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* Suggested credit score ranges for credit cards are supplied by QuinStreet, not from the issuers, and are guidelines, not a guarantee of approval.
* Suggested credit score ranges for credit cards are supplied by QuinStreet, not from the issuers, and are guidelines, not a guarantee of approval.
Free flights arenāt an elusive, hard-to-get aspiration for the elite. There are concrete steps you can take to earn enough points (and redeem them for maximum value) so you pay little to nothing out of pocket for your next trip.
As a full-time digital nomad, Iāve booked countless award redemptions ā everything from a basic economy ticket on a Delta Air Lines flight from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Wilmington, North Carolina, to a business class ticket on Turkish Airlines. Through years of trial and error, Iāve found that there are a few basic steps to getting a free flight.
Hereās what you need to know about how to book flights with miles for maximum value.
How to Earn and Redeem Miles for Free Flights
Before you can book a free flight, you need to earn points. There are two main types of points ā airline miles and transferable points.
Airline miles are the obvious choice for booking a free flight. After all, youāre booking a plane ticket. You need airline miles to fly, especially if you prefer booking directly with the airline. However, transferable points can also be a great option. These offer you greater flexibility in choosing your airline, along with numerous other benefits, such as the opportunity to earn statement credits, elite status, or access to airport lounges.
Earn miles through co-branded credit cards
One of the best ways to earn points and miles that can be used to book a free flight is by being a cardholder of a co-branded airline credit card. However, youāll need to do some research before applying. Not all airline cards (or airlines) are created the same, so it’s essential to weigh the benefits against any fees youāll pay as a cardholder.
For example, Iāve been a cardholder of the Delta SkyMilesĀ® Gold American Express Card card since I was 18. I appreciate receiving a free checked bag, regardless of my itinerary, and I find the $100 Delta Stays credit that comes with the card easy to use. However, this isnāt my daily driver, as the earning potential is subpar. I use it whenever I book Delta flights, but thatās pretty much it.
American Express is an Advertising Partner
Delta SkyMilesĀ® Gold American Express Card
(3.88) Our Review
- Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 07/15/2026.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after your first Card renewal when you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you can earn: 2X miles on Delta Purchases, 2X miles at restaurants, 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. Every mile you earn brings you closer to the places you want to go. Turn them into your next trip, use them for seat upgrades, and more.
- Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
- Terms Apply.
- Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 07/15/2026.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after your first Card renewal when you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you can earn: 2X miles on Delta Purchases, 2X miles at restaurants, 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. Every mile you earn brings you closer to the places you want to go. Turn them into your next trip, use them for seat upgrades, and more.
- Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- You'll save 15% when you use SkyMiles to book eligible Delta award flights
- Free first checked bag and Zone 5 boarding on Delta flights
- Earn a $200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
Cons
- While there's a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year of account opening, the Delta SkyMiles Gold charges a $150 annual fee thereafter.
- The card does not provide more than 2x miles on purchases, even on Delta flights
- You do not get Delta Sky Club access or elite-qualifying miles
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2x
Dining Out / Food Delivery
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2x
Supermarkets
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1x-2x
Airfare
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1x
All Other Eligible Purchases
If I wanted to focus on earning potential, Iād upgrade to the Delta SkyMilesĀ® Platinum American Express Card, which has the best earning potential and bonus categories of all four co-branded Delta credit cards. Luckily, I have plenty of other cards in my wallet, including The American Express Platinum CardĀ®, which lists Delta SkyMiles as a transfer partner, allowing me to top up my account before a redemption if needed.
Most major airlines have at least one or two co-branded credit cards, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and more. If you live near a hub for an airline, it could make sense to apply for that airlineās credit card.
Earn points through general travel rewards cards
General travel rewards cards usually earn a transferable point currency. They offer more common benefits, like airport lounge access through independent lounge networks or flexible credits. However, by holding at least one card from each of the major issuers, you unlock dozens of hotel and airline partners.
These are the most popular transferable point currencies:
- American Express Membership RewardsĀ® Points
- Bilt Rewards
- Capital One Miles
- Citi ThankYou PointsĀ®
- Chase Ultimate RewardsĀ®
- Wells Fargo Rewards
For instance, using the cards in my wallet, I earn between 2 and 6 points per dollar on daily purchases. Then, I can transfer these points to my favorite airlines, such as Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Turkish Airlines, or American Airlines, to redeem them for maximum value.
My personal points and miles strategy is likely a bit over-the-top for the average traveler. For instance, here are some of the cards I have in my wallet that I use on a regular basis:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Chase Sapphire PreferredĀ® Card
- American Express Platinum CardĀ®
I have several additional co-branded airline and hotel cards, as well as some no-annual-fee cards that I don’t use as often because the earning potential is lower than what I’d get on my other cards. All in all, I pay several thousand dollars in annual fees each year, but you don’t need to adopt this strategy to book a free flight. Cards like the Bilt Blue Card offer fantastic earning potential and excellent transfer partners without charging an annual fee.
Bilt Blue Card
(3.5) Our Review
Welcome bonus: $100 of Bilt Cash when you apply and are approved.
- Earn up to 1.25X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee.
- 1X points on everyday spend.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Welcome offer: $100 of Bilt Cash when you apply and get approved. At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.
- Earn additional points through Bilt Neighborhood Benefitsā¢ when you use your card at Bilt's network of 50,000+ merchant partners.
- Other benefits: No foreign transaction fees, Cellular Wireless Telephone Protection, Purchase Assurance, MasterRental Coverage
- Earn up to 1.25X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee.
- 1X points on everyday spend.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Welcome offer: $100 of Bilt Cash when you apply and get approved. At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.
- Earn additional points through Bilt Neighborhood Benefitsā¢ when you use your card at Bilt's network of 50,000+ merchant partners.
- Other benefits: No foreign transaction fees, Cellular Wireless Telephone Protection, Purchase Assurance, MasterRental Coverage
Pros
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 1X points on everyday spend
Cons
- No bonus categories
- No way to earn more than 1X per dollar spent
- Limited card benefits compared to the annual fee Bilt cards
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0x-1x
Rent / Mortgage
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1x
Everyday Spend
Earn miles by flying
It goes without saying, but another great way to earn enough points for a free flight is to actually fly that airline. The more you fly, the more points youāll earn. The specific number of points earned per dollar spent will vary significantly based on the airline, your level of elite status, and the fare class you choose.
For instance, as a Delta SkyMiles member, youād earn 5 miles per $1 spent on a classic or refundable ticket. If you held elite status, you could earn up to 11 miles per $1 spent. Note that basic economy tickets donāt earn miles. You could also earn SkyMiles by entering your SkyMiles number when booking a flight directly with an airline partner, like Aeromexico. Instead of earning miles based on money spent, youāll earn a percentage of the distance flown, based on your fare class.
Take advantage of welcome offers
If youāre on the market for a new credit card, whether itās an airline card or a general travel rewards card, you should compare welcome offers. Sometimes, you might be able to earn a higher welcome offer as part of a limited-time promotion.
Whenever youāre approved for a new card, you should put all of your day-to-day spending on that card until you earn its welcome bonus. For instance, last year, I had the opportunity to earn 150,000 bonus Membership Rewards points as a new cardholder of the American Express Platinum Card. Until I met the spending threshold, I put every purchase on my new card. That included purchases that might earn more with a different card. (Note: The Welcome Bonus varies and is as high as 175,000 Membership RewardsĀ® Points but you may be offered anywhere from 80,000 to 175,000 points when you apply.)
American Express is an Advertising Partner
The Platinum CardĀ® from American Express
(4.33) Our Review
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges – more than any other credit card company on the market* – enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
- $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges – more than any other credit card company on the market* – enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
- $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- A wide array of travel and lifestyle credits and exclusive access that can enhance your life.
- There is no better card for the breadth and variety of airport lounge access worldwide. Plus, the Centurion Lounge network is the largest amongst credit card issuers.
- One of the best cards to earn points on airfare: 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly with airlines or through the Amex Travel portal (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year).
Cons
- High annual fee that will require a bit of work to fully maximize.
- Besides airfare and select hotels, it's not the best card to use for other purchases as it only earns 1X on categories outside of flights booked directly with the airlines (5X) or through the Amex Travel portal (5X on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year) and 5X points for prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel.
- Car rental insurance is only secondary, not primary as it is with premium cards from Chase and Capital One.
-
5x
Airfare
-
1x-5x
Hotels
-
1x
All Other Eligible Purchases
The last thing you want is to be eligible for a welcome offer but not meet the spending requirement. If that happens, you forfeit the opportunity to earn bonus miles, and thereās nothing you can do. So, if you know you have a large purchase coming up, it might be a good time to apply for a new card. On the other hand, if youāre focused on spending as little money as possible, it might not be a great time.
Use a search engine
My favorite way to search for affordable award availability is pointsyeah.com or Roame. You use it in the same way you would any other flight search engine, but instead of displaying the cost in dollars, it shows the price in points and miles. It factors in all the ways you can transfer points to that airline to complete the booking, and even gives you information on the taxes and fees youāll pay.
This is a great first step to take if you have a stash of points, know where you want to travel, but arenāt sure how to make it happen. As you know, moving your departure date by one or two days can often save you thousands of points. Luckily, PointsYeah lets you search for multiple dates at once.
If you have never had a Roame Pro (a.k.a. Friends of Roame) account, we can get you a free month of Roame Pro via this offer.
We also have an offer 4 months free on annual Standard plan for Point.me, yet another reward flight search aggregator. Use code MILESTALK4 for that one.
Utilize companion passes
Companion passes are one of my favorite ways to book free travel ā if you often travel with a friend or partner. If you travel solo exclusively, it might not be as helpful. That said, some airlines offer companion passes, or companion fares, as a benefit for select credit card holders, elite members, or other frequent travelers.
For instance, if you are a cardholder of the Delta SkyMilesĀ® Reserve American Express Card, youāll receive a companion pass valid for a first class, round-trip flight anywhere in the U.S., Caribbean, or Central America. All you need to pay for the second ticket is taxes and fees. That means you can book a buy-one-get-one first class flight to Hawaii, Mexico City, New York City, or just about anywhere else in this region. A few years ago, Delta limited the companion pass to the continental U.S., which was far less useful.
American Express is an Advertising Partner
Delta SkyMilesĀ® Reserve American Express Card
(3.68) Our Review
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 07/15/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you'll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: Earn up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases.
- Global Dining Access by Resy gives you special access to participating U.S. Resy restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from Resy.com or the Resy app.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
- Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 07/15/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you'll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: Earn up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases.
- Global Dining Access by Resy gives you special access to participating U.S. Resy restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from Resy.com or the Resy app.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
- Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Enter the Delta Sky ClubĀ® before or after your Delta flights
- Earn $1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card (eligible purchases)
- Advantageous perks for Delta frequent flyers, such as a free checked bag (two if traveling domestically) and upgrade priority
Cons
- $650 annual fee is steep, no matter how you slice or dice it
- Earning rate is limited to 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases
- Requires a significant amount of annual card spend to reach significant MQDs
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1x-3x
Airfare
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1x
All Other Eligible Purchases
If you donāt want to be limited to a one-time use pass, you can try to earn the coveted Southwest Companion Pass, which allows you to fly with a designated companion as many times as you want (until it expires), only paying taxes and fees.
Other airlines offer companion fares ā if you are a cardholder of the Atmosā¢ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature Card, youāll earn a $99 companion fare each year, plus taxes and fees. Paying $99 for the companion cuts into your savings, but if youāre booking an expensive flight, it can be worthwhile.
Bottom Line
Yes, it is possible to book a flight for free. All you need to pay is taxes and fees, and youāll be ready to take off on your next adventure. When youāre ready to apply for a new card, check out our Smart Search, which allows you to find precise recommendations based on your spending habits and goals. We also offer bonus offer alerts and transfer bonus alerts so you’ll never miss an opportunity to stretch your points even farther.
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