If you are flying with Delta frequently, you can use your frequent flyer number to get a free checked bag when you check in at the airport. You can also enter your frequent flyer number when you book your flight using Delta’s website or third-party portal. This benefit applies to up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation.
Medallion status
If you are a Silver Medallion member of Delta Air Lines, you will be able to bring up to eight companions on flights operated by Delta. However, you will not be able to bring companions on flights operated by Amsterdam Schiphol Airport or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Silver Medallion members with Delta SkyMiles American Express cards will be able to check a bag for free and receive a second one at no extra cost. This allows them to have two free checked bags totaling 70 pounds.
Delta has a program called Medallion Status, which allows passengers to upgrade a companion to the next flight class for no extra cost. This offer is not available for award tickets, Pay with Miles tickets, or SkyMiles companion certificates. You will also not be able to upgrade your companion if you’re traveling outside the United States. Depending on your Medallion status, you will be given priority when it comes to the upgrade process. The first step in the process is to make sure your SkyMiles account is active. Once your account is active, you will be able to upgrade your companion to the next flight class without any additional charges.
Silver Medallion members also have priority lane privileges at the airport. In most hub airports, there will be separate lines for those traveling in the Silver lane. However, in some smaller airports, all premium travelers will be merged into a single line. This helps speed up the check-in process.
In order to obtain Medallion status on Delta, you must fly a minimum of 25,000 miles in a calendar year. This is equivalent to 30 segments of flights, which are a little less than an hour in length. Additionally, you must spend at least $3,000 with Delta to become a Silver Medallion.
Another way to maximize your chances of getting an upgrade is to fly during the off-peak hours. Those traveling on leisure routes will have the best chances of receiving this upgrade. However, chances are lower at busy times of the day and at hubs.
American Express co-branded credit cards
One of the best ways to earn free checked bag miles on Delta is by applying for an American Express co-branded credit card. This type of card offers benefits such as free checked bag, priority boarding, and travel accident insurance. The benefits offered by this type of credit card do not expire, so you can use them again.
One of the most popular credit cards for free checked bags on Delta is the Delta SkyMiles credit card from American Express. Depending on the card, this card offers a free checked bag on domestic flights. As an added bonus, the annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles credit card is waived for the first year. There is also a welcome bonus on the card.
Other benefits of Delta co-branded credit cards include two miles per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants. You can also get a $100 credit for your next Delta flight after spending $10,000 within a calendar year. There is an annual fee of $99, but you can easily offset this cost with the flight credit.
Delta SkyMiles co-branded credit cards have two main differences: the first is that the Blue American Express card doesn’t include the free bag perk. You’ll need to purchase the Gold or Platinum version if you want to receive this benefit. The Reserve version, on the other hand, does not require an annual fee and has a $0 introductory period for the first year.
The Delta SkyMiles Business Gold credit card also provides you with free checked bag benefits. This credit card offers priority boarding and 20 percent savings on in-flight purchases, which should help you offset the annual fee. You can also get a $100 Delta voucher when you spend $10,000 on purchases with the card.
The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express card is another good choice, as it doesn’t charge an annual fee. While the Blue card doesn’t offer free checked bag benefits, it’s low-cost and has plenty of valuable perks.
Delta Blue card
One way to get free checked bags on Delta flights is by using your Delta credit card. The airline has several cobranded cards that offer free checked bags to customers. These cards offer travelers a free first bag and can also earn rewards for airline expenses. Checked bags on Delta flights are not unlimited, and there are some restrictions.
If you have a Delta SkyMiles credit card, you’ll be eligible for free checked baggage on Delta flights. The benefit applies to the first bag you check, and can be shared with up to eight people. It is important to note that this benefit applies only to flights operated by Delta.
If you’re traveling a lot, you may want to consider the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card. This credit card offers free checked bags for you and up to eight companions. A family of four can save $240 by using the credit card. Another bonus is that it has no foreign transaction fees.
Besides the benefits of free checked bags, you’ll also get a free bag for every travel companion. However, there are restrictions on the number of companions you can take. If you’re traveling with a family, the benefit can be even greater. If each member of the family is using the Delta Blue card, you’ll save up to $240 per round trip. The savings will add up if you take several trips with free checked bags.
Another great feature of the Delta Platinum Amex is the ability to transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to a variety of frequent flyer programs. For example, the card allows you to transfer your points 1:1 to Korean Air France Flying Blue. It will waive the MQD requirement so you can travel with those airlines. This feature also works for the other elite status levels. However, you must remember to transfer your points to Delta.
As long as your travel plans are flexible, you should try to make the most of the Delta SkyMiles rewards program. It’s worth noting that Delta has limited award space for most travelers. If you’re flexible, you can get the cheapest award flights by booking at least 21 days in advance.