- If you have one of Delta’s main credit cards, you and anyone you’re traveling with will get zone 1 priority boarding.
- All you have to do is make sure to include your Delta frequent-flyer number on the reservation.
- The Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express is currently offering 30,000 Delta SkyMiles when you spend $1,000 in the first three months, and 50% back as statement credits on purchases made directly with Delta in the first three months, up to $300 back.
- When you open the Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express and spend $3,000 in the first three months, you’ll get 50,000 SkyMiles and can earn 50% on purchases made directly with Delta in the first three months, up to $500.
- These two credit card offers are only available until August 15.
- Read more about the limited-time offers.
Each of Delta’s three main credit cards – the Gold Delta SkyMiles, Platinum Delta SkyMiles, and the Delta Reserve® Credit Card from American Express – offer a few useful travel benefits for cardholders when they fly Delta. One of those benefits is priority boarding for the cardholder and any travel companions on the same reservation.
At a time when seemingly everyone tries to avoid checking bags – even if they can get checked-bag fees waived – overhead bin space for carry-on bags is in hot demand. By boarding early, you can avoid having to compete for space and store your bag close to your seat. Plus, you’ll have extra time to settle in for your flight.
Taking advantage of Delta’s priority boarding benefit is easy.
When you apply for a Delta American Express card, you’re prompted to enter your Delta SkyMiles number. From that point on, as long as the card is open, the benefits are tied to your SkyMiles account.
After that, every time you check in for a flight, your boarding pass will show boarding zone 1. Zone 1 is after most Delta elite frequent flyers and extra-legroom passengers, but it is usually within the first half of passengers to board. The same will apply for anyone else on the same reservation with you.
The key is making sure that you're on the same reservation. If you book separately, your travel companions won't have access to priority boarding or free checked bags unless they have their own Delta credit card (or hold the elite Medallion status).
Just remember to log in to your Delta account when booking tickets. If you're booking through a third-party portal, such as Expedia, enter your Delta number during the booking process.
If, for some reason, your boarding pass shows a lower zone, just show your card to the check-in agent, who should be able to fix it.
Learn more: The best current credit card sign-up offers
If you're thinking about getting a Delta Amex credit card, now is the perfect time. Two cards are offering limited-time welcome bonuses that can get you both bonus miles and cash back on Delta purchases.
The Gold Delta SkyMiles card offers 30,000 Delta SkyMiles when you spend $1,000 in the first three months. You can also earn 50% back on purchases made directly with Delta in the first three months, up to $300 back. This offer is only available until August 15, so don't wait.
The Platinum version is offering 50,000 SkyMiles when you spend $3,000 in the first three months, and you can earn 50% back on purchases made directly with Delta in the first three months, up to $500 back. This offer is also only available until August 15.
Delta's premium card, the Delta Reserve, isn't offering an elevated bonus, but you can earn 40,000 SkyMiles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in the first three months.