Delta SkyMiles Earnings Calculator
Exclude government-imposed taxes and fees.
Estimated Earnings
How Delta SkyMiles Earnings Are Calculated
Delta Air Lines uses a revenue-based system for awarding SkyMiles on flights marketed or operated by Delta. Unlike the old system that relied on flight distance, the modern Delta SkyMiles program rewards travelers based on the amount spent on their ticket.
1. The Base Fare Formula
The primary factor in your mileage calculation is the Base Fare. This includes the ticket price and carrier-imposed surcharges but strictly excludes government-imposed taxes and fees. When using our miles earned calculator for Delta, ensure you are looking at the subtotal before taxes for the most accurate result.
2. Medallion Status Multipliers
Your elite status within the SkyMiles program significantly boosts your earnings. The multipliers are as follows:
- General Member: 5 miles per $1 USD
- Silver Medallion: 7 miles per $1 USD
- Gold Medallion: 8 miles per $1 USD
- Platinum Medallion: 9 miles per $1 USD
- Diamond Medallion: 11 miles per $1 USD
3. Credit Card Bonuses
If you pay for your flight using a co-branded Delta SkyMiles American Express card, you earn additional miles for every dollar spent directly with Delta. While these miles are technically "credit card miles" and not "flight miles," they add to your total balance for the trip.
- Delta SkyMiles Gold/Platinum: Typically 3 miles per dollar (2x bonus + 1x base).
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve: 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases.
Example Calculation
If you are a Gold Medallion member purchasing a ticket with a base fare of $500 using a Delta Platinum Amex:
- Flight Miles: $500 x 8 = 4,000 SkyMiles
- Amex Miles: $500 x 3 = 1,500 SkyMiles
- Total Earned: 5,500 SkyMiles
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I earn miles on Basic Economy?
As of recent policy changes, Delta Basic Economy (Class E) tickets do not earn SkyMiles or credit toward Medallion Status.
What about MQDs?
Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) are earned at a rate of 1 MQD per $1 spent on the ticket price (excluding taxes). Credit card spend also contributes to MQD totals depending on the card type.