Delta does not have award chart anymore. Therefore, flexibility plays an important role when it comes to redeeming Delta Skymiles for award travels. Here are the best ways to redeem Delta SkyMiles:
1. Fly Airbus350 Delta One Suite Business Class to Asia & Europe
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| Delta One Suite Photo Credit: Delta Air Lines |
Delta One Suites look amazing in terms of seats with enclosed privacy door. The suites are basically business class that Delta refers to as Delta One Class and it is Delta’s new flagship for international travel. Currently, Delta operates Delta One Suites on the flagship A350 aircraft on seven international routes:
85,000 SkyMiles + small fuel surcharge to Asia
75,000 SkyMiles + small fuel surcharge to Europe
- Atlanta – Seoul
- Detroit – Tokyo Narita
- Detroit – Seoul
- Detroit – Beijing
- Detroit – Shanghai
- Los Angeles to Shanghai:
- Detroit – Amsterdam
2. Fly China Airlines Business Class to Asia for 85,000 SkyMiles Each Way
China Airlines is based in Taipei. For a one-way award ticket from the U.S. to Taipei in the reverse herringbone business class seat costs only 85,000 Delta SkyMiles plus a minimal fuel surcharge around ~$6. Award availability in China Airlines is excellent and can be booked online with Delta.
3. Fly China Eastern Business Class to Asia for 85,000 SkyMiles Each Way
China Eastern is a Shanghai based airline. Their Business Class configuration is reverse herringbone seats, which provides more space and privacy. For 85,000 SkyMiles one-way plus about ~$250 fuel surcharge, you can enjoy the trip to Asia in business class. Award availability is also excellent year-round and can be searched on Delta website.
4. Fly Shanghai Airlines Business Class to Asia for 85,000 SkyMiles Each Way
Another Shanghai based airline is Shanghai Airlines. You can redeem for a business class seat on Shanghai airline for the same 85,000 SkyMiles one-way. You can fly beyond Shanghai within Asia and it won’t cost you extra miles. Award availability is not as good as China Eastern though.
5. Fly China Southern Business Class to Asia for 85,000 SkyMiles Each Way
You probably start seeing the patterns here. Delta partners with so many Chinese airlines to get you to Asia region for 85,000 SkyMiles in Business Class each way. Thanks to the powerful Delta website, you can also search and book award travel in China Southern online. China Southern is based in Guangzhou and the fuel surcharge on their award redemption using SkyMiles is around ~$127 for a one-way non-stop from the U.S. to Guangzhou. You can fly to Guangzhou and beyond in Asia for no extra miles required.
6. Fly Xiamen Airlines Business Class to China for 85,000 SkyMiles Each Way
Xiamen Airlines is based in Xiamen, China. Their Business Class seats are also reverse herringbone. Make sure to experience their 787 aircraft which offers a solid business class product. You can fly Xaimen Airlines Business Class for 85,000 miles one-way.
7. Fly Air France Business Class to Europe for 75,000 SkyMiles Each Way
If you can plan way in advance (331 days out), your chance of getting an Air France business class seat using Delta SkyMiles is pretty good. For only 75,000 SkyMiles and small fuel surcharge, you can fly in style with Air France business class to Paris and beyond in Europe. A word of caution is to avoid Air France A380 aircraft as the business class seats are pretty old and outdated.
8. Fly Virgin Australia “The Business” Class to Australia for 80,000 SkyMiles Each Way
A little disclaimer, it’s really difficult these days to find award flights from US-Australia, let alone 80,000 SkyMiles one-way from LAX to Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. The lowest I was able to find is in the winter time and requires 100,000 SkyMiles. Virgin Australia’s new Business Class called The Business is gorgeous though. It features reverse herringbone suite seats and has an onboard bar.
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| Photo Credit: Virgin Australia New Business Class |
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| Photo Credit: Virgin Australia Onboard Bar |
9. Fly Virgin Atlantic Upper Class to Europe for 75,000 SkyMiles Each Way
Honestly, Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is not my favorite. Although the seats are lie-flat, they are too tight and close to each other and uncomfortable for a good sleep, not to mention lack of privacy. Virgin Atlantic’s hub is in London and they refer their Business Class as Upper Class. What I love about Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is actually their lounge in London. You can book Virgin Atlantic Upper Class award using SkyMiles for 75,000 miles one-way with minimal fuel surcharges when flying from United States to London.
10. Monthly Delta Flash Sales
Keep an eye for Delta’s monthly flash sales to various destinations within the U.S. and in the world such as Mexico, Caribbean, Asia, Europe, etc.. The sales typically does not last long and the deal is usually for round-trip award tickets in economy class.
11. Fly Delta Economy Class Within the U.S. for 5,000 SkyMiles Each Way
For a short distance flight within the U.S., you can fly in coach with Delta airlines for only 5,000 SkyMiles one-way. For example, Seattle to Portland, Oregon.
