Delta and American Express expand checked-bag and rideshare benefits for Delta SkyMiles cards

Delta Air Lines and American Express on June 4 introduced benefit updates to Delta SkyMiles American Express cards, adding what the airlines described as “everyday” travel value without increasing annual fees. The changes come as the Delta SkyMiles co-brand partnership marks its 30th year, and they include refreshed card designs across the portfolio, along with new welcome offers for applicants approved through mid-July.

One of the headline perks is a second-checked-bag benefit. Starting immediately, Basic Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Reserve Consumer and Business card members will receive a complimentary second checked bag on domestic Delta-operated flights. Delta also positioned the update as a way to reduce friction for travelers at the packing stage, citing survey responses that indicate many travelers spend more time deciding what to pack than planning the trip details.

Delta also said enrolled card members in its Delta SkyMiles Gold and Gold Business tier will have access to a $120 annual Rideshare Credit after card renewal. The credit is designed to provide up to $10 in monthly statement credits for eligible U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers, according to Delta’s announcement.

In addition to the benefit changes, Delta said the card designs have been refreshed for the full lineup. For the Reserve and Reserve Business cards, the company added a new Slate Grey option as part of the redesign.

Delta further expanded how customers can use their Companion Certificates. Delta said Companion Certificates can now be redeemed toward the eligible flight portion of a Delta Vacations package, rather than being limited strictly to standalone flight redemptions. Delta SkyMiles Platinum card members receive a Companion Certificate each year after renewal for a Delta Main domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight, while Delta SkyMiles Reserve card members can use a certificate for eligible round-trip itineraries spanning Delta First, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main within the same geographies.

In comments tied to the partnership, Delta CEO of Delta Vacations Dwight James said the partnership has grown over more than three decades by focusing on what customers value, including “real, everyday benefits.” American Express executive Jon Gantman said the two firms worked together to add benefits “across the full travel journey,” specifically naming rideshare credits and the second checked bag, without increasing annual fees.

The rideshare credit, companion certificate rules, and second-bag waiver come with important constraints that are spelled out in Delta’s card and redemption guidance. For the second checked bag benefit, Delta describes it as a waiver of the standard bag fee (if any) for a second checked bag that is not overweight or oversize, applied only to tickets with origin and destination within the United States (including specified states and territories) on Delta or Delta Connection when the customer checks in with Delta for both a Delta-marketed and Delta-operated flight, with codeshare flights not eligible. Delta also notes the benefit is not available to passengers who are already receiving two or more checked bags free.

Companion Certificate redemption also carries added out-of-pocket costs tied to government-imposed taxes and fees. Delta’s card guidance indicates these taxes and fees can vary by itinerary, and the benefit also excludes certain fare types (including Delta Basic experiences). Delta’s companion certificate instructions further indicate that customers can redeem a Companion Certificate toward the eligible flight portion of a Delta Vacations vacation package booking by contacting Delta Vacations reservations.

For cardholders and travelers, the most immediate impact of the update is practical rather than headline-grabbing: a more predictable checked-bag allowance on domestic Delta-operated flights, and an ongoing rideshare reimbursement mechanism that renews each year. Next, customers will likely pay close attention to which rideshare providers and purchases qualify under the “select providers” language, as well as to how quickly Delta’s companion certificate integration with Delta Vacations shows up across booking flows and partner itineraries. The company did not disclose in its release the specific limited-time miles welcome or acquisition offers details beyond the application timing window ending July 15, 2026.