What Is Delta Sky Priority? A Detailed Guide
Delta Sky Priority is a service offered by Delta Air Lines that provides priority boarding, accelerated security lines, and other benefits to frequent Delta flyers and premium cabin customers. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly Sky Priority entails and how you can get access to it, read on for a comprehensive guide.
In short, Delta Sky Priority is Delta’s branded priority service that allows Delta Medallion elite members, first class and Delta One ticket holders, and SkyTeam Elite Plus members to board early, pass through security faster, and take advantage of other perks like free preferred seating.
What Does Delta Sky Priority Provide?
Delta Sky Priority is a program offered by Delta Air Lines that provides a range of benefits to its passengers. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just looking to make your journey a little more comfortable, Delta Sky Priority has you covered. Here are some of the key benefits it provides:
Early Boarding
With Delta Sky Priority, you can enjoy early boarding, giving you plenty of time to settle into your seat and stow your belongings. This means you don’t have to worry about finding overhead bin space or rushing to your seat before the plane takes off.
You can simply relax and enjoy your flight from the moment you step on board.
Dedicated Security Lines
One of the biggest benefits of Delta Sky Priority is access to dedicated security lines. This means you can skip the regular security lines and enjoy a faster and more streamlined experience. You’ll spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying your journey.
Free Preferred Seats
When you’re a Delta Sky Priority member, you have access to free preferred seats. These seats offer extra legroom and are located closer to the front of the plane, allowing for a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Plus, you can select your preferred seat in advance, ensuring you get the seat that suits your needs.
Priority Baggage Handling
Another great benefit of Delta Sky Priority is priority baggage handling. This means that your checked bags will be among the first to be unloaded from the plane and delivered to the baggage claim area.
You won’t have to wait around for your luggage, allowing you to get on with your day as soon as you land.
Priority Rebooking
In the event of a flight delay, cancellation, or other disruption, Delta Sky Priority members receive priority rebooking. This means that if your flight is affected, you’ll be among the first to be rebooked on the next available flight.
This can save you valuable time and ensure that you reach your destination as quickly as possible.
Who Gets Delta Sky Priority Access?
Delta Sky Priority is a premium service offered by Delta Airlines that provides passengers with a range of exclusive benefits and privileges. It is designed to enhance the travel experience for certain categories of passengers. Let’s take a closer look at who gets access to Delta Sky Priority.
Delta Medallion Members
One of the main groups of passengers who receive Delta Sky Priority access are Delta Medallion members. These are frequent flyers who have achieved elite status in Delta’s SkyMiles loyalty program. Depending on their level of status, Delta Medallion members may enjoy benefits such as expedited security screening, priority boarding, and dedicated check-in counters.
First Class & Delta One Passengers
Passengers traveling in First Class and Delta One cabins also receive Delta Sky Priority access. These premium passengers can take advantage of dedicated check-in counters, priority security screening, and expedited boarding.
The airline aims to provide a seamless and efficient travel experience for its premium customers.
Premium Credit Card Holders
Delta Airlines has partnered with several credit card companies to offer co-branded credit cards that come with various travel benefits. Premium credit card holders, such as those with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, also receive Delta Sky Priority access.
This allows them to enjoy priority services such as expedited check-in and boarding.
SkyTeam Elite Plus Fliers
Delta is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, which includes several major airlines around the world. Passengers who hold SkyTeam Elite Plus status, achieved through frequent flying with any SkyTeam member airline, also receive Delta Sky Priority access.
This ensures a consistent level of service for elite passengers regardless of the airline they are flying with.
How to Get Delta Sky Priority as a Medallion Member
Earn Medallion Status by Flying
One of the primary ways to obtain Delta Sky Priority as a Medallion member is by earning Medallion status through flying. Delta offers four tiers of Medallion status: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.
The higher your Medallion status, the more benefits you’ll receive, including access to Delta Sky Priority.
To earn Medallion status, you’ll need to accumulate a certain number of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) within a calendar year. The exact requirements vary depending on the tier you’re aiming for.
For example, to achieve Silver Medallion status, you’ll need to earn 25,000 MQMs or complete 30 MQSs. On the other hand, to reach Diamond Medallion status, you’ll need to earn 125,000 MQMs or complete 140 MQSs.
It’s important to note that MQMs are based on the distance you fly with Delta and its partner airlines, while MQSs are based on the number of eligible flights you take. So, the more you fly with Delta, the quicker you’ll be able to earn Medallion status and enjoy the benefits of Delta Sky Priority.
Credit Card Spending for Medallion Qualification Miles
Another way to achieve Medallion status and gain access to Delta Sky Priority is through credit card spending. Delta offers co-branded credit cards that allow you to earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) based on your spending.
By using a Delta SkyMiles credit card, you can earn bonus MQMs for reaching certain spending thresholds. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers 10,000 bonus MQMs when you spend $25,000 in a calendar year.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, on the other hand, offers 15,000 bonus MQMs for spending $30,000 in a calendar year.
This credit card spending option can be beneficial for those who may not fly frequently but still want to achieve Medallion status and enjoy the perks of Delta Sky Priority. By strategically using a Delta SkyMiles credit card for everyday expenses, you can earn Medallion Qualification Miles and inch closer to obtaining Delta Sky Priority.
Booking a First Class or Delta One Ticket
If you’re looking to elevate your travel experience, booking a First Class or Delta One ticket is the way to go. Here are a few options to consider:
Use Miles to Upgrade to First Class
If you’re a frequent flyer and have accumulated a substantial number of miles, you can use them to upgrade your ticket to First Class. Delta offers a SkyMiles program that allows you to earn miles every time you fly with them or their partner airlines.
Once you have enough miles, you can easily upgrade your ticket and enjoy the luxury and comfort of First Class. It’s a great way to make the most of your loyalty and enhance your travel experience.
Bid for Elite Upgrades as a Medallion Member
If you’re a Medallion member of Delta’s frequent flyer program, you have the opportunity to bid for elite upgrades. The Medallion program has various tiers – Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond – each offering different benefits and privileges.
As a Medallion member, you can bid for upgrades to First Class or Delta One on eligible flights. It’s an exciting chance to secure an upgrade and enjoy the exclusive perks that come with it. Keep an eye out for these upgrade opportunities and make your bid for a memorable travel experience.
Purchase a First Class or Delta One Fare
If you prefer a more straightforward approach, you can simply purchase a First Class or Delta One fare. Delta offers premium cabin options that provide unparalleled comfort, personalized service, and exclusive amenities.
Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, treating yourself to a First Class or Delta One ticket guarantees a luxurious and enjoyable journey. While these fares may be higher in price, the experience is truly worth it for those seeking the ultimate in travel indulgence.
Remember, whichever option you choose, booking a First Class or Delta One ticket will enhance your travel experience and make your journey even more enjoyable. So go ahead and explore these options to elevate your next flight with Delta Sky Priority!
Using a Delta Credit Card
Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards
Delta Air Lines offers several co-branded credit cards that allow cardmembers to earn Delta SkyMiles and enjoy Delta Sky Priority benefits. The most popular Delta credit cards include the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card, the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card, and the Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express.
These Delta credit cards offer great sign-up bonuses, allow cardholders to earn miles on Delta purchases, and provide free checked bags, priority boarding, and more. The Platinum card even gives cardholders complimentary Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta.
The more premium Delta Reserve card includes additional perks like a first class companion certificate each card anniversary.
If you frequently fly Delta, using one of their co-branded credit cards can provide outstanding value. You’ll rack up miles from everyday purchases to book award flights, enjoy priority benefits when traveling, and have premium perks like lounge access.
Delta Co-Branded American Express Cards
American Express issues all of Delta’s co-branded credit cards. The Delta SkyMiles portfolio includes the Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cards which offer increasing benefits and a higher annual fee.
These Delta Amex cards earn Membership Rewards points that can be transferred 1:1 to Delta SkyMiles. Cardholders enjoy perks with Delta and access to Amex Offers for statement credits on purchases. The cards also include rental car insurance, extended warranty protection, and no foreign transaction fees.
Since the Delta cards are issued by American Express, cardholders can streamline earning and redemptions by holding multiple Amex cards. This includes combining Membership Rewards points across cards to transfer larger amounts of miles to Delta.
The Delta co-branded Amex cards provide a great way to maximize SkyMiles earnings and enjoy elite-like flying perks with Delta. The trifecta of Delta credit card offerings caters well to frequent flyers looking to align with one airline.
How to Identify If You Have Sky Priority
Look for the Sky Priority Designator
If you are wondering whether you have access to Delta Sky Priority, one of the easiest ways to find out is by looking for the Sky Priority designator. This designator is typically displayed on your boarding pass, luggage tags, and even at the airport check-in counters.
Keep an eye out for the iconic Sky Priority logo, which features a blue background with a white airplane symbol. Seeing this logo is a surefire indication that you have the privilege of enjoying the benefits of Sky Priority.
Your Boarding Pass Will Say Sky Priority
Another foolproof method to identify if you have Sky Priority is by checking your boarding pass. Delta clearly mentions the Sky Priority status on the boarding pass, ensuring that you know your entitlements before boarding.
Look for the words “Sky Priority” or the Sky Priority logo printed on your boarding pass. Having this distinction on your pass means you can take advantage of the expedited services and exclusive benefits that Sky Priority offers.
Check Your Digital Wallet
If you have stored your boarding pass in your digital wallet, you can easily determine if you have Sky Priority by opening the pass on your mobile device. Many airlines, including Delta, have digital boarding passes that display the same information as a physical one.
Open your digital wallet app and locate your Delta boarding pass. Look for any mention of Sky Priority, such as a separate section or a highlighted status. This will confirm that you have the privileges associated with Sky Priority.
Conclusion
Delta Sky Priority is a great benefit offered exclusively to Delta’s most frequent and premium customers. Understanding exactly how Sky Priority works and the amenities it provides can help you determine whether qualifying for it will improve your travel experience on Delta.
By earning elite Medallion status, purchasing first class tickets, holding a Delta credit card, or reaching SkyTeam Elite Plus status through a partner airline, you may be eligible for the perks of Sky Priority like accelerated security, early boarding, and more.
