How to retrieve your missing Delta SkyMiles

Have you recently flown but found no miles added to your account? Perhaps you forgot to enter your frequent flyer number during booking.

Fortunately, many airlines permit you to retroactively credit flights to your mileage account after flying. However, some airlines have shorter windows than others for this. Delta Air Lines is among those with tighter deadlines.

Unlike some of its rivals that often allow up to 12 months for missing mile claims, Delta restricts this period to just nine months. If you've traveled recently, now is the perfect time to check your tickets and ensure everything is accurately credited.

We will guide you through the process of requesting credit for missing Delta SkyMiles step by step, as well as reviewing the rules for credit requests in the business-focused SkyMiles for Business (formerly Delta SkyBonus) program.

What is the time frame for claiming SkyMiles?

You can claim missing Delta SkyMiles within nine months of your flight date. This is a bit less accommodating than airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines, which allow up to 12 months. However, you still have the same nine-month period even if you weren't a SkyMiles member when you flew, which is an advantage over some competitors.

Delta advises waiting at least seven days after your flight before submitting a request for missing miles. Typically, if your SkyMiles number was included in your reservation, most Delta flights will post to your account within 24 hours of your journey, while flights with partner airlines may take up to seven days.

Steps to request missing miles for Delta flights

Delta simplifies the process of requesting mileage credit for previous flights with an online form. All you need is your SkyMiles account number, ticket number, and flight details.

To find the form, log into your Delta SkyMiles account, navigate to your profile, select "My SkyMiles," and then click on "Request Mileage Credit."

You will then see two forms. Use the first one to claim credit for Delta flights.

Your flight's ticket number can be found on your receipt or boarding pass. If it's missing, proceed to the "partner flights" section below.

How to claim missing miles from partner flights

Delta also accepts mileage credit requests for partner flights and various SkyMiles partner activities.

The procedure for claiming missing miles from partners is quite similar to that for Delta flights. Follow the earlier steps to reach the "Request Mileage Credit" page, then complete the form at the bottom.

Delta highly recommends that you upload supporting documents, such as a boarding pass, ticket receipt, or itinerary confirmation, with this form.

Having these documents can expedite the verification process, allowing you to receive your miles more quickly.

How to claim missing SkyMiles for Business miles

In addition to SkyMiles, Delta offers a loyalty program for business customers known as SkyMiles for Business.

Joining is free with no travel or spending prerequisites. Your business can start accruing miles with a Plus account, which requires at least five employee travelers and a $5,000 annual travel expenditure. The Elite account, requiring a minimum of five employee travelers and $300,000 spent on travel annually, offers higher earning potential.

If your business qualifies for a top-tier account, you can earn miles on every Delta flight as well as with partners like Air France, KLM, Aeromexico, and Virgin Atlantic. Your company will accumulate miles for business travel while individuals earn their own SkyMiles.

As per Delta's SkyMiles for Business terms and conditions, "Primary admins, secondary admins, and designated travel agents within Delta's SkyMiles for Business program can request retroactive credit for eligible flights within nine months of the enrollment date. Up to 20 qualifying tickets can be submitted each month for retroactive credit."

How to maximize your Delta SkyMiles

One of the easiest methods to accrue Delta miles is by using Delta's cobranded American Express cards. Here are some of the current welcome offers available for these cards:

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees).
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. The card has a $350 annual fee (see rates and fees).
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. The card has a $650 annual fee (see rates and fees).
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases during the first six months of card membership. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then a $150 annual fee (see rates and fees).
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. The card has a $350 annual fee (see rates and fees).
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Earn 110,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000 in purchases during the first six months of card membership. The card has a $650 annual fee (see rates and fees).

You can also transfer American Express Membership Rewards points from cards like the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express to Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 rate.

Furthermore, Marriott Bonvoy points convert to Delta SkyMiles at a 3:1 ratio.

In summary

Requesting retroactive missing Delta miles for flights and other eligible activities is straightforward. Additionally, you can still submit a request even if you joined the SkyMiles program after your flight.

Keep in mind that Delta allows less time to claim miles compared to other airlines. Therefore, it's best to submit your request for missing credits as soon as possible.