Delta Air Lines announced on May 5 that it is expanding its loyalty partnership with Airbnb, allowing SkyMiles members to earn miles not only on stays but also on qualifying Airbnb Experiences and Services. The expansion gives travelers new opportunities to accumulate miles beyond flights and accommodations.
The move reflects changing travel preferences, as nearly two-thirds of U.S. travelers say they would rather spend money on memorable experiences than physical goods, according to Skift. By broadening the scope of eligible activities for earning miles, Delta aims to add value for its customers throughout their travel journey.
When Delta SkyMiles and Airbnb accounts are connected, members can now earn one mile per dollar spent on Airbnb Homes and three miles per dollar spent on qualifying Experiences and Services. These earnings exclude taxes, discounts, incentives, and other fees when booking within a new 10-day window after account connection. “Delta and Airbnb both understand that travel doesn’t start or end at the airport,” said Dwight James, Senior Vice President – Customer Engagement & Loyalty for Delta Air Lines, and CEO – Delta Vacations. “By expanding how SkyMiles Members earn miles with Airbnb — from where they stay to what they do once they arrive — we continue to extend the value of SkyMiles beyond the flight and give Members more ways to turn memorable travel experiences into future trips.”
Delta reports improvements in the process for connecting accounts and booking trips; members can now see an estimated number of miles earned directly within the Airbnb platform before completing a reservation. This added visibility is intended to make planning easier during the new 10-day booking window.
Dave Stephenson, Chief Business Officer at Airbnb said: “At Airbnb, we’re focused on creating more value for our community. With Delta, the fit is clear. Now, every stay can go further — giving guests the ability to earn Delta miles toward their next trip.” He added: “By combining Delta’s loyalty program with Airbnb’s global platform, we’re making travel more rewarding. Every trip can now help power the next one.”
Delta Air Lines operates as a leading global carrier offering scheduled passenger transport across an extensive network linking over 350 destinations worldwide through secure air travel using various aircraft models from manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing; it also functions as a publicly traded company incorporated in Delaware under U.S law according to the official website.
Travelers interested in earning additional rewards are encouraged by both companies’ leaders who say this expanded partnership makes trips more rewarding while supporting millions of customers globally.
