How to use Delta’s TakeOff 15 benefit to save on award flights

In 2023, Delta Airlines has introduced a great new feature for many co-branded credit card holders: 15% off all award flights, dubbed Takeoff 15.

If you hold one of the participating cards, SkyMiles is worth at least 15% more when used on Delta award tickets. All you have to do is pay the prize’s taxes and fees using your qualifying account Delta credit card.

The discount applies to all Delta-operated flights regardless of when you travel, although partner flights are excluded (full terms available on delta.com). For Delta loyalists, this can easily be worth hundreds of dollars per year.

Let’s take a closer look at Delta’s TakeOff 15 feature and how to use it when booking award travel. Then we’ll look at how this feature can help you save miles on the flights you’ve already booked.

Related: Earn bonus SkyMiles with these Delta credit card welcome offers

Cards are eligible for TakeOff 15

Many of American Express’ popular Delta co-branded credit cards qualify for the TakeOff 15 discount, including:

The only card that is not eligible for the TakeOff 15 discount is the card Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card.

Related: Your complete guide to the Delta SkyMiles program

How to use TakeOff 15 to save on Delta award tickets

Using the TakeOff 15 discount is simple. Simply search for your desired Delta award flight and book as usual; The discount will be automatically reflected on the results page.

There are just a few limitations to keep in mind:

• It is only valid on Delta- and Delta Connection-operated flights.
• It does not apply to Pay in Miles or Miles + Cash purchase nor does it apply to upgrades purchased after ticket issuance or any other Delta service.
• It does not reduce taxes and fees.
• You must pay taxes and fees with your participating Delta co-branded credit card.

Make sure you’re signed in to your Delta account before searching. Then, enter your desired dates and destinations on the home page and select the “Shop with miles” option.

You’ll receive a Delta rewards calendar, with the TakeOff 15 discount reflected on all prices.

When you select your dates, you’ll see more flight options. Discounted pricing will appear on all flights operated by Delta, with the initial price already reduced. The discount applies to all types of services, incl basic economics.

You will also see the TakeOff 15 discount reflected on the checkout screen. Again, pay taxes and fees with your eligible Delta co-branded American Express card to receive the discount.

Note that you can save a little more than 15% on award tickets in some cases. Delta appears to be rounding prices down to the nearest 100 points, giving you slightly larger discounts on some flights.

It’s also worth noting that TakeOff clause 15 refers to the discount as “a discount of at least fifteen percent (15%) on the mileage portion of the Award Ticket”, so we could see a higher discount Future.

Related: The sweetest spots with Delta SkyMiles

Save on previously booked flights by rebooking

Did you book Delta award tickets before receiving your participating credit card? You can still save money on your flight.

Look through your existing Delta award bookings and see if they are discounted thanks to the TakeOff 15 feature. Search for new award flights as usual and compare prices with the ones you booked.

If you see a lower price with TakeOff 15, you will need to cancel your current booking and reset it. Delta will refund both your miles and fees immediately after you cancel your ticket. However, Delta’s basic economy award tickets are Are not returnable, so it’s probably not worth trying to order these again.

We always recommend re-pricing your award tickets periodically. Now that Delta and other airlines have made their programs more flexible, you can use this to make dynamic pricing work in your favor.

Related: How to redeem Delta SkyMiles for maximum value

Bottom line

TakeOff 15 will deliver value to Delta co-branded credit card holders, who can save hundreds of dollars with SkyMiles annually.

You must use your Delta co-branded credit card to pay your ticket’s taxes and fees, and it is only valid on Delta-operated flights. However, there is no limit to the number of times you can use this benefit.