How to Get Status with Delta Airlines

If you're a frequent flyer, you know how rewarding it can be to earn status with an airline. Achieving elite status with Delta Airlines offers a range of benefits, from priority boarding to upgrades and access to exclusive lounges. But reaching that coveted status can seem like a daunting task. Here's how I managed to achieve my Delta status and how you can, too, without having to spend a fortune on pricey flights.

1. Get a Delta Credit Card

One of the most effective ways I earned my Delta status was by getting a Delta Credit Card. This was a game-changer because it allowed me to earn Delta miles on everyday purchases.

While Delta’s original status program used to require a certain amount spent on flights, I found it hard to reach those thresholds since I’m more focused on finding flight deals rather than splurging on expensive tickets. That’s when I realized the Delta credit card made it much easier to hit the spending criteria, even without booking full-price flights.

With a Delta credit card, you'll earn miles for things you buy every day. Here are some of the standout benefits of the American Express Delta Platinum Credit Card, which I personally use:

First Checked Bag Free for card members

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months

Earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and hotel bookings

Earn 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery

Earn 2 miles per dollar at supermarkets

Save 15% when booking flights with miles

Travel Insurance for delayed flights and lost bags

No foreign transaction fees and much more!

Even with the $250 annual fee after the first year, I’ve found this card to be more than worth it for the miles and perks it provides. Plus, I’m accumulating miles even when I'm not flying, which makes it much easier to reach status.

2. Use SkyMiles Shopping

I didn’t realize how easy it was to accumulate miles through shopping online until I started using SkyMiles Shopping. Many people overlook this, but it’s a great way to earn miles on purchases from over 1,000 stores, including major retailers like Amazon, Lululemon, Apple, and more.

Here’s how it works: Simply visit SkyMilesShopping.com, log in with your SkyMiles member number, and browse through the list of participating stores. Once you find a store you like, you can make your purchase as usual, and the miles will automatically be added to your account.

For example, I made a $216 Lululemon purchase on December 1st, and SkyMiles Shopping was offering a 4.5x miles bonus for every dollar spent. That meant I earned 972 Delta miles from that purchase alone! Combine that with the miles I earned from using my Delta Credit Card (216 miles), and I earned 1,188 Delta miles from a single shopping spree.

This adds up quickly, and over time, it can help you get closer to status with Delta without flying a single mile.

3. Take Advantage of Delta Partners

Delta has partnered with several major companies, which allows you to earn miles on non-flight purchases. This is another fantastic way to accumulate miles without needing to book flights.

Here are some of the best Delta partners and how you can earn miles with them:

Starbucks: Earn 1 mile per $1 spent at participating stores, plus double miles on Delta travel days.

Lyft: Earn 2x miles on trips to and from the airport, and 1 mile per $1 on all other rides in the US.

Airbnb: Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on stays worldwide at deltaairbnb.com.

Instacart: Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on orders, or 1.5 miles per $1 for Instacart Express members.

Ticketmaster: Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on concert, sporting event, and show tickets.

Hertz: Earn miles with each rental, and Medallion Members earn even more.

By linking your accounts with these partners, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your miles accumulate. Every little bit helps, and before you know it, you’re earning miles while grabbing coffee at Starbucks or booking your next concert ticket.

Conclusion: More Miles, More Flights

The key to achieving Delta status is consistency. By leveraging tools like the Delta Credit Card, SkyMiles Shopping, and Delta’s extensive list of partners, I’ve found that earning miles is much easier than I initially thought. Plus, the more miles you collect, the more flights you'll enjoy.

Delta offers plenty of opportunities to rack up miles, and with a little creativity, you can achieve status without spending all your time and money on flights. Happy traveling, and here’s to reaching Medallion status!