Gift Miles FAQs

You're interested in buying miles as a gift? Giving the gift of travel with miles is pretty generous. Here are the questions other generous people like you tend to ask. If your question or comment has not been addressed, feel free to email us.

Are these miles different from the miles I earn when I fly?

Yes. The main difference, of course, is that these miles are purchased. Like all Delta miles, these miles are redeemable for Award Travel, upgrades, and non-travel benefits (see the SkyMiles Membership Guide & Program Rules for details). However, purchased miles don't count toward qualification for any Medallion® or Million Miler® status.

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What's the maximum amount of mileage that I can give or receive as a gift?

An individual can receive a maximum of 60,000 miles per calendar year in a single or multiple transactions.

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How can I let the recipient know about my gift?

There are three ways to notify someone of your gift:

1. E-Card—Choose from our selection of e-cards, provide the recipient's email address and type in a personal message. We'll send the e-card to let them know about your gift. The e-card will include a unique claim code and instructions on how to easily claim the miles at Claim Miles.
2. Email—Provide the recipient's email address and we'll send an email telling them of your gift. You may choose to include a personal message. The email will include a unique claim code and instructions on how to easily claim the miles at Claim Miles.
3. Paper Certificate—Print a paper certificate customized with the recipient's name and a personal message, and deliver to the recipient yourself. (Note: this option requires that you have printing capabilities.) The certificate will include a unique claim code and instructions on how to easily claim the miles on delta.com.

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I want to give miles as a gift but I'm not sure if the recipient is a SkyMiles member. Can I still give the miles?

Yes. All recipient notifications provide a special claim code for redemption, along with instructions on how to easily enroll in the SkyMiles program if the recipient is not already a member.

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If I use my Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express when I buy these miles, will I earn double miles?

Yes. As with all Delta purchases, you'll earn two miles for every dollar you spend when you purchase miles with your Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express. For example, if you charge $236.50 USD to your Delta SkyMiles Credit Card to purchase 8,000 miles, American Express will post 473 ($236.50 x 2) miles to your SkyMiles account.

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Is my order secure, and is the personal information provided for this purchase kept confidential?

Your order is protected and personal information kept confidential in accordance with our Privacy & Security Policy.

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Why does a SkyMiles account have to be 10 days or older and have a Total Lifetime Balance greater than zero before I can Gift or Transfer miles to them?

Due to an increase of fraudulent SkyMiles accounts being established, Delta has implemented restrictions in order to protect the value and security of the SkyMiles Program.

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