Can I earn Delta miles on Air France/KLM/Virgin Atlantic?

Delta SkyMiles is one of the most flexible frequent flyer programs in the world, offering travelers the ability to earn miles not only on Delta flights but also through its airline partners. For passengers flying Air France, KLM, or Virgin Atlantic, knowing how to earn SkyMiles can maximize rewards and improve loyalty benefits.

Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam Alliance, which includes Air France and KLM, while it also maintains a strategic partnership with Virgin Atlantic, providing opportunities to earn miles across a broad network of international flights.

How Delta SkyMiles Works with Airline Partners

Before exploring specific airlines, it’s important to understand how Delta miles are earned on partner flights:

• Eligible Flights: SkyMiles can be earned on flights operated by Delta and its partner airlines, including code-share flights.

• Fare Class Matters: The number of miles earned depends on the fare class, cabin type, and distance flown.

• Booking Method: To earn SkyMiles, flights must be ticketed by Delta or with a Delta flight number in most cases.

Partner flights typically offer miles based on a percentage of the distance flown rather than the ticket price, although some codeshare and joint ventures allow revenue-based earning similar to Delta-operated flights.

Earning Delta Miles on Air France

Air France is a SkyTeam member, making it easy to earn Delta SkyMiles when flying internationally or domestically within France and Europe.

• Booking: To earn miles, ensure your SkyMiles number is added to your reservation.

• Eligible Flights: Most Air France flights are eligible, though some deeply discounted promotional fares may earn reduced miles.

• Miles Earned: Economy fares usually earn 50–100% of miles flown, premium economy 125%, business 150%, and La Première first class 200%.

• Tips:

  • Check the SkyMiles earning chart on Delta’s website for exact percentages.

  • Retain boarding passes and receipts, as Delta may require proof for missing miles.

  • Combining Air France flights with Delta code-shares may impact mileage accrual depending on the operating carrier.

Earning Delta Miles on KLM

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, also a SkyTeam member, provides similar opportunities for Delta SkyMiles members.

• Booking Requirements: Enter your SkyMiles number during booking to ensure miles are credited.

• Eligible Fares: Most economy, premium economy, and business class fares are eligible, though heavily discounted fares may earn fewer miles.

• Miles Calculation: Miles earned are based on a percentage of the distance flown, which varies by fare class:

  • Economy: 50–100%

  • Premium Economy: 125%

  • Business: 150%

  • First Class (if available): 200%

• Tips for Maximizing Miles:

  • Choose Delta codeshare flights operated by KLM to maximize mileage credit.

  • Book directly through Delta or KLM with SkyMiles number to avoid missing out.

  • Check partner fare charts for promotions that increase mileage earnings.

Earning Delta Miles on Virgin Atlantic

Although Virgin Atlantic is not a SkyTeam member, Delta has a strategic joint venture with Virgin Atlantic, allowing passengers to earn SkyMiles on flights between the U.S. and the U.K.

• Booking: Ensure your Delta SkyMiles number is included when booking.

• Eligible Routes: Mostly transatlantic flights operated by Virgin Atlantic between U.S. cities and London Heathrow or Manchester.

• Fare Classes: Mileage accrual depends on fare class, and not all discounted fares may qualify:

  • Economy: Typically 50–100%

  • Premium Economy: 125%

  • Upper Class: 150–200%

• Tips:

  • Always book with a Delta flight number when possible.

  • Use the Virgin Atlantic website to confirm fare class eligibility for SkyMiles.

  • Track mileage post-flight in your Delta SkyMiles account; retroactive credit can be requested if missing.

Factors Affecting Delta Mileage Accrual on Partners

Several factors can influence how many miles you earn when flying partner airlines:

• Ticketing Airline: Miles may vary depending on whether the ticket is issued by Delta or the partner airline.

• Cabin Class: Premium cabins earn more miles than economy.

• Fare Class: Discounted or promotional fares may earn reduced miles.

• Codeshare Flights: Miles are often earned based on the operating carrier, not necessarily the airline you booked with.

Delta publishes detailed charts for each partner airline on the SkyMiles earning page, which is the best source for accurate calculations.

Tips to Maximize SkyMiles on Partner Airlines

To ensure you earn the maximum Delta miles:

1. Add Your SkyMiles Number Early: Always enter it during booking to avoid missing miles.

2. Book Higher Fare Classes: Premium economy, business, and first class offer better mileage accrual.

3. Check Partner Fare Charts: Each airline has a unique earning chart for SkyMiles; consult Delta’s website.

4. Keep Records: Save boarding passes and ticket receipts in case miles need to be claimed retroactively.

5. Take Advantage of Promotions: Delta occasionally runs promotions for bonus miles on partner flights.

Redeeming Delta Miles on Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic

Earning miles is just one side of the SkyMiles program. Redeeming miles for award flights on Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic can unlock incredible value:

• Air France and KLM: You can use Delta miles to book flights across their European network, often with flexible award availability for business and first class.

• Virgin Atlantic: Delta miles can be used to book Upper Class and economy flights between the U.S. and U.K., often providing excellent value for long-haul travel.

• Award Booking Tips:

  • Book early for long-haul flights to secure availability.

  • Compare round-trip versus one-way awards for optimal redemption.

  • Keep an eye on Delta’s SkyMiles award chart for partner flights to find the best deals.

Common Questions About Delta Miles on Partners

Can I earn miles on all Air France/KLM/Virgin Atlantic flights?
Most flights are eligible, but heavily discounted or promotional fares may earn fewer miles or none at all. Always check fare rules.

Do I need a Delta ticket to earn SkyMiles on partners?
Not necessarily. You can earn miles on tickets issued by partner airlines if your SkyMiles number is included. However, booking with a Delta flight number sometimes maximizes miles.

Can I claim miles retroactively if missing?
Yes. Delta allows retroactive claims for partner flights within a certain period (usually up to 9 months). Keep boarding passes and ticket receipts.

Do elite Delta members earn bonuses on partner flights?
Yes. Medallion members receive bonus miles on partner flights, though the exact percentage varies by airline and fare class.

Benefits of Earning Delta Miles on Partners

Earning miles on Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic offers multiple benefits:

• Flexibility: Redeem miles across multiple airlines within the SkyTeam alliance.

• Bonus Opportunities: Elite Medallion members earn extra miles on partner flights.

• Long-Haul Value: Partner flights often offer higher mileage accrual than domestic Delta flights.

• Upgrade Options: Miles can sometimes be used for cabin upgrades on partner airlines.

Conclusion

Yes, you can earn Delta SkyMiles on Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic flights. By understanding fare classes, booking requirements, and SkyMiles earning rules, travelers can maximize their mileage accumulation. Adding your SkyMiles number to reservations, tracking miles post-flight, and taking advantage of Delta promotions ensures you get the most value from partner flights.

For frequent international travelers, leveraging partner flights is a smart strategy to grow SkyMiles faster, unlock premium cabin rewards, and enjoy the benefits of Delta’s global network.