Delta SkyMiles aren’t always the easiest points currency to squeeze value from, but Delta’s TakeOff 15 benefit can give cardholders a meaningful boost.
If you have an eligible Delta SkyMiles® American Express card, you’ll automatically save 15% on the mileage cost of award flights when booking Delta-operated flights.
That discount adds up quickly, whether you’re redeeming for a short domestic hop or a long-haul flight to Europe.
What Is Delta’s TakeOff 15 Award Discount?
TakeOff 15 is a built-in perk for Delta’s co-branded credit card holders.
When you book award tickets on Delta and Delta Connection-operated flights through Delta.com or the Fly Delta app, you’ll automatically get 15% off the miles required.
The discount applies across cabins — from Main Cabin to Comfort+, Premium Select, and even Delta One®. Taxes and fees are not discounted, and those must still be paid separately.
Importantly, this benefit does not apply to:
- Partner airline flights (e.g., Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, etc.)
- Pay with Miles redemptions
- Miles + Cash tickets
- Post-booking mileage upgrades
Which Delta Cards Are Eligible For The TakeOff 15 Award Discount?
The following cards are eligible:
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
The only major Delta co-branded card that does not come with TakeOff 15 is the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card.
How Does Delta’s 15% Award Discount Work?
The process is simple:
- Make sure your eligible Delta SkyMiles® American Express card is linked to your SkyMiles account.
- Log in to Delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
- Search for an award flight and select “Shop with Miles.”
- The 15% discount will show automatically in the results.
💡 Pro Tip: You’ll unlock this 15% discount as long as an eligible Delta card is linked to your account. While the terms state that taxes and fees should be paid with that card, reports suggest you can use any card — which could mean paying with American Express Platinum Card® to earn 5x points on flights.
Real-World Example
A round-trip flight from New York (JFK) to Dublin (DUB) is normally 26,000 SkyMiles. With TakeOff 15 applied, the price drops to just 22,000 SkyMiles plus $47 in taxes. That’s a savings of 4,000 miles for the exact same ticket.
Additional Tips To Save On Delta Flights
TakeOff 15 is just one way to stretch your SkyMiles and save money. If you hold an eligible Delta SkyMiles® American Express card, you may also enjoy:
- Get a first checked bag free for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation (with most Delta cards, excluding the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card)
- Receive a Companion Certificate for a First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (and business versions), which can be worth hundreds of dollars
- Score free food and bev with 15 visits per Medallion year to Delta Sky Clubs by using the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, plus complimentary Centurion Lounge and Escape Lounge access when flying Delta.
Beyond credit card perks, you can also maximize your SkyMiles by:
- Watching for flash deals, where award fares can drop significantly.
- Rebooking if award pricing drops (Delta redemptions are generally flexible).
- Combining TakeOff 15 with seasonal sales for even bigger savings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you have to pay taxes with your Delta card for the discount?
Delta’s terms state that taxes and fees should be paid with your eligible Delta card, but reports suggest that as long as the card is linked to your account, you’ll still see the 15% discount even if you pay those fees with another card.
Does the TakeOff 15 discount work in premium cabins?
Yes, Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, and Delta One® all qualify for the TakeOff 15 discounted when the flight is operated by Delta.
Does the TakeOff 15 discount apply to companions?
Yes, as long as the primary cardholder is booking and logged in, the discount applies to all passengers on the reservation.
Can you use the TakeOff 15 discount multiple times?
Yes, there’s no limit to how often you can use TakeOff 15.
Bottom Line
Delta’s TakeOff 15 benefit makes SkyMiles redemptions at least a little sweeter. With eligible Delta SkyMiles® American Express cards, you’ll automatically save 15% on the mileage cost of Delta-operated award flights — and that discount works across cabins and routes.
If you’re loyal to Delta (or just looking to stretch your Delta SkyMiles further), this is one of the most valuable everyday perks you can get from a cobranded airline credit card.
