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Delta Air Lines is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, and together with other member carriers, it has developed the Sky Priority brand — now available at nearly 1,000 airports worldwide.
What is Sky Priority? It's a premium airport service that bundles together perks like priority check-in lines and security access (where available), extra baggage allowances, preferential boarding and expedited baggage handling.
Delta does an excellent job of instituting its Sky Priority program benefits to the delight of its frequent flyers. This guide explains the available perks, who can take advantage of them and how to get Delta Sky Priority benefits faster than usual.
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Sky Priority benefits
When it comes to getting through the airport and onto the plane, Sky Priority can help you get there faster with less waiting. Here are the primary perks you'll receive when you access Sky Priority services.
Priority lanes for check-in, security and boarding
No one likes waiting in line. Sky Priority can move you closer to the front in no time. It starts with a dedicated lane for check-in. This is the same line that Delta Premium Select, first class and Delta One passengers use, and it can be a real timesaver if you are in a hurry.
At many airports, there are dedicated security lanes for Sky Priority passengers. This can help travelers avoid long lines at crowded terminals. In addition, once at the gate, Sky Priority is one of the earlier boarding groups. This means those who don't purchase or get upgraded to a premium cabin seat can still board the plane earlier to find space for their carry-on bag.
» Learn more: Delta boarding order explained
Baggage priority and perks
When checking a bag, Sky Priority passengers get a priority bag tag that should expedite it through the bag channels and have it appear among the first delivered to the baggage carousel.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
If your bags don't appear within 20 minutes, take advantage of Delta's "Bags On Time" guarantee for domestic flights — you'll receive 2,500 miles. SkyTeam Elite Plus members receive an extra baggage allowance. You'll receive an extra checked bag if the airline uses a piece system. If the airline uses a weight system for bags, you'll receive an additional 44 pounds (20 kilograms) as allowed baggage weight.
Priority waitlist and standby
If your flight is delayed or you need to change to a full flight, Sky Priority members enjoy a higher position on waitlists. This may not sound that important, but the perk can come in handy if you're trying to get on a full flight at the last minute.
» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now
How to get Sky Priority
Delta Sky Priority is available to passengers who purchase Delta Premium Select, first class and Delta One tickets and most Medallion members and SkyTeam Elite Plus travelers, no matter where they sit on the plane.
Eligible travelers for Delta's Sky Priority service include:
- Delta One and first class passengers.
- Delta Premium Select passengers.
- Delta Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion members.
- SkyTeam Elite Plus members of alliance carriers.
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members.
- WestJet Rewards Platinum, Gold and Silver elite members.
Keep in mind that Sky Priority does not include lounge access to the Delta Sky Club, but some of the elite members and premium class passengers listed above do get Sky Club access.
» Learn more: What is Delta status worth?
Another way to fast-track Sky Priority
Anyone who pays for a first class or Delta One seat is eligible for Sky Priority benefits.
Still, if you're not a frequent buyer of premium cabin fares, there's another way to zoom your way to Sky Priority: Delta co-branded credit cards from American Express.
Some Delta AmEx cards offer a 2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) bonus annually, plus 1 MQD for every $10 or $20 you spend on the card. This can expedite your path to Gold Medallion status, which is the starting point for Sky Priority benefits. Some cards come with a hefty welcome offer, too.
For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card earns 1 MQD for every $20 spent on the card. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, meanwhile, earns 1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card. Terms apply.
How the cards compare
Annual fee
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
$350.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
$650.
Welcome offer
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases with your new Card, and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card, both within your first 6 months. Ends 04/01/2026. Terms Apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases with your new Card, and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card, both within your first 6 months. Ends 04/01/2026. Terms Apply.
» Learn more: Benefits of Delta credit cards
Sky Priority on Delta recapped
On your next Delta or SkyTeam flight, having access to Sky Priority benefits can make the journey more comfortable and much more manageable. From faster check-in and boarding lanes to extra bags that come out before the rest, Sky Priority is a great asset.
You can buy access with a premium cabin ticket or earn it with Medallion status from flying or Delta co-branded credit card spending. No matter how you get there, you'll be glad you did.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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