You can transfer Delta SkyMiles to another person, but only through Delta's official transfer program, and the recipient must have a SkyMiles account
Delta allows you to move miles from your SkyMiles account to someone else's account using their Mile Transfers feature. The transfer goes directly from your account to theirs — you cannot transfer miles to a credit card, airline ticket, or any other product. Both you and the person receiving the miles must have active SkyMiles accounts, and Delta charges a fee based on how many miles you transfer.
The process takes place entirely online through your Delta account dashboard. You initiate the transfer yourself, name the recipient, and Delta handles the rest. The miles arrive in the recipient's account within a few business days. There is no approval process or waiting period beyond that — once you submit the transfer and pay the fee, it is final.
Key Takeaways
- Both you and the recipient must have active SkyMiles accounts before you start a transfer.
- Delta charges a fee to transfer miles, calculated as a percentage of the miles being sent, with a minimum and maximum fee per transfer.
- You initiate transfers through your SkyMiles account online; the recipient does not need to do anything to receive them.
- Transferred miles arrive within a few business days and can be used when ready for flights, seat upgrades, and other SkyMiles rewards.
How to start a transfer through your SkyMiles account
Log into your SkyMiles account on Delta's website or mobile app. Go to the account menu and look for an option labeled "Transfer Miles" or "Give Miles" — the exact name varies slightly between the website and app. Click that option to open the transfer form.
Enter the recipient's SkyMiles account number and their first and last name exactly as they appear in their account. Delta will verify that the account exists before you proceed. Then enter the number of miles you want to transfer. Delta will show you the transfer fee before you confirm — review this amount carefully, as the fee is non-refundable once you complete the transfer.
Complete the payment for the fee using the payment method on file for your SkyMiles account. After you submit the transfer, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number in case you need to contact Delta about the transfer later. The miles will appear in the recipient's account within a few business days.
Understanding Delta's transfer fees
Delta charges a fee to transfer miles, and the amount depends on how many miles you send. The fee is typically calculated as a percentage of the miles transferred, with a minimum fee (charged even for small transfers) and a maximum fee (the most you pay no matter how many miles you send). These fee amounts change periodically, so check Delta's current rates before you transfer.
The fee is separate from the miles themselves — if you transfer 10,000 miles and the fee is $35, you pay $35 out of pocket, and the recipient receives the full 10,000 miles. You cannot pay the fee with miles; Delta only accepts payment by credit card or debit card linked to your account.
Some SkyMiles members receive promotional offers to transfer miles at a reduced fee or with bonus miles added to the transfer. These offers appear in your account dashboard or in emails from Delta. If you see such an offer, you can use it during the transfer process — the discount applies automatically when you initiate the transfer under that promotion.
Who can receive transferred miles
The recipient must be at least 18 years old and have an active SkyMiles account. They do not need to be a family member or live in the same household — you can transfer miles to a friend, colleague, or anyone else with a SkyMiles account. The recipient's account must be in good standing (not closed or suspended).
If the person you want to send miles to does not have a SkyMiles account yet, they can create one for free on Delta's website before you initiate the transfer. Once their account is active, you can proceed with the transfer. There is no waiting period after account creation.
What happens after the transfer completes
The recipient can use the transferred miles when ready for the same rewards as their own miles: booking flights, upgrading seats, paying for baggage fees, or redeeming other SkyMiles rewards. Transferred miles have no separate expiration date — they follow Delta's standard mile expiration policy, which requires account activity (earning or using miles) at least once every 24 months to keep miles from expiring.
The transfer is permanent and cannot be reversed. If you transfer miles by mistake or change your mind, Delta does not refund the miles or the transfer fee. Contact Delta's customer service to discuss your situation, but understand that reversals are not standard practice.
Both you and the recipient will receive email confirmations of the transfer. The recipient's confirmation will show the number of miles added to their account and the date they arrived. Keep these confirmations for your records.
Alternatives if you cannot transfer miles directly
If the person you want to help does not have a SkyMiles account or cannot receive a transfer for another reason, you have other options. You can use your miles to purchase a gift card through Delta's website, which the recipient can then use to book a flight or pay for travel. Gift cards are not miles themselves, but they function as a way to give travel value to someone else.
You can also book a flight ticket for someone else using your miles and have Delta issue the ticket in their name. This requires you to know their full legal name and date of birth. The ticket is then theirs to use or change according to Delta's ticket rules.
Another option is to add someone as an authorized user on your SkyMiles account, which allows them to use your miles with your permission. This is different from a transfer because the miles remain in your account, but the authorized user can book rewards and make changes. You can remove them as an authorized user at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer miles to someone outside the United States?
Yes, as long as they have an active SkyMiles account. The account holder must be at least 18 years old and meet Delta's account requirements, but there is no geographic restriction on who can receive transferred miles.
What is the minimum number of miles I can transfer?
Delta sets a minimum transfer amount, typically around 1,000 miles, though this may vary. Check the transfer form in your account for the current minimum. You will see the minimum displayed before you enter the number of miles.
Do transferred miles expire differently than miles I earn?
No. Transferred miles follow the same expiration rules as miles you earn yourself. They expire if your account has no activity (earning or using miles) for 24 months. Once transferred, they are treated identically to your own miles.
Can I transfer miles as a gift and have Delta notify the recipient?
Delta does not send a gift notification on your behalf. You initiate the transfer, and Delta sends a standard account notification to the recipient showing that miles were added. If you want to surprise someone, you will need to keep the transfer secret yourself — Delta's notification will reveal it.
What if the transfer fails or the miles do not arrive?
Contact Delta SkyMiles customer service with your confirmation number. They can verify whether the transfer went through and investigate if the miles did not arrive within the expected timeframe. Keep your confirmation email until the miles appear in the recipient's account.