Earn Bonus Miles for Delta Flights to Australia

Headed Down Under? Delta has announced a new bonus-mile promotion for Australia flights. But it’s not the only option.

Offer Details

Between February 1 and May 31, SkyMiles members can earn 5 bonus miles per $1 spent when flying Delta or Virgin Australia between Los Angeles and either Sydney or Brisbane, as follows:

• Diamond elites earn 16 miles per $1 (instead of 11)
• Platinum elites earn 14 miles per $1 (instead of 9)
• Gold elites earn 13 miles per $1 (instead of 8)
• Silver elites earn 12 miles per $1 (instead of 7)
• Non-elites earn 10 miles per $1 (instead of 5)

Travel needn’t originate in Los Angeles to earn the bonus, but only the prorated Los Angeles-Australia portion of the ticket price will receive the extra 5 miles per $1.

Deal or No Deal

This offer is notable not so much for its generosity as it is for its rarity. Since Delta converted SkyMiles to a revenue-based earning scheme, the flight bonuses have been few and far between. So this promotion represents an unusual opportunity to earn miles at an accelerated rate. Of course, you’ll have to fly to Australia to do so.

RELATED: Airlines to Harried Flyers: ‘Relax, Have a Pretzel’

If Australia is on your travel schedule or wish list during the promotion period, there is another option to consider for earning bonus miles. During the same four months, American is offering the following mileage bonuses for Australia flights:

• 5,000 bonus miles per roundtrip in discount economy (K, M, L, W, V, G, Q, N, O, S booking codes)
• 15,000 bonus miles per roundtrip in premium or full-fare economy (W, Y, B, H booking codes)
• 30,000 bonus miles per roundtrip in first or business (F, A, P, J, R, D, I booking codes)

Comparing SkyMiles to AAdvantage is an apples-to-oranges comparison. The former is a revenue-based program; the latter remains mileage-based, at least until later this year. Still, you’ll have to choose if you want to earn bonus miles for Australia flights.

Reader Reality Check

Delta SkyMiles or American AAdvantage?

More from SmarterTravel:

• JetBlue Cuts Legroom, Doubles Down on Distraction
• Delta Plans to Displace Elites with Paying Passengers in First Class
• How Did American Become the World’s Most Profitable Airline?

After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.