Last updated: December 23,2022
Originally Published: April 18,2022
by Jestan Mendame
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During an airport rush, having Delta Sky Priority access can come in handy especially if you’re in a hurry or just want to escape the big crowds at the airport. Sky Priority gives passengers priority access to security lanes, check-in counters, boarding, and many more.
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What Is Delta Sky Priority?
Delta Airlines created Sky Priority to make travel faster, easier, and more convenient for their most loyal customers. It’s available in all major Delta hubs and in airports where Delta and Delta Connection fly. Just follow the signs that say “Sky Priority.”
Select elite members of the Diamond Medallion Program,SkyTeam AllianceProgram, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club are eligible for Sky Priority. Additionally, passengers in first and business class will also experience Sky Priority benefits. More information about eligibility will be explained further.
Sky Priority Benefits
Basically, Sky Priority works a lot likeGlobal Entry or NEXUSin terms of expedited security checks but the only difference is that Sky Priority offers more travel perks and benefits like the ones below:
Free Extra Baggage Allowance
If piece concept is applicable, the extra baggage allowance provided for the passengers is the maximum weight of the base allowance. If weight concept is applicable, the extra baggage allowance is 10 kg.
For those who don’t know what weight and piece concept is, piece concept limits each bag to a specific weight while weight concept limits the total weight of the passenger’s baggage.
Expedited Baggage Service
To make sure that Sky Priority passengers are always prioritized, Delta will expedite their baggage so it will arrive first on the carousel.
Priority Boarding And Seating
Prior to boarding, you can already pre-select the seat in which you feel you’re comfortable sitting in. As for boarding, Sky Priority passengers will be the 6th group to board right after Pre-boarding,Delta One,Delta Premium Select, Early Access, andDelta Comfort Pluspassengers.
- Pre-boarding
- Delta One
- Delta Premium Select / First Class
- Early Access Passengers
- Delta Comfort+
- Sky Priority
- Main Cabin 1
- Main Cabin 2
- Main Cabin 3
- Basic Economy
Faster Check-in And Security
There will be dedicated areas where eligible Sky Priority passengers can check in. Exclusive security lanes will also be offered at select airports. Look for Sky Priority signs at the airport or just ask any Delta staff for assistance.
Dedicated Customer Services Hotline
An exclusive customer service hotline will be provided to Sky Priority passengers 24/7. They will be in charge of answering questions you might have about your benefits or providing you with travel assistance.
Priority Waitlist
Sky Priority passengers will be the first ones on the waitlist over regular passengers during sold-out and irregular operations.
Read More:Delta Partners To Earn SkyMiles With
Who Can Have Sky Priority Access?
You are eligible to have Sky Priority access if you belong to any of these categories below:
Medallion Members
- Diamond Medallion Members
- Platinum Medallion Members
- Gold Medallion Members
TheDelta Medallion Programis Delta Airline’s frequent flyer program. Members of this program will get more exclusive travel perks and benefits.
Virginia Atlantic Flying Club Members
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members
- Virgin Australia Velocity Platinum members
- Virgin Australia Velocity Gold members
Passengers Flying On Premium Fares
You cannot directly buy SkyPriority privileges but you can purchase premium fares that comes with it such as:
- Delta One®
- Delta Premium Select
- First Class
SkyTeam Elite Plus Members
The SkyTeam alliance frequent flyer program has two elite statuses: SkyTeam Elite and SkyTeam Elite Plus. Only Elite Plus members will be eligible to have Sky Priority privileges.
To determine your SkyTeam status, please refer to ourSkyTeam guide.
Getting Sky Priority With The Delta SkyMiles Reserve
To be eligible for Sky Priority, you need to at least reach Gold Status which requires you to earn at least 50,000 MQMs and $6000 MQDs.
One way of getting Sky Priority privileges is getting Gold Medallion status through the Delta SkyMiles®Reserve American Express Card. This card comes with a big MQM bonus that can fast-track your way to Gold Medallion status.
Take note that MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different compared to airline miles which are used to redeem award flights.
Here are the benefits of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card:
- Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months. Offer ends 8/3/2022.
- Earn up to 60,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 15,000 MQMs up to four times per year.
- Get a Domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate every renewal year.
- Complimentary access to theDelta Sky Clubwhen traveling on a Delta flight.
- Complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner when you book a Delta flight with your card.
- Application fee credit forGlobal EntryorTSA PreCheck.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Earn 3X miles on Delta purchases.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
The card has an annual fee of $550 (Terms apply, see rates and fees).
Reaching Gold Status: The Delta SkyMiles Reserve gives you 15,000 MQMs whenever you spend $30,000 in a calendar year (up to 4 times per year). This means that you can hit 60,000 MQMs if you’re able to spend $120,000 in a calendar year which automatically translates to Gold Status.
If you add the bonus of 10,000 MQMs to that, you’ll have a total of 70,000 MQMs within a calendar year which is just 5,000 MQMs closer to Platinum status.
Read More:Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card: Is It Good For Frequent Travelers?
Bottomline
If you’re a Delta loyalist, the best way to earn SkyPriority privileges is through co-branded credit cards. Signing up for one will help you earn award miles for flight redemptions and at the same time earn MQMs to reach Medallion Status.
It’s the most cost-efficient way because you get more travel benefits: For being a cardholder, being a Medallion status holder, having SkyTeam status, and having eligibility for Sky Priority privileges.
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Jestan Mendame
Jestan Mendame is a seasoned copywriter and social media strategist who handles Points Panda social media channels as well as writing mainly articles about travel for Points Panda as well. He is from Manila and resides there.
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FAQs
The Complete Guide To Delta Sky Priority? ›
Delta Sky Priority is available to passengers who purchase 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.
What does it take to become Delta Sky Priority? ›Access to and use of Delta Sky Priority services are reserved for Delta One®, Delta Premium Select and First Class passengers, Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion® Members, and SkyTeam® Elite Plus members on all Delta and Delta Connection® flights. Benefits subject to change at any time. All Sky Priority rules apply.
Does Sky Priority get me into Delta Sky Club? ›The Delta Sky Club premium experience is only available through Sky Club Membership, which isn't included with Delta SkyPriority®.
Is Delta Sky Priority the same as TSA PreCheck? ›Is Delta Sky Priority the same as TSA PreCheck? No, Delta Sky Priority and TSA PreCheck are completely two different things. Sky Priority security lane allows the customers to get closer to the scanners, while TSA PreCheck has its own separate line.
What is the difference between Delta Sky Priority and First Class? ›First Class on Delta means receiving Sky Priority® service, which offers accelerated check-in, security, and baggage handling. Once it's time to board, you're invited to board first so you can settle in sooner and enjoy the First Class experience.
Who can check in on Sky Priority? ›Who is eligible for SkyPriority? SkyPriority is a series of special airport services offered to SkyTeam First and Business Class customers and SkyTeam Elite Plus members regardless of their class of travel.
Does Delta Silver status give you Sky Priority? ›At airports which do not have a dedicated Silver Medallion check-in lane, Silver Medallion Members are permitted to use the Sky Priority check-in lane.
Does Amex get you into Delta Sky Club? ›Customers with select Platinum Cards and Centurion Cards from American Express may access Delta Sky Club locations when traveling on a same-day ticket on a Delta-operated (Delta or Delta Connection) or Delta-marketed flight operated by WestJet (006 ticket number).
Does comfort plus get Sky Priority? ›Enjoy an upgraded experience with more of the perks you love in Delta Comfort+. Take advantage of your time in the air with access to Sky Priority® boarding, dedicated overhead bin space, extra legroom, superior snacks on longer flights, free drinks, and complimentary premium entertainment.
How do you skip the line at the airport? ›Apply for TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is one of a few government-run trusted traveler programs, designed to allow members to use expedited security lanes at more than 200 U.S. airports. With TSA PreCheck, you can speed through security without removing your shoes, laptops, belts or jacket.
What is the difference between Delta Sky Priority and clear? ›
Comparing Security Programs
CLEAR Plus is a faster way to verify your identity, so you don't have to wait in crowded lines to have your ID checked. A CLEAR Ambassador will escort you to the front for physical screening. Sky Priority offers similar benefits, but on a flight-by-flight basis.
The higher your Delta elite status, the earlier you can board your flight. Passengers with Delta Silver Medallion status can board Main Cabin 1. Gold and Platinum Medallion members can board Sky Priority, and top-tier Delta Diamond Medallion elites board after active military and passengers needing extra assistance.
What are Delta priority seats? ›With Preferred Seats, your flyers can select where they'd like to sit—aisle, exit row or window— near the front of the plane on fares booked in Q class or higher, at no extra cost. This is just one more complimentary perk your travelers receive simply by flying Delta.
How to upgrade to first class on Delta for free? ›As a General SkyMiles Member with a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card, you are eligible for unlimited Complimentary Upgrades to First Class and Delta Comfort+®, plus, day-of-departure Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades to the Delta One® experience on flights within the U.S. 50 – ...
Is Priority better than first class? ›Priority Mail is typically faster than First-Class, shipping in an estimated 1-3 business days, rather than 1-5 days. Priority Mail can be used to ship much larger packages (up to 70 lbs for some services). USPS Tracking and a small amount of insurance is typically included with your shipment.
Does Sky Priority show on boarding pass? ›If you have Sky Priority banner (red) on your phone boarding pass, or printed as SKY and/or Sky Priority status, you can board with Sky Priority zone. Zone 2 is even below Silver, so it's when you have no status but then Sky Priority won't show on the boarding pass.
Does premium economy get Sky Priority? ›An exclusive service. On Air France flights, SkyPriority is reserved for: SkyTeam Elite Plus members. Passengers in the La Première, Business and Premium Economy cabins.
What do you get with priority boarding? ›What is priority boarding? It is a service that can be added to your booking, allowing you to be among the first to board and guaranteeing that your hand luggage will travel with you in the cabin (remember that your hand luggage must meet the requirements).
Why doesn't Silver Medallion get Sky Priority? ›Silver Medallion does not normally include SkyPriority benefits. Some airports may not have Silver Medallion check-in queue, and at those airports, if you are a Silver Medallion, you can use the SkyPriority lane.
Can Silver Medallion check-in at Sky Priority? ›Certain airports may have a dedicated check-in lane for Silver Medallion Members. At airports which do not have a dedicated Silver Medallion check-in lane, Silver Medallion Members are permitted to use the Sky Priority check-in lane.
Does silver medallion get you into Sky Club? ›
Further, Silver Medallion members who hold The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card can get complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when traveling on a Delta-operated or -marketed flight, or for $50 when flying a SkyTeam partner. Terms apply.
How to get into Delta lounge free? ›Free access
Delta Medallion elite members with Gold, Platinum or Diamond status receive lounge access when they're traveling in premium economy class or higher on an international flight that's operated by Delta or an eligible partner airline.
Delta Sky Club lounges
Amex Platinum cardholders get access to Delta-operated Sky Club lounges. To find eligible lounges, search on Delta's website and select “Platinum Card® Members From American Express” as your membership type.
Your Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card come with complimentary lounge access to over 1,400 different lounge properties worldwide, including the vast network of Priority Pass lounges.
How do I always get Sky Priority? ›How to get Sky Priority. Delta Sky Priority is available to passengers who purchase 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.
Does Delta Comfort Plus board before Sky Priority? ›Priority boarding zones
The first several zones include premium cabin passengers, including first class and Delta One cabins as well as Premium Select and Delta Comfort+. It also includes Diamond Medallion members, but leaves out all other elite status passengers until SkyPriority boarding is called.
What is Delta business class called? Once known as BusinessElite, the Delta business travel program is now called Delta One. It's an enhanced business-class option the airline offers on longer international flights and select domestic routes.
How do you avoid long lines at the airport without paying? ›Making a reservation in advance is a great way to skip TSA's sometimes exorbitantly long lines. However, if you're flying out of an airport that doesn't have this program, you may instead want to consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Clear.
Can I skip the line if I check in online? ›Skip the Lines
The biggest benefit of checking in online is bypassing the lines at the airport. You can skip waiting in line to check in, then possibly–if the airline allows it for your flight–skip waiting in a second line to check your luggage, and instead head straight to security.
Most applicants without disqualifying factors will receive their TWIC® cards in less than 10 business days. Due in part to potential disqualifying factors or delivery issues, TSA suggests applicants apply a minimum of 60 days in advance. TSA does not offer next day or expedited delivery at this time.
What is main preferred on Delta? ›
Main Cabin Preferred: Main Cabin Preferred seats are functionally the same as regular main cabin seats. The difference lies in the seat location; Main Cabin Preferred seats are typically window and aisle seats nearer to the front of the plane, plus exit rows.
What does main 3 mean on Delta? ›Main Cabin 3. Main Cabin customers booked in T, X and V fares. Basic Economy. Basic Economy customers (E) Silver Medallion Members will not have a dedicated Priority Boarding zone on Delta flights departing AMS and CDG due to Air France-KLM boarding policies.
What does Zone 3 mean on boarding pass? ›Boarding Groups: Zones 1 to 4. Zone 1 passengers have purchased carry-on bags; Zone 3 fliers are toward the back of the plane; Zone 4 fliers are toward the front of the plane.
How do you get main 1 on Delta? ›Card Members are entitled to receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights. Benefit is limited to Basic Card Members (not Additional Card Members) with the Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum or Reserve Cards. Reservation must include the Basic Card Member's SkyMiles number.
Does Delta give out free headphones? ›We've got your entertainment covered – with complimentary earbuds, you can enjoy 1,000+ hours of free entertainment with the latest films, your favorite TV shows, Spotify playlists, podcasts and more.
Does Delta Amex give you priority boarding? ›The Delta Gold Amex offers two solid benefits: a first checked bag free and Main Cabin 1 priority boarding. In particular, you'll get a first checked bag free when you check in with Delta for flights that are both Delta-marketed and Delta-operated.
Do Delta premium seats board with priority? ›Delta Premium Select passengers receive Sky Priority® service, which includes accelerated check-in, security and baggage service. Once it's time to board, you're among the first invited on the plane.
Is Delta first class worth it? ›First Class is considerably more expensive than other ticket options. Since First Class is only available on domestic and short flights, most flights are going to be under three or four hours. It's usually just not worth the extra money for a couple hours of added comfort.
How to get upgraded on Delta without status? ›Hold the right credit card. If you hold the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, you qualify for complimentary upgrades to Comfort Plus or first class on domestic flights within the U.S. even without elite status.
How to upgrade from economy to first class for free? ›- Earn Airline Elite Status.
- Redeem Miles and Points.
- Volunteer to be bumped on overbooked flights.
- Use an airline-branded credit card.
- Buy a last-minute upgrade.
- Follow The Crowds.
- Fly With a Generous Elite Friend.
- Travel Alone.
How do I know if my package is priority or first class? ›
The main difference is in the size of the packages that can be delivered via each service. First class mail is limited to smaller packages that weigh less than 3.5 ounces, while Priority Mail can include packages that weigh up to 70 lbs.
Is priority boarding worth the money? ›If you need your carry-on bag during a long layover or prefer not to wait at a late-night baggage claim after a long day of flying, then purchasing a priority boarding upgrade may be well worth it. In essence, purchasing priority boarding is staking claim to readily accessible overhead bin space.
Does first class get priority check in? ›First class passengers can use priority check-in lines and accelerated security queues at some airports. Airports like Los Angeles, New York JFK and Miami have Flagship First check-in areas where passengers can check in before being escorted to the front of the security line by a staffer.
Is Delta part of TSA PreCheck? ›What is Delta's TSA PreCheck Digital ID experience, and how do I use it? With TSA PreCheck and Digital ID, you can breeze through airport touchpoints originating in Atlanta or Detroit without taking out your phone, wallet or boarding pass.
What is the priority of Sky Priority? ›All customers who are eligible for priority boarding, including SkyTeam Elite Plus and Elite customers, can board through the SkyPriority lane. Eligible SkyPriority passengers will be asked to board first, immediately followed by Elite passengers, through the SkyPriority lane.
Why is my TSA PreCheck not on my boarding pass Delta? ›If you still do not have a TSA PreCheck® indicator on your boarding pass, please call the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673, submit an online form, or contact us at @AskTSA on Twitter and Facebook Messenger.
How do I add TSA PreCheck to Delta flight after booking? ›- Log in to My Profile.
- Under Personal Details, update/add your Secure Flight Passenger Data, and if applicable, your Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or TSA-assigned Known Traveler ID.
- All customers are welcome to interact with the experience. Ticketed passengers can simply scan their boarding pass.
- Customers enrolled in digital identity through the Fly Delta App can activate facial recognition at the exhibit kiosk.
You can update existing United reservations through the "Edit traveler information" option in Manage Reservations, on an airport kiosk or in the United app. If you add your KTN after checking in, you'll want to reprint your boarding pass or pull it up on the United app.
Who gets approved for TSA PreCheck? ›The TSA PreCheck® Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.
Is Sky Priority Main 1? ›
Even if you're flying in the main cabin, those with elite status can board with their relevant, earlier boarding zone. SkyPriority boarding includes Platinum and Gold Medallion members as well as SkyTeam Elite Plus flyers. Silver Medallion and SkyTeam Elite members board in the Main Cabin 1 group.
Is premium economy Sky Priority? ›An exclusive service. On Air France flights, SkyPriority is reserved for: SkyTeam Elite Plus members. Passengers in the La Première, Business and Premium Economy cabins.
What is Delta Elite Plus? ›The Elite Plus-status level receives the above, as well as: Guaranteed full-fare Y-class reservation on sold-out long-haul flights, at least 24 hours prior to departure. Access to airport lounges worldwide, whatever the class of travel, for members in possession of a boarding pass, accompanied by a guest.
Why does my Delta boarding pass say seat at gate? ›Seat Assignment
Your seat will not be assigned until after you check in to your flight. If your seat number does not appear on your boarding pass, your seat will be assigned at the gate before you board.
- Aer Lingus.
- Air France.
- All Nippon Airways.
- British Airways
- China Southern Airlines.
- China Eastern Airlines.
- EasyJet.
- EgyptAir.
Here are some reasons why you may not be able to check in online: You can only be checked in for one trip at a time. If you are flying Delta more than once within a 24 hour period, you will be able to check in once your previous trip is complete.
How do I add PreCheck to my ticket after checking in? ›If you don't find out about the missing PreCheck designation until you're at the airport, take your boarding pass back to the airline check-in counter and ask them to add your KTN to your itinerary — even if you think it's not worth the trouble at that point.
Is a known traveler number the same as TSA PreCheck? ›A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is issued to all individuals approved to receive TSA PreCheck® expedited screening. The KTN must be added in the KTN field when booking airline travel reservations to have the TSA PreCheck® indicator appear on your boarding pass.
Is TSA PreCheck worth it? ›Yes, TSA PreCheck can save you time at airport security. Many TSA PreCheck members spent an average of five minutes in airport security in February 2023, according to the TSA website . If you've ever waited in line for a security screening at the airport, you know getting through can take much longer than five minutes.