As a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta Air Lines has a well-connected route network with other airlines around the globe, allowing Delta loyalists to earn and redeem Delta miles even when flying with other airlines that aren't actually Delta. And over the years, Delta has also expanded beyond just the SkyTeam alliance to invest in airlines in strategic parts of the world where it wants to have greater presence, creating an even longer list of Delta airline partners.

Learn more about these Delta alliance partners, including how to earn and redeem Delta SkyMiles at every level of status.

Delta's partner airlines

When it comes to SkyMiles earning, Delta’s partner list is expansive. You can earn Delta miles when flying with its airline partners, or use Delta SkyMiles to redeem for flights on most partners.

So, what airlines partner with Delta? Delta's partner airlines include:

Aerolineas Argentinas.

Aeromexico.

Air Europa.

Air France.

China Airlines.

China Eastern.

Czech Airlines.

Garuda Indonesia.

Hawaiian Airlines.

ITA Airways.

Kenya Airways.

KLM.

Korean Air.

LATAM.

MEA.

Saudia.

Tarom.

Vietnam Airlines.

Virgin Atlantic.

Westjet.

Xiamen Air.

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Earning miles with Delta partners

For partners airline flights, redeemable miles and Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) are determined by a combination of distance flown and fare class. This is different from how miles are earned when flying on Delta itself, which is based on the cost of the ticket (as opposed to the distance flown).

For most discounted economy fares on most Delta partners, you will earn 25% of miles flown as redeemable SkyMiles, and 100% of flown miles as Medallion Qualifying Miles. So, for example, a 1,000-mile flight in the lowest fare class on partner KLM would earn 250 SkyMiles and 1,000 MQMs. The earning table for each partner and fare class can be found on Delta’s partner page.

MQMs are used to determine progress toward elite status. Travelers can also earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). When flying with Delta, MQDs are calculated based on how much you spend on the ticket. When flying with Delta partners, MQDs are also based on a combination of fare class paid and distance flown.

Note: When flying with partners, always make sure that your SkyMiles number is in the reservation and also printed on your boarding pass. Save boarding passes and ticket receipts from partner flights so that if miles don’t post to your account, you can request missing SkyMiles credit retroactively.

Redeeming SkyMiles with partners

When it comes to redeeming SkyMiles, things become more complicated if you plan to use partner airlines. Delta infamously removed award charts from its website. These were helpful to travelers so that they could plan ahead and earn a certain number of miles for their desired destination.

With dynamic pricing, Delta made SkyMiles more difficult to use because awards are more closely tied to demand and the monetary cost of a ticket. This means you have no guide to help you save up enough miles for a trip until you lock in the dates. Then, you are forced to pay whatever Delta is charging, unless you can change your destination or dates.

In some extreme examples, such as this one-way between the U.S. and Australia, that can translate to absurdly high redemption rates.

In general, you should use the same logic when determining whether to book partner flights using SkyMiles as you do booking Delta flights. Compare the value of the SkyMiles used for the award booking against a comparable cash ticket. If the value of the award booking is in line with or lower than the cash price, go ahead and book it. (NerdWallet values Delta SkyMiles at 1.2 cents each).

Understand how to use Delta.com

Delta.com is not the most reliable resource for searching for award tickets. Since Delta’s website does not provide every possible route, a phone reservation agent might be able to search for more options — believe it or not.

For the best results when searching online, check the “My dates are flexible” box so that you can conduct a calendar search. Another trick: search for award space segment by segment.

Let’s say you are flying between Atlanta and Athens, Greece. Try searching Atlanta to Paris first. If you find space, then search for flights from Paris to Athens. Once you find both, try to see if you can price the entire itinerary together as one award. Sometimes, longer connections that don’t appear in the initial search might prove fruitful.

Delta runs frequent mileage flash sales that offer discounted redemptions on certain routes.

Note: Delta now prices its lowest awards in basic economy, which do not permit advance seat assignments, flight changes or cancellation. However, basic economy awards are cheaper.

Delta status match across airlines

One of the perks of achieving Delta Medallion status is enjoying elite benefits when flying partner airlines. SkyTeam Elite Plus status (awarded to Gold Medallion members and above) comes with complimentary lounge access when flying SkyTeam partners internationally, SkyPriority access (priority check-in and boarding lines) and higher checked baggage limits.

These perks can make international travel much more pleasant.

Frequently asked questionsCan you earn Delta SkyMiles when flying with partner airlines?

Yes, you can earn both redeemable SkyMiles and Medallion Qualifying Miles when flying with Delta’s partners. The number of miles earned will depend on the partner and the fare class of your ticket and the number of miles flown. Make sure your Delta SkyMiles number is on the reservation.

How many miles will I earn when flying with Delta partners?

It depends. You’ll earn SkyMiles based on how far you fly, but the earning rate will depend on the fare class and partner. For example, business and first class tickets will earn more SkyMiles per miles flown than economy tickets.

Can you use Delta SkyMiles to book flights with partner airlines?

Yes, you can use Delta SkyMiles to book flights with its partners. The number of miles needed is not based on an award chart, and will vary from route to route and airline to airline.

Does Delta elite status give you benefits with partner airlines?

Yes, flyers with Gold Delta Medallion status or higher receive elite benefits on SkyTeam partners when flying internationally. This includes lounge access and priority baggage handling.

Can you earn Delta SkyMiles when flying with partner airlines?

Yes, you can earn both redeemable SkyMiles and Medallion Qualifying Miles when flying with Delta’s partners. The number of miles earned will depend on the partner and the fare class of your ticket and the number of miles flown. Make sure your Delta SkyMiles number is on the reservation.

How many miles will I earn when flying with Delta partners?

It depends. You’ll earn SkyMiles based on how far you fly, but the earning rate will depend on the fare class and partner. For example, business and first class tickets will earn more SkyMiles per miles flown than economy tickets.

Can you use Delta SkyMiles to book flights with partner airlines?

Yes, you can use Delta SkyMiles to book flights with its partners. The number of miles needed is not based on an award chart, and will vary from route to route and airline to airline.

Does Delta elite status give you benefits with partner airlines?

Yes, flyers with Gold

Delta Medallion status

or higher receive elite benefits on SkyTeam partners when flying internationally. This includes lounge access and priority baggage handling.