What the Delta 360 Membership Is

The Delta 360 Membership is an annual paid program from Delta Air Lines that bundles together perks for frequent flyers who want benefits beyond what a credit card alone offers. You pay a flat annual fee—separate from any credit card fee—and receive a set of benefits tied to your membership tier. The program is distinct from Delta's frequent flyer program (SkyMiles) and works alongside it.

Delta 360 comes in two tiers: Delta 360 and Delta 360 Select. Each tier includes different combinations of companion certificates, seat upgrades, lounge access, and other travel benefits. The membership is renewed annually, and benefits reset on your membership anniversary date.

This membership is designed for people who fly Delta regularly enough to use the included benefits, or who value having a companion certificate and lounge access without meeting the spending thresholds that come with premium credit cards.

Key Takeaways

  • Delta 360 is a paid annual membership separate from a credit card, with two tiers offering different benefit levels.
  • Both tiers include at least one companion certificate per year, allowing a second passenger to fly free on paid Delta tickets.
  • Delta 360 Select includes additional perks such as lounge access, priority boarding, and seat upgrade certificates.
  • You can purchase Delta 360 directly from Delta's website without holding a Delta credit card.
  • Benefits renew on your membership anniversary, not on the calendar year.

Delta 360 vs. Delta 360 Select: What Each Tier Includes

The base Delta 360 tier includes one companion certificate per membership year, allowing you to bring a travel companion on a paid Delta flight at no additional ticket cost. You also receive a $100 annual statement credit when you charge Delta purchases to a linked payment method, priority customer service, and a 10% discount on Delta Vacations packages.

Delta 360 Select adds more benefits on top of the base tier. It includes two companion certificates per year instead of one, two passes to Delta Sky Club lounges annually, priority boarding on all Delta flights, two annual seat upgrade certificates, and a higher annual statement credit. The Select tier costs more than the base tier, so the choice depends on how often you fly and whether you value lounge access and extra upgrades.

Both tiers waive the first checked bag fee for you and one companion on the same reservation, and both include baggage fee waivers for when ready family members traveling on the same ticket.

How to Purchase Delta 360 and Link It to Your Account

You can purchase Delta 360 directly through Delta's website without needing a Delta credit card. Log into your SkyMiles account, navigate to the membership section, and select the tier you want. You will be asked to choose a payment method and confirm your membership anniversary date—this is the date your benefits renew each year.

Once purchased, your membership is tied to your SkyMiles account number. If you have a Delta credit card, you can link it to your membership account so that the annual statement credit posts automatically. If you do not have a card, you can still use the membership; you just need to charge Delta purchases to the payment method you registered during purchase to receive the statement credit.

Your membership becomes active when ready after purchase. You can begin using your companion certificate and other benefits right away, though some benefits (like lounge passes) may take a few business days to appear in your account.

Using Your Companion Certificate

The companion certificate is the most valuable benefit in Delta 360. It allows a second passenger to travel free on any Delta-operated flight when you purchase a ticket for yourself. The companion does not pay a ticket price, but both passengers are responsible for taxes, fees, and any applicable fuel surcharges—typically $15 to $50 per person depending on the route.

To use the certificate, book your own ticket first through Delta's website or by phone. Then, during the booking process or after your reservation is confirmed, add your companion using the certificate. You will need the companion's name and SkyMiles number (if they have one). The certificate is valid for one year from your membership anniversary date and does not roll over if unused.

Companion certificates cannot be used on basic economy fares, and they are not valid on partner airlines or codeshare flights operated by other carriers. They also cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions, though you can use the certificate on a ticket you purchase with miles.

Lounge Access and Other Perks in Delta 360 Select

If you choose Delta 360 Select, you receive two annual passes to Delta Sky Club lounges. These passes allow you and a companion to access the lounge on the day of travel. Sky Club lounges are located in major Delta hubs and offer complimentary food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and a quieter space to wait for your flight.

You also receive priority boarding on all Delta flights, which means you board before most other passengers and can find overhead bin space more easily. The two annual seat upgrade certificates let you upgrade to a premium cabin (First or Comfort+) on may be able to access flights, subject to availability at the time of travel.

Both tiers include a discount on Delta Vacations packages, which bundle flights, hotels, and car rentals. The discount applies to the total package price and can result in meaningful savings on multi-day trips.

Annual Costs and Statement Credits

Delta 360 has an annual membership fee that varies; the base tier costs less than Delta 360 Select. Both tiers include an annual statement credit that offsets part of the membership cost if you use it. The base tier includes a $100 credit, and Delta 360 Select includes a higher credit amount.

The statement credit posts to your linked payment method once per membership year, typically within a few weeks of your membership anniversary. To receive the credit, you must charge Delta purchases (flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, or other services) to the payment method you registered with your membership.

When evaluating whether Delta 360 makes financial sense, subtract the annual statement credit from the membership fee, then compare that net cost to the value of the benefits you will actually use. If you fly Delta at least twice per year and can use the companion certificate, the membership often pays for itself.

What Happens When Your Membership Renews

Your membership renews automatically on your membership anniversary date each year. Your benefits reset on that date: unused companion certificates expire, lounge passes refresh, and upgrade certificates renew. You will be charged the annual membership fee on your anniversary date unless you cancel before that date.

You can cancel your membership at any time through your SkyMiles account or by contacting Delta customer service. If you cancel before your anniversary date, you will not be charged for the next year. If you cancel after your anniversary date has passed, you have already been charged and should contact Delta about a refund, though refund policies vary.

If you want to change your membership tier (upgrade from base to Select or downgrade), you can do so through your account. The change takes effect on your next membership anniversary unless you contact Delta to request an when ready change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my companion certificate on any Delta flight?

No. The certificate cannot be used on basic economy fares, partner airline flights, or codeshare flights operated by other carriers. It is valid only on Delta-operated flights in economy, comfort, and premium cabin classes (subject to availability). Taxes and fees still explore.

Do I need a Delta credit card to buy Delta 360?

No. You can purchase Delta 360 directly from Delta's website using any payment method. A credit card is not required. However, if you have a Delta credit card, you can link it to receive the annual statement credit automatically.

What if I don't use my companion certificate before it expires?

Unused companion certificates expire on your membership anniversary date and do not carry over to the next year. You cannot transfer the certificate to another person or save it for future use. Plan to use it within the 12-month membership period.

Can I use lounge passes on flights with other airlines?

No. Delta Sky Club passes are valid only in Delta Sky Club lounges at Delta hub airports. They cannot be used in partner airline lounges or lounges operated by other carriers, even if you are flying on a codeshare flight.

How do I know if a flight is may be able to access for my seat upgrade certificate?

When you book a flight, the upgrade certificate option will appear during checkout if the flight is may be able to access. Not all flights or fare classes may have access to. Upgrades are subject to availability and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis at check-in or online check-in time.