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Best US airlines for 2025 revealed — and one topped the list for the seventh straight year
Best US airlines for 2025 revealed — and one topped the list for the seventh straight year

New York Post

time9 hours ago

  • Business
  • New York Post

Best US airlines for 2025 revealed — and one topped the list for the seventh straight year

They're flying high. Travel blog The Points Guy (TPG) has named the best airlines in the US for 2025 — with Delta Airlines taking the crown for the seventh year in a row. The top-tier carrier was also named the most reliable on-time airline in America. Advertisement The rankings were devised to 'help consumers navigate the constantly changing aviation landscape' that's rife with 'changing airline policies, systemic delays and increased scrutiny on air travel,' per the site's founder Brian Kelly. 5 Delta Airlines nabbed the top spot for the seventh year in a row. kamilpetran – While they didn't place first across all other categories — notably falling short in affordability and the mileage customers got out of the SkyMiles rewards program — Delta soared above the competition due to their collective performance across four separate metrics. Advertisement 'What put Delta over the top in 2025 was its strength across all the categories we analyzed, from the consistently strong, on-time airline operation it runs to the experience customers have at the airport and in their seats,' TPG wrote in their report. In December, Delta Air Lines collaborated with Shake Shack to bring the fast-food giant's popular cheeseburgers to first-class cabins on domestic flights traveling more than 900 miles. United Airlines came in second place, rising from third last year. The carrier eclipsed Delta when it came to loyalty rankings and also improved in two main categories compared to last year: overall reliability and passenger experience. Advertisement United could potentially fly even higher next year due to the recently announced 'Blue Sky' agreement with JetBlue, which will increase the airline's footprint and improve perks for loyalty members, CBS reported. To compile the list, the Points Guy team analyzed each airline across four categories: reliability (based on delays, cancellations, lost luggage and more), passenger experience (inflight amenities, customer satisfaction, lounges, etc.), the caliber of the airline's loyalty program, and the cost and reach of each carrier. They then rated them on a scale of zero to 10. 5 United placed second overall. robin – Advertisement TPG based its list on 2024 data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, including passenger complaints filed with the DOT, along with mishandled baggage reports for each carrier and operational data. TPG also examined international route networks using aviation analytics firm Cirium — although they emphasized domestic networks — as well as each carrier's financials and publicly available fleet information. 'Our Best Airlines Report thoroughly analyzes and compares each airline's performance to help consumers make the right choice for them, because not all airlines are created equal,' TPG's Kelly added. 'Ultimately, we want consumers to know they have a choice so they can fly the airlines that best align with their needs.' 5 Airlines — including Alaska, above, which ranked fourth — were rated across several categories from reliability to the power of their loyalty programs. KKF – Southwest Airlines jumped up two spots to notch the No. 3 position, which TPG attributed, in part, to the carrier boasting the lowest cancellation rate in the industry for 2024. They noted that the carrier maintained its cost and reach last year — thanks, in part, to the lack of add-on fees. However, the budget carrier could face some headwinds next year following some major changes, including the rollout of checked bag fees and the phase-out of their popular 'first come, first served' policy in favor of the more standard assigned seating. Rounding out the top five were Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Advertisement 5 'Our Best Airlines Report thoroughly analyzes and compares each airline's performance to help consumers make the right choice for them, because not all airlines are created equal,' The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly said. 'Ultimately, we want consumers to know they have a choice so they can fly the airlines that best align with their needs.' Lukas Gojda – 5 Southwest Airlines made the top three. Carlos Yudica – TPG's 10 Best Airlines for 2025 Delta Air Lines United Airlines Southwest Airlines Alaska Airlines Hawaiian Airlines JetBlue American Airlines Allegiant Air Spirit Airlines Frontier Airlines Other takeaways included that American Airlines saw the biggest year-over-year decline in rankings, plunging three spots to seventh overall. Advertisement That fall from grace comes as AA plays catch-up to United and Delta in terms of profitability, as well as upmarket amenities such as business-class seats, cabin features and lounges. Budget airlines Allegiant, Spirit and Frontier occupied the last three spots in the rankings, which TPG attributed to their myriad add-on fees, lacking loyalty programs and amenities that paled in comparison to the competition. Unfortunately, U.S. airlines fared poorly on the international stage, too. Advertisement In Skytrax's recent ranking of the best airlines in the world for 2025, Delta placed the highest on list — but in an abysmal 22nd place, followed by United in a miserable 51st. Meanwhile, Air Canada topped the list of North America's top airlines for 2025, Delta came in second, and Canadian carrier Porter Airlines rounded out the top three.

What is the best US airline? This carrier topped The Points Guy's 2025 Best Airlines list
What is the best US airline? This carrier topped The Points Guy's 2025 Best Airlines list

USA Today

timea day ago

  • Business
  • USA Today

What is the best US airline? This carrier topped The Points Guy's 2025 Best Airlines list

What is the best US airline? This carrier topped The Points Guy's 2025 Best Airlines list Show Caption Hide Caption Preparing for summer air travel? Here's what we know now Summer travel is always busy, but there are tips on how to avoid unnecessary flight issues. Here's what we know now. Delta Air Lines successfully defended its title as the highest-ranked airline in The Points Guy's Best Airlines Report. The carrier topped the 2025 list – which ranks airlines based on reliability, loyalty programs, cost and reach, and other factors – for the seventh year in a row. The airline fell short in some categories, ranking behind others in affordable pricing and the reward power of its SkyMiles, but still boasted a winning combination overall. 'What put Delta over the top in 2025 was its strength across all the categories we analyzed, from the consistently strong, on-time airline operation it runs to the experience customers have at the airport and in their seats,' the company said in the report released Thursday, June 19. Here's how other carriers fared. United makes gains while American drops United Airlines rose from third place in 2024 to second place behind Delta. TPG credited the change in part to improvements in its reliability and passenger experience. Southwest Airlines came in third, up from fifth place last year, and Hawaiian Airlines jumped two spots from seventh place to fifth. American Airlines, meanwhile, saw the largest decline on the list as compared with last year, dropping from fourth place to seventh. 'That fall came as the airline has trailed top competitors Delta and United in profitability of late and seemingly been in catch-up mode to those carriers regarding high-end offerings like business-class seats, cabin features and lounges,' the report said. Alaska Airlines also fell from second to fourth place. What are the best airlines in the US? These are the top airlines in the country, according to TPG's report: 1. Delta Air Lines 2. United Airlines 3. Southwest Airlines 4. Alaska Airlines 5. Hawaiian Airlines 6. JetBlue 7. American Airlines 8. Allegiant Air 9. Spirit Airlines 10. Frontier Airlines Travelers can find the full report here. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@

Spirit Airlines Flight Evacuated Over Bomb Threat
Spirit Airlines Flight Evacuated Over Bomb Threat

Yahoo

time06-06-2025

  • Yahoo

Spirit Airlines Flight Evacuated Over Bomb Threat

A Spirit Airlines flight leaving Detroit Metropolitan Airport bound for Los Angeles on Thursday was evacuated due to a bomb threat. The incident was first reported at around 7 a.m. local time, according to the Detroit Free Press. The plane was boarded and on the tarmac when law enforcement officials were called in over "a potential security issue." The aircraft was deplaned and taken to a remote location, where responding members of the Wayne County Airport Authority and the Transportation Security Administration did a sweep and determined it was clean. 'On Thursday morning, the Wayne County Airport Authority's Emergency & Support Services and Airfield Operations teams along with the TSA [Transportation Security Administration] responded to a bomb threat involving a Spirit Airlines aircraft at Detroit Metropolitan Airport,' an airport spokesman confirmed in a statement to The Hill. Passengers were also rescreened upon reentering the plane, and eventually, the flight left for LAX. The matter is under investigation. "The safety of our Guests and Team Members is our top priority, and we are working to get our Guests to their destination as soon as possible. Further questions should be directed to law enforcement," Spirit said in a statement. This morning's incident comes as Spirit is in the middle of attempting to overhaul its budget airline reputation with a number of upgrades. "Spirit recently overhauled its Free Spirit loyalty program, and—brace yourselves—it's good," said Kyle Stewart of Live and Let's Fly this week. "Not 'good for Spirit,' but actually competitive with mainline carriers. Elite members can now enjoy perks like free checked bags, seat selection (yes, even Big Front Seats), and priority boarding. And unlike American's loyalty points or Delta's SkyMiles circus, Free Spirit Status levels that award these perks are available at lower thresholds than any of the major carriers. "Spirit also offers more nonstop flights from secondary cities than the other carriers. For airports like my home airport in Pittsburgh, it's often the only nonstop option or is more competitive in markets like New York (though it's since discontinued flights between Pittsburgh and the New York market)." Spirit Airlines Flight Evacuated Over Bomb Threat first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 5, 2025

The 5 best ways to redeem Delta SkyMiles in 2025, from Caribbean escapes to domestic adventures
The 5 best ways to redeem Delta SkyMiles in 2025, from Caribbean escapes to domestic adventures

CNN

time25-05-2025

  • Business
  • CNN

The 5 best ways to redeem Delta SkyMiles in 2025, from Caribbean escapes to domestic adventures

CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. This may impact how links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit to learn more. Airfare can be one of the biggest expenses when planning a trip, but travel rewards can make a serious dent in those costs. Right now, generous welcome offers from Delta Air Lines make that long-overdue vacation more accessible than ever. Even better, you're not limited to flying Delta. As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta allows you to use SkyMiles on partner airlines like Air France, KLM, Aeromexico and more, opening up nearly endless possibilities around the world. With that in mind, here's a closer look at Delta's current credit card offers and five standout ways to redeem SkyMiles for maximum value. Delta currently has seven cobranded credit cards: four personal cards and three business cards. Depending on the one you choose, you can earn between 10,000 and 80,000 bonus SkyMiles with a new welcome offer. Here's a breakdown of the current offers available for Delta's personal credit cards. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Earn 10,000 bonus SkyMiles after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $0 annual fee (see rates and fees). Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Earn 50,000 bonus SkyMiles after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees). Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Earn 60,000 bonus SkyMiles after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $350 annual fee (see rates and fees). Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $650 annual fee (see rates and fees). And these are the current offers for small business Delta credit cards. Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: Earn 60,000 bonus SkyMiles after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees). Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $350 annual fee (see rates and fees). Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $650 annual fee (see rates and fees). Get more value from your SkyMiles with TakeOff 15 Even better, the Delta Amex Gold, Delta Amex Platinum and Delta Amex Reserve cards — and their small business equivalents — are eligible for the TakeOff 15 benefit. This benefit provides a 15% discount on the SkyMiles required for Delta-operated award flights. For example, if you want to book a flight that requires 11,500 SkyMiles, it will only cost 9,700 SkyMiles with the discount. The TakeOff 15 discount will appear automatically in your flight search results if you're an eligible card member and logged into your account. You must pay the flight's taxes and fees with your eligible Delta Amex to receive the discount. Related article What you need to know about Delta checked bag fees and how to avoid them Get great deals on domestic flights Delta doesn't have a fixed award chart, so the cost of a flight using SkyMiles varies by route, date and other factors. For example, a flight from New York to Los Angeles, California, could be a different price depending on the day you book. That said, you can often book flights throughout the US for as few as 4,500 SkyMiles, plus taxes and fees. These deals are even sweeter if you pair them with the TakeOff 15 discount. At the time of writing, you can book a flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Los Angeles (LAX) for 3,800 SkyMiles and $5.60 in taxes if you have an eligible Delta credit card. With up to 80,000 SkyMiles in your account, you could fly this route 10 times round trip. We also found one-way flights from New York-JFK to Atlanta (ATL) on many dates for just 6,300 SkyMiles with the TakeOff 15 benefit, plus $5.60 in taxes and fees. The lowest fares are usually in basic economy, which means you can't pick your seats ahead of time. If you want to guarantee that you and your travel partner or family are seated together, consider spending extra SkyMiles to book a Main Cabin award ticket instead. Keep an eye on Delta's flight deals page If you don't have a specific destination or date in mind, following Delta's flight deals page can help you book a vacation for even fewer SkyMiles. These deals change regularly but often provide excellent value. All you have to do is enter your departure city and all deals on both paid fares and bookings using award SkyMiles will appear. We suggest visiting the page often, as Delta typically populates the page with travel dates for the next three months. There are some excellent deals to be found here. At the time of writing, we found flights from New York-JFK to Madrid (MAD) for just 32,000 miles round trip, plus $51 in taxes and fees. That's before the TakeOff 15 discount. There are also flights from New York-JFK to Taipei, Taiwan (TPE), available for just 68,000 SkyMiles round trip, plus $46 in taxes and fees. Again, that's before the TakeOff 15 discount for eligible card holders. Related article Can't find award space? Use these tips, tricks and tools to find the perfect flight Fly to the Caribbean for under 10,000 SkyMiles With about a dozen destinations in the Caribbean, such as Aruba, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Nassau, San Juan, St. Thomas and others, redeeming SkyMiles for sun and relaxation is incredibly easy. The number of SkyMiles required to redeem a free flight varies based on your destination and the time of the year you want to travel. But as an example, we found flights from New York-JFK to San Juan (SJU) for as few as 7,600 SkyMiles and $5.60 in taxes one-way with the TakeOff 15 discount. Plus, we found flights from Boston (BOS) to Grand Cayman (GCM) via Atlanta (ATL) for as few as 8,500 SkyMiles and $5.60 in taxes and fees with the TakeOff 15 discount. Heading to the beach — all on SkyMiles — might be the perfect opportunity to relax. And with the SkyMiles earned from the welcome offer, it's easy to fly you and a friend or a spouse to the Caribbean and back for a much-needed vacation in the sun. Related article How I booked my $18,584 honeymoon business-class flights for less than $200 Cross the border to Canada Flights to Canada present another great SkyMiles redemption opportunity. You can fly on Delta or its partner WestJet, and flights can often be booked for as few as 8,000 SkyMiles one way. If you're looking to fly to Montréal or Toronto from the East Coast, you might be able to score a flight for minimal miles in Basic Economy. For example, New York (LGA) to Toronto (YYZ) is just 8,000 SkyMiles plus taxes after the TakeOff 15 discount. Meanwhile, you'll find that cross-border flights on WestJet almost always cost 12,500 SkyMiles in Main Cabin, including this flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Calgary (YYC). However, this flight is not eligible for the TakeOff 15 discount, as it's operated by a partner airline. Related article This is the best way to book flights to Canada with credit card points See more of Europe with Air France and KLM If you're planning a tour of Europe, consider redeeming SkyMiles for flights around the region. Intra-Europe flights start at 10,000 SkyMiles on Air France, KLM and other European SkyTeam partners. This can be useful during peak travel times when flights within Europe are expensive. For example, this flight from Amsterdam (AMS) to Prague (PRG) costs just 10,000 SkyMiles plus $79.31 in taxes and fees. Meanwhile, a standard economy ticket costs $208.60 on the same date. Again, this flight is not eligible for TakeOff 15 since it's operated by KLM. You can also find extremely cheap intra-Europe flights on budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet. Make sure to compare intra-Europe award tickets with these fares, as it might be a better idea to save your SkyMiles for a more lucrative redemption. Related article The free Points Path browser extension shows you how many reward miles a flight costs in Google Flights If you look in the right places — and at the right routes — you can find true value in redeeming Delta SkyMiles for nearly free flights. And with the current Delta credit card offers, you might be able to turn a single welcome bonus into thousands of dollars' worth of airfare for your next trip. The following FAQs have been answered by CNN Underscored travel editor and credit card expert Kyle Olsen. How much are 100,000 Delta SkyMiles worth? How much are 100,000 Delta SkyMiles worth? Travel website The Points Guy values 100,000 Delta SkyMiles at $1,200. How many Delta miles does it cost for a free round-trip flight to Europe? How many Delta miles does it cost for a free round-trip flight to Europe? A round-trip economy flight to Europe with Delta typically costs 66,000 to 94,000 SkyMiles, though it can dip as low as 42,000 miles during rare promotions. Business-class awards usually start at 220,000 miles, and pricing varies due to Delta's dynamic award system, travel dates and demand. Can I use Delta SkyMiles on Amazon? Can I use Delta SkyMiles on Amazon? You can't use Delta SkyMiles directly on Amazon or redeem them for Amazon gift cards. The best way to use SkyMiles is still for flights. Can I use Delta SkyMiles for anything other than flights? Can I use Delta SkyMiles for anything other than flights? Yes, you can use Delta SkyMiles for vacation packages, seat upgrades, travel extras, Sky Club memberships and even charitable donations. But flights and vacation packages usually offer the best value. Most non-flight redemptions tend to provide a lower value per mile. As with all CNN Underscored articles, our travel and points pieces are grounded in independent, objective reporting backed by real-world travel experience. As a Delta Gold Medallion member and seasoned travel editor, Kyle Olsen brings his firsthand knowledge of the SkyMiles program to ensure recommendations are both accurate and actionable for travelers looking to get the most out of their miles. Click here for rates and fees of the Delta Blue here for rates and fees of the Delta Gold here for rates and fees of the Delta Business Gold Amex.Click here for rates and fees of the Delta Platinum here for rates and fees of the Delta Business Platinum Amex.Click here for rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex.Click here for rates and fees of the Delta Business Reserve Amex. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

The 5 best ways to redeem Delta SkyMiles in 2025, from Caribbean escapes to domestic adventures
The 5 best ways to redeem Delta SkyMiles in 2025, from Caribbean escapes to domestic adventures

CNN

time25-05-2025

  • Business
  • CNN

The 5 best ways to redeem Delta SkyMiles in 2025, from Caribbean escapes to domestic adventures

CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. This may impact how links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit to learn more. Airfare can be one of the biggest expenses when planning a trip, but travel rewards can make a serious dent in those costs. Right now, generous welcome offers from Delta Air Lines make that long-overdue vacation more accessible than ever. Even better, you're not limited to flying Delta. As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta allows you to use SkyMiles on partner airlines like Air France, KLM, Aeromexico and more, opening up nearly endless possibilities around the world. With that in mind, here's a closer look at Delta's current credit card offers and five standout ways to redeem SkyMiles for maximum value. Delta currently has seven cobranded credit cards: four personal cards and three business cards. Depending on the one you choose, you can earn between 10,000 and 80,000 bonus SkyMiles with a new welcome offer. Here's a breakdown of the current offers available for Delta's personal credit cards. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Earn 10,000 bonus SkyMiles after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $0 annual fee (see rates and fees). Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Earn 50,000 bonus SkyMiles after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees). Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Earn 60,000 bonus SkyMiles after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $350 annual fee (see rates and fees). Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $650 annual fee (see rates and fees). And these are the current offers for small business Delta credit cards. Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: Earn 60,000 bonus SkyMiles after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees). Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $350 annual fee (see rates and fees). Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening the account. $650 annual fee (see rates and fees). Get more value from your SkyMiles with TakeOff 15 Even better, the Delta Amex Gold, Delta Amex Platinum and Delta Amex Reserve cards — and their small business equivalents — are eligible for the TakeOff 15 benefit. This benefit provides a 15% discount on the SkyMiles required for Delta-operated award flights. For example, if you want to book a flight that requires 11,500 SkyMiles, it will only cost 9,700 SkyMiles with the discount. The TakeOff 15 discount will appear automatically in your flight search results if you're an eligible card member and logged into your account. You must pay the flight's taxes and fees with your eligible Delta Amex to receive the discount. Related article What you need to know about Delta checked bag fees and how to avoid them Get great deals on domestic flights Delta doesn't have a fixed award chart, so the cost of a flight using SkyMiles varies by route, date and other factors. For example, a flight from New York to Los Angeles, California, could be a different price depending on the day you book. That said, you can often book flights throughout the US for as few as 4,500 SkyMiles, plus taxes and fees. These deals are even sweeter if you pair them with the TakeOff 15 discount. At the time of writing, you can book a flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Los Angeles (LAX) for 3,800 SkyMiles and $5.60 in taxes if you have an eligible Delta credit card. With up to 80,000 SkyMiles in your account, you could fly this route 10 times round trip. We also found one-way flights from New York-JFK to Atlanta (ATL) on many dates for just 6,300 SkyMiles with the TakeOff 15 benefit, plus $5.60 in taxes and fees. The lowest fares are usually in basic economy, which means you can't pick your seats ahead of time. If you want to guarantee that you and your travel partner or family are seated together, consider spending extra SkyMiles to book a Main Cabin award ticket instead. Keep an eye on Delta's flight deals page If you don't have a specific destination or date in mind, following Delta's flight deals page can help you book a vacation for even fewer SkyMiles. These deals change regularly but often provide excellent value. All you have to do is enter your departure city and all deals on both paid fares and bookings using award SkyMiles will appear. We suggest visiting the page often, as Delta typically populates the page with travel dates for the next three months. There are some excellent deals to be found here. At the time of writing, we found flights from New York-JFK to Madrid (MAD) for just 32,000 miles round trip, plus $51 in taxes and fees. That's before the TakeOff 15 discount. There are also flights from New York-JFK to Taipei, Taiwan (TPE), available for just 68,000 SkyMiles round trip, plus $46 in taxes and fees. Again, that's before the TakeOff 15 discount for eligible card holders. Related article Can't find award space? Use these tips, tricks and tools to find the perfect flight Fly to the Caribbean for under 10,000 SkyMiles With about a dozen destinations in the Caribbean, such as Aruba, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Nassau, San Juan, St. Thomas and others, redeeming SkyMiles for sun and relaxation is incredibly easy. The number of SkyMiles required to redeem a free flight varies based on your destination and the time of the year you want to travel. But as an example, we found flights from New York-JFK to San Juan (SJU) for as few as 7,600 SkyMiles and $5.60 in taxes one-way with the TakeOff 15 discount. Plus, we found flights from Boston (BOS) to Grand Cayman (GCM) via Atlanta (ATL) for as few as 8,500 SkyMiles and $5.60 in taxes and fees with the TakeOff 15 discount. Heading to the beach — all on SkyMiles — might be the perfect opportunity to relax. And with the SkyMiles earned from the welcome offer, it's easy to fly you and a friend or a spouse to the Caribbean and back for a much-needed vacation in the sun. Related article How I booked my $18,584 honeymoon business-class flights for less than $200 Cross the border to Canada Flights to Canada present another great SkyMiles redemption opportunity. You can fly on Delta or its partner WestJet, and flights can often be booked for as few as 8,000 SkyMiles one way. If you're looking to fly to Montréal or Toronto from the East Coast, you might be able to score a flight for minimal miles in Basic Economy. For example, New York (LGA) to Toronto (YYZ) is just 8,000 SkyMiles plus taxes after the TakeOff 15 discount. Meanwhile, you'll find that cross-border flights on WestJet almost always cost 12,500 SkyMiles in Main Cabin, including this flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Calgary (YYC). However, this flight is not eligible for the TakeOff 15 discount, as it's operated by a partner airline. Related article This is the best way to book flights to Canada with credit card points See more of Europe with Air France and KLM If you're planning a tour of Europe, consider redeeming SkyMiles for flights around the region. Intra-Europe flights start at 10,000 SkyMiles on Air France, KLM and other European SkyTeam partners. This can be useful during peak travel times when flights within Europe are expensive. For example, this flight from Amsterdam (AMS) to Prague (PRG) costs just 10,000 SkyMiles plus $79.31 in taxes and fees. Meanwhile, a standard economy ticket costs $208.60 on the same date. Again, this flight is not eligible for TakeOff 15 since it's operated by KLM. You can also find extremely cheap intra-Europe flights on budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet. Make sure to compare intra-Europe award tickets with these fares, as it might be a better idea to save your SkyMiles for a more lucrative redemption. Related article The free Points Path browser extension shows you how many reward miles a flight costs in Google Flights If you look in the right places — and at the right routes — you can find true value in redeeming Delta SkyMiles for nearly free flights. And with the current Delta credit card offers, you might be able to turn a single welcome bonus into thousands of dollars' worth of airfare for your next trip. The following FAQs have been answered by CNN Underscored travel editor and credit card expert Kyle Olsen. How much are 100,000 Delta SkyMiles worth? How much are 100,000 Delta SkyMiles worth? Travel website The Points Guy values 100,000 Delta SkyMiles at $1,200. How many Delta miles does it cost for a free round-trip flight to Europe? How many Delta miles does it cost for a free round-trip flight to Europe? A round-trip economy flight to Europe with Delta typically costs 66,000 to 94,000 SkyMiles, though it can dip as low as 42,000 miles during rare promotions. Business-class awards usually start at 220,000 miles, and pricing varies due to Delta's dynamic award system, travel dates and demand. Can I use Delta SkyMiles on Amazon? Can I use Delta SkyMiles on Amazon? You can't use Delta SkyMiles directly on Amazon or redeem them for Amazon gift cards. The best way to use SkyMiles is still for flights. Can I use Delta SkyMiles for anything other than flights? Can I use Delta SkyMiles for anything other than flights? Yes, you can use Delta SkyMiles for vacation packages, seat upgrades, travel extras, Sky Club memberships and even charitable donations. But flights and vacation packages usually offer the best value. Most non-flight redemptions tend to provide a lower value per mile. As with all CNN Underscored articles, our travel and points pieces are grounded in independent, objective reporting backed by real-world travel experience. As a Delta Gold Medallion member and seasoned travel editor, Kyle Olsen brings his firsthand knowledge of the SkyMiles program to ensure recommendations are both accurate and actionable for travelers looking to get the most out of their miles. Click here for rates and fees of the Delta Blue here for rates and fees of the Delta Gold here for rates and fees of the Delta Business Gold Amex.Click here for rates and fees of the Delta Platinum here for rates and fees of the Delta Business Platinum Amex.Click here for rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex.Click here for rates and fees of the Delta Business Reserve Amex. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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