Delta Amex Cards Add New Travel Perks, Limited-Time Bonus Miles

American Express and Delta have introduced new travel benefits they are bringing to current Delta SkyMiles cardholders. The companies have also announced offers that are available to new cardholders for a limited time.

The first official day of summer is still more than a week away. But many schools are now out for summer break in the U.S., and temperatures are heating up across the country. Millions of Americans are likely to hit the road in the coming months for vacations that allow them to have new adventures and enjoy a little rest and relaxation.

Deloitte surveyed more than 4,000 Americans earlier this year and found that 45% of them were planning summer vacations that came with stays in paid lodging. But what the company revealed about those who weren’t planning to take vacations was perhaps more eye-opening.

0%51% Share of Americans who make less than $100K and say travel is among the first costs they reduce when expenses rise, according to Deloitte

“General affordability is a major concern for non-travelers, but a growing number of those staying home specifically highlight the high cost of travel,” the authors of the study wrote. “A majority (51%) of Americans with income of less than $100,000 say travel spend is one of the first things they cut back on when expenses rise.”

And expenses have been high in 2026 for many consumers. The average price of a gallon of regular gas has come down a bit in recent weeks, but it still sits more than a dollar higher compared with where it was one year ago.

Food costs have shot up this year as well. A recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveals that food prices this April were 3.2% more than they were in April of 2025.

The increased costs of everyday items may have some would-be travelers choosing to stay at home this year. But others are likely still deciding whether they can take a summer vacation without wreaking havoc on their household budget.

The new offers from Delta and American Express may help make that decision a little easier. Basic Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Reserve consumer and business card members now receive a second checked bag for free on domestic flights that Delta operates.

Avoiding the cost of extra luggage should bring travelers more peace of mind while getting ready for a journey. According to Delta, close to 63% of travelers say they devote more time to deciding what they’ll pack for a vacation than they do planning the actual trip.

New perks include rideshare credits and complimentary second checked bags for certain cardholders.

Enrolled Delta SkyMiles Gold and Gold Business card members will have access to a $120 annual rideshare credit after renewing their card, broken into $10 monthly statement credits on eligible U.S. rideshare purchases. The new benefits come without increases to card annual fees.

And those who are new Delta SkyMiles cardholders can earn extra miles when they meet certain spending thresholds within six months after opening a card. But they’ll have to act fast as that deal is only available to people who receive approval for a new card by July 15, 2026.

Dwight James, Senior Vice President of Customer Engagement & Loyalty for Delta and CEO of Delta Vacations, said in the release that the partnership between Delta and American Express has become one of the industry’s strongest. 

“Together, we’ll keep evolving the card experience in ways that make travel feel simpler and deliver real value to our members in the moments that matter,” James added.