I’m the type of person who, when asked if I want to sign up for a free rewards membership, is much more inclined to agree rather than explain the reasons why I don’t need to. Perhaps that’s why my email inbox is constantly overflowing, but I digress. The point is that, because of this, I have accounts for hotel brands I’ve never stayed at and airlines I’ve never flown (just in case I want to transfer points in the future, ya know?). Well, for those who don’t share this toxic trait of mine and don’t currently have a Delta SkyMiles account, your ability to hold out could now be rewarded.
Currently, Delta is offering a SkyMiles Starter Pack. This features a collection of milestones, each pegged to a different bonus. In total, if you complete all of the tasks, you’ll accrue a total of 5,000 bonus SkyMiles — which are worth roughly $50 to $60.
First, you’ll earn 100 SkyMiles just for changing your Email Communications settings to opt in. Next up, you can earn 1,400 SkyMiles after joining SkyMiles Dining, linking an eligible card, and spending at least $30 in eligible dine-in purchases within your first 30 days of joining SkyMiles Dining.
The first 1,500 SkyMiles are pretty easy — but the next 1,500 are a bit harder. To earn that, you’ll need to not only download the Fly Delta app but also use it to book a flight. Moreover, that flight will need to be completed within three months of when you enrolled in the SkyMiles Starter Pack Challenge.
Luckily, earning the last 2,000 bonus miles is a breeze. In fact, if you complete all three of the previous activities, then you’ll earn this 2,000-mile bonus. If you’re doing the math, that brings you up to the promised 5,000 SkyMiles total.
I actually think this is a pretty clever promotion, as it exposes you to a few different aspects of the SkyMiles program. Of course, there are other benefits of being a SkyMiles member as well, including getting free in-flight WiFi aboard select Delta flights. As for what you can do with the miles you earn, they can be applied to award flights or cashed in toward seat upgrades and more.
In order to activate your Starter Pack Challenge, you’ll need to have created your Delta SkyMiles account less than 45 days before. So, this is truly only for new members, unfortunately. You can find all the other dirty details on the site.
If you haven’t joined SkyMiles before and have an upcoming trip in mind, then this Starter Pack promotion is an option for some free miles. Heck, even if you don’t plan on booking a flight, you could still get 1,500 miles between the email opt-in and Delta SkyMiles Dining components. In other words, while I commend you for your ability to wait this long to open an account, now may be the time to finally become a SkyMiles member.