Delta SkyMiles named a top travel rewards program six years running

Delta's SkyMiles program outperformed all global airlines and lands No. 2 spot overall in U.S. News & World Report's annual ranking of airline loyalty programs.

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For the sixth time in a row*, Delta's SkyMiles program outperformed all global airlines and secured the No. 2 spot overall in U.S. News & World Report's annual ranking of airline loyalty programs. This year, U.S. News recognized Delta SkyMiles as a top program and focused on honoring programs that continued to be flexible with members due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We know that our customers have options as they get back out into the world after another year of uncertainty, and we remain steadfastly committed to earning their loyalty," said Dwight James, S.V.P. of Customer Engagement and Loyalty and CEO of Delta Vacations. "Our SkyMiles members choose to fly with us because of our unparalleled commitment to safety, reliability, elevated experience and to our members themselves. We're humbled that they continue to choose us."

U.S News weighs five components in its ranking: ease of earning a free round-trip flight, added benefits, network coverage, flight volume and airline quality ratings. Delta SkyMiles ranked highest among globally operating airline loyalty programs.

Delta's SkyMiles program has continued to lead the industry with changes and improvements, such as:

• New, industry-first program enhancements: Earlier this year, Delta made permanent the ability to earn toward Medallion Status on Delta-marketed Award Travel. The airline also lifted the 75,000 mileage earn cap, allowing unlimited mileage accrual for tickets for any member.

• Expanded upgrade opportunities: Delta gave customers using upgrade certificates more access to premium seats on both domestic and international flights, with expanded availability for Delta Premium Select and First Class.

• Greater personalization and recognition: Earlier this year, Delta began recognizing Delta 360° and Million Miler Members in new ways on both the Fly Delta app and while in flight.

Additionally, the Delta SkyMiles American Express Card portfolio rolled out several new enhancements which featured the first-ever, limited-edition credit card design made in part from a retired Boeing 747, a new card option made from 70 percent reclaimed plastic, and a new, flexible way for card members to pay for flights on delta.com and the Fly Delta app with Plan It®, American Express' on-card "buy now, pay later" feature.

These enhancements are on top of the industry-leading actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic to support members, including: Delta's position as the only airline to extend all Medallion Status an additional year (through 1/31/23); Medallion Qualification Mile (MQM) rollover for all members and automatic extension of benefits.

As always, customers can continue to take advantage of Delta SkyMiles favorites, such as:

• Miles don't expire.

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

• Industry-leading Medallion Benefits: Complimentary Upgrades to Delta One on domestic flights, Rollover MQMs and Choice Benefits for Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members.

• Ability to earn miles outside of flight with customer-favorite brands like American Express, Lyft, Airbnb and Ticketmaster.

*Due to the pandemic, U.S. News did not publish rankings in 2020. This year, U.S. News considered each travel rewards program's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and factored in how flexible and accommodating each program was for members.

• Awards
• SkyMiles