Travelers are always looking for ways to make their money go further, and the partnership between Delta Air Lines and Airbnb is one of the most effective ways to do just that. By linking your travel habits, you can earn SkyMiles for every dollar spent on qualifying Airbnb stays. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step look at how the program works and how you can ensure you never miss out on rewards.
Understanding the Delta SkyMiles and Airbnb Partnership
Delta and Airbnb have established a partnership that allows SkyMiles members to earn miles for booking accommodations through a dedicated portal. Unlike some rewards programs that require complicated transfers, this system is straightforward and rewards you for your standard travel spending.
The primary benefit is that you earn miles on top of any rewards you might already be getting from your credit card. This is often referred to as “double dipping,” and it is a favorite strategy among savvy travelers who want to reach their next free flight faster.
It is important to note that you cannot simply go to the main Airbnb website or use the Airbnb app directly to earn these miles. To qualify for the rewards, you must initiate your booking through the specific Delta-Airbnb co-branded website.
How to Earn Delta SkyMiles with Airbnb
To start earning miles, you need to follow a specific sequence of steps during the booking process. If you skip the portal or book through the app without using the redirect link, Delta will not be able to track your purchase, and you will not receive your miles.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Open your web browser and navigate to deltaairbnb.com. This is the only official entry point for earning SkyMiles on Airbnb bookings.
Step 2: Enter Your SkyMiles Information
On the landing page, you will see a field asking for your Delta SkyMiles number. Enter your number carefully to ensure the miles are credited to the correct account. If you do not have a SkyMiles account yet, you will need to sign up on Delta’s main website before proceeding.
Step 3: Redirect to Airbnb
Once you have entered your number, click the “Book Now” or “Go” button. The website will then redirect you to the standard Airbnb site. You should see a small Delta logo or a banner at the top of the page confirming that you are in the rewards session.
Step 4: Complete Your Booking
Search for your desired accommodation and complete the booking as you normally would. Ensure that you finish the transaction in the same browser session. If you close the window and come back later, you should start the process from the Delta portal again to be safe.
Earning Rates and Rules
Before you book, it is helpful to understand exactly how many miles you will earn and what charges qualify for those rewards. The earning structure is generally consistent, but there are specific exclusions to keep in mind.
- Standard Rate: You typically earn 1 mile for every $1 USD spent on the base cost of the stay.
- Qualifying Costs: Miles are earned on the nightly rate of the accommodation.
- Exclusions: You do not earn miles on taxes, service fees, or cleaning fees. Only the base price of the listing counts toward your mileage total.
- Currency: If you are booking in a currency other than USD, the amount will be converted to USD at the time of the transaction to calculate your miles.
Occasionally, Delta may offer promotional periods where the earning rate increases to 2 or 3 miles per dollar. It is worth checking the portal before major holiday seasons to see if a special offer is active.
Maximizing Your Rewards (Double Dipping)
One of the best ways to use this program is to combine it with a travel-rewards credit card. Because the Delta portal simply redirects you to Airbnb, the transaction is processed by Airbnb as a standard travel purchase.
If you use a Delta SkyMiles American Express card, you will earn miles from the card purchase plus the miles from the Delta portal. If you use a general travel card that offers 3x points on travel, you will get those points plus the Delta miles. This allows you to accumulate rewards from two different sources simultaneously.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many users miss out on miles because of small technical errors. To ensure your account is credited correctly, keep the following tips in mind:
- Avoid the App: Do not use the Airbnb mobile app to complete the final booking. The tracking software used by Delta often fails to connect with the app, meaning your SkyMiles number won’t be attached to the reservation.
- Check Your Cookies: Ensure that your browser allows cookies. If you are using “Incognito” or “Private” mode, the tracking link may be blocked, and Delta won’t know you made a purchase.
- Don’t Close the Window: If you spend a long time browsing and then close your browser, the tracking link may expire. It is best to find the place you want, then go back to the Delta portal to click through and pay immediately.
- Check the Name: Ensure the name on your SkyMiles account matches the name on your Airbnb account to avoid any verification issues.
When Will the Miles Appear?
It is important to be patient when waiting for your miles to post. Unlike flight miles, which usually appear shortly after you land, Airbnb miles have a longer processing window. This is primarily to account for the possibility of cancellations or changes to the stay.
Generally, miles will appear in your SkyMiles account 6 to 8 weeks after you have completed your stay. If you book a stay in June for a trip in December, you should not expect to see the miles until late January or February. Always keep your confirmation emails until the miles have successfully posted to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn miles on Airbnb Experiences?
Currently, the partnership is primarily focused on accommodations. While some past promotions have included Experiences, you should check the terms on the deltaairbnb.com landing page to see if they are currently eligible.
Can I claim miles for a past stay?
Unfortunately, the program does not allow for retroactive claims. You must use the portal link at the time of booking to earn the miles. If you forgot to use the link, Delta customer service is usually unable to manually add the miles to your account.
Is there a limit to how many miles I can earn?
There is typically no cap on the number of miles you can earn through the portal. Whether you are booking a weekend getaway or a month-long stay, you will earn miles based on the total qualifying spend.
Conclusion
Earning Delta SkyMiles through Airbnb is a simple and effective way to turn your lodging expenses into future flights. By remembering to start your search at the dedicated Delta portal and using a travel-focused credit card, you can significantly increase your rewards balance with very little extra effort. This program is a perfect example of how small changes in how you book travel can lead to major savings over time.
For more tips on maximizing your travel rewards and navigating online services, explore our other guides on SearchAndHelp.com. Whether you are looking for advice on airline loyalty programs or home-sharing tips, we are here to provide the clear answers you need.