For those who frequently choose Delta, a hidden benefit exists that can dramatically reduce the cost of travel. It’s called TakeOff 15, and it offers a 15% discount on all award flights to holders of select Delta-affiliated American Express cards.
Imagine your SkyMiles stretching 15% further with every redemption. This isn’t a complicated points scheme or a limited-time offer; it’s a straightforward discount automatically applied when you book Delta-operated award flights. The key is simply using your eligible card to cover the taxes and fees associated with the ticket.
Several popular Delta American Express cards unlock this valuable perk, including the Gold, Platinum, and Reserve versions for both personal and business use. However, the SkyMiles Blue card is the exception – it doesn’t qualify for the TakeOff 15 discount.
Using TakeOff 15 is remarkably simple. When searching for award flights on the Delta website, ensure you’re logged into your account and select the “Shop with Miles” option. The discount will be instantly visible on the results page, clearly displayed alongside the original mileage cost.
The discounted price applies across all cabin classes, even basic economy, and extends to any Delta or Delta Connection flight. It’s important to remember this benefit doesn’t apply to flights operated by partner airlines, or to purchases made using a combination of miles and cash.
Interestingly, Delta often rounds down the discounted price to the nearest 100 miles, potentially resulting in savings slightly *above* the guaranteed 15%. The terms of the program even suggest the possibility of even greater discounts in the future.
But the savings don’t stop at the initial booking. Existing Delta award tickets can also be revisited. If you’ve recently acquired an eligible card, or if award prices have shifted, rebooking your flight could unlock significant mileage savings.
To check, simply search for the same flight again and compare the new price with your existing reservation. If the TakeOff 15 discount results in a lower mileage cost, cancel your original booking and rebook – Delta typically refunds miles and fees immediately. (Note: basic economy award tickets are generally non-refundable.)
Repricing award tickets is a smart habit to cultivate, especially with the increased flexibility offered by Delta and other airlines. TakeOff 15 adds another powerful tool to your travel planning arsenal, allowing you to leverage dynamic pricing to your advantage.
For dedicated Delta flyers, TakeOff 15 represents a substantial, ongoing benefit. It’s a simple yet effective way to maximize the value of your SkyMiles and unlock hundreds of dollars in savings each year, simply by utilizing a card you likely already carry.
The power of this benefit lies in its consistency. There’s no cap on how many times you can use TakeOff 15, making it a reliable companion for all your Delta award travel adventures.
