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Program Comparison

Alaska Mileage Plan vs Delta SkyMiles

A detailed comparison of Alaska Mileage Plan and Delta SkyMiles to help you decide which loyalty program is the best fit for your travel needs.

Alaska Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines

Delta SkyMiles

Delta Air Lines

OneWorld
Alliance
SkyTeam
miles
Currency
miles
Earn via distance (1 SP per mile flown), price (5 SP per $1 on airfare), or segments (500 SP per flight). Members choose one method
Earn Rate
5 base miles per $1 on Main Cabin+ fares. Elite bonuses: Silver +2, Gold +3, Platinum +4, Diamond +6 miles per $1. Basic Economy does not earn miles
1.5¢ per mile
Avg Value
1.1¢ per mile
MVP (Atmos Silver), MVP Gold (Atmos Gold), MVP Gold 75K (Atmos Platinum), MVP Gold 100K (Atmos Titanium)
Elite Tiers
Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, Diamond Medallion
Miles do not expire as long as the account is open. Accounts may be locked after 24 months of inactivity but can be unlocked
Expiration
Miles never expire as long as the account is active and in good standing
Marriott Bonvoy
Transfer Partners
Amex Membership Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy
West coast travelers and those who fly OneWorld partners internationally
Best For
Travelers in Delta hub cities (ATL, MSP, DTW, SEA, SLC, JFK, LAX, BOS)

Choose Alaska Mileage Plan if you...

West coast travelers and those who fly OneWorld partners internationally. Alaska Airlines' loyalty program (rebranding to Atmos Rewards) known for excellent partner award charts and generous earning on OneWorld partners.

Choose Delta SkyMiles if you...

Travelers in Delta hub cities (ATL, MSP, DTW, SEA, SLC, JFK, LAX, BOS). Delta Air Lines' loyalty program with MQD-only elite qualification. Miles never expire and the domestic network is one of the strongest in the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Alaska Mileage Plan or Delta SkyMiles?

It depends on your travel patterns. Alaska Mileage Plan is best for west coast travelers and those who fly oneworld partners internationally. Delta SkyMiles is best for travelers in delta hub cities (atl, msp, dtw, sea, slc, jfk, lax, bos). Consider your home airport, preferred destinations, and how often you travel when choosing.

Do Alaska Mileage Plan or Delta SkyMiles miles expire?

Alaska Mileage Plan: Miles do not expire as long as the account is open. Accounts may be locked after 24 months of inactivity but can be unlocked. Delta SkyMiles: Miles never expire as long as the account is active and in good standing.

Can I transfer points between Alaska Mileage Plan and Delta SkyMiles?

While you can't transfer directly between Alaska Mileage Plan and Delta SkyMiles, they share transfer partners through credit card programs, which can serve as a bridge.