Delta TakeOff 15: Automatically Save 15% on Award Flights With an Eligible SkyMiles American Express Card

If you hold an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, there's a built-in way to stretch your SkyMiles further—no promo codes or limited-time offers required. The TakeOff 15 benefit gives cardmembers a 15% discount on the miles required when booking Award Travel on Delta-operated flights. And yes—it applies any time you redeem miles via Delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
 

This post breaks down how TakeOff 15 works, who qualifies, and how to make the most of it.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

What Is Delta TakeOff 15?

TakeOff 15 is a built-in feature for eligible Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card Members. It gives you 15% off the mileage cost of Delta-operated Award Travel bookings. That means if a flight normally costs 20,000 SkyMiles, you'd only need 17,000 miles with TakeOff 15 applied.
 

You don’t need to activate anything. As long as you’re logged into your SkyMiles account and hold an eligible card, the discount is automatically applied when you use the “Shop with Miles” option on the Delta website or app.
 

✈️ Note: The 15% savings only applies to the mileage portion—not to taxes and fees. Partner-operated flights do not qualify .

Which Cards Qualify?

The following cards are eligible for the TakeOff 15 benefit:

• 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 Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is not eligible for this benefit.

How to Use TakeOff 15

Here’s how to access your discount:

1. Log in to your SkyMiles account linked to an eligible Delta Amex card.
2. On Delta.com or the Fly Delta app, choose “Shop with Miles” when searching for flights.
3. Choose a Delta-operated flight (not a partner flight).
4. The 15% discount will be automatically reflected in the mileage total at checkout.
    

💡 Bonus Tip: You can still earn miles on the taxes and fees portion of the ticket when you pay with your eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card.

Real-World Value: How Much Is TakeOff 15 Worth?

SkyMiles tend to hover around 1.1 to 1.3 cents per mile for economy redemptions. With TakeOff 15, the effective value increases to roughly 1.4 to 1.5 cents per mile—especially on competitive routes with lower dynamic pricing.

It may not seem like much, but the discount stacks up fast for families, frequent flyers, or anyone redeeming large mileage balances.

For example:

Does This Affect Award Pricing?

Many travelers have asked whether Delta would raise award prices to offset this discount. Based on current trends and pricing we've tested, the base award costs haven’t been inflated across the board just because of TakeOff 15.

We’ve also seen plenty of examples where you can rebook an existing SkyMiles reservation and instantly save 15%—no change in base pricing.
 

That said, Delta uses dynamic pricing, so it's smart to double-check availability regularly and lock in redemptions when you see a good deal.

Limitations to Know

• The discount only applies to Delta and Delta Connection-operated flights. Partner airlines, such as Air France or Korean Air, aren’t eligible.
• TakeOff 15 is not valid on:
  • Pay with Miles bookings
  • Miles + Cash bookings
  • Seat upgrades after booking
  • Taxes and fees (must be paid separately)
• The discount is only for the primary cardholder, not authorized users .

Is TakeOff 15 Worth It?

If you’re someone who flies Delta regularly in economy or even Comfort+, TakeOff 15 is one of the easiest ways to get more value out of your SkyMiles—no hoops, no promo codes, just consistent savings.
 

You’re getting more value per mile than with Delta’s “Pay with Miles” option, which offers a flat value of 1 cent per mile. With TakeOff 15, the value often climbs to 1.4 cents or more.
 

But if your travel goals involve premium cabin redemptions or international first-class awards, you might find better value in other programs like American Airlines AAdvantage or Alaska Mileage Plan.

Final Thoughts

The Delta TakeOff 15 benefit makes the Delta SkyMiles American Express lineup significantly more appealing to travelers who primarily fly economy and want predictable value from their rewards. The 15% discount is automatic, flexible, and available year-round.
 

Just remember to use “Shop with Miles,” stick to Delta-operated flights, and check for deals regularly. With a bit of strategy, you can stretch your SkyMiles further—and spend less doing it.