boston, MA
Salt Lake City, UT
Rapid City, SD
Las Vegas, NV
St. Louis, MS
San Antonio, TX
Buffalo, NY
Sacramento, CA

Flights don't need to be direct.