second free – Ahead of the summer travel rush, American Express and Delta Air Lines updated several Delta SkyMiles co-branded cards with refreshed perks, new card designs, and limited-time welcome bonuses—while adding a benefit frequent Delta flyers have long wanted: a seco
By the time many travelers reach the airport this summer. the last thing they want is another stress point—especially around bags. Starting with an update announced as busy schedules pack tighter. American Express and Delta Air Lines are changing several Delta SkyMiles co-branded credit cards in ways that put daily convenience at the center.
The companies said Thursday that multiple Delta SkyMiles American Express cards will receive updated travel perks. refreshed card designs. and limited-time welcome bonuses for new applicants. The update is positioned as a win for travelers navigating increasingly crowded airports and packed summer schedules. and it arrives without an increase to annual fees. The announcement also marks 30 years of partnership between Delta and American Express.
The biggest headline perk is straightforward: a complimentary second checked bag. Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, and Reserve consumer and business cardholders will get a second free checked bag on U.S. domestic Delta-operated flights.
Delta and Amex are framing the change as more than a simple add-on. Jon Gantman. executive VP of Cobrand Products & New Product Development at American Express. said the focus is on “less friction.” He described how the companies are working toward benefits that fit how people travel now—from getting to the airport to packing and managing “the logistics in between.”.
The companies’ messaging leans on new data they commissioned. In that study, 63% of travelers said they spend more time deciding what to pack than planning the actual trip. It also found that 64% of Gen Z travelers have left important items at home at least occasionally just to avoid checking a bag. The survey added a more personal angle too: 70% of travelers believe packing a suitcase together is “the ultimate relationship test.”.
A second free checked bag can matter even more for people traveling for work. The study found that 41% of small business travelers said they would pack more outfit options for different work scenarios if they had a second free checked bag.
Rideshare credits round out the updates for Gold cardholders. After renewing their card. enrolled Delta SkyMiles Gold and Gold Business cardmembers will receive up to $120 annually in rideshare statement credits. The perk provides up to $10 back each month on eligible U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
That rideshare benefit fits a wider shift in travel credit cards, with issuers increasingly adding lifestyle-oriented monthly credits—such as rideshares, dining, streaming, and food delivery—to help offset annual fees and encourage card use.
Over Delta’s 30 years of partnership with American Express. Dwight James. senior VP of Customer Engagement & Loyalty for Delta and CEO of Delta Vacations. said the companies have built something by “listening closely” to what customers value in their travel experience. He said the update extends card value into the moments around travel and is meant to deliver a “card experience that makes a real difference for our SkyMiles Members.”.
Alongside the benefit changes, the rollout includes refreshed card designs across the Delta SkyMiles portfolio. The most noticeable visual update is a new Slate Grey color option for the premium Reserve and Reserve Business cards, aimed at giving them a more modern look.
New applicants can also look for limited-time welcome bonuses starting June 4. Travelers who apply and are approved for a Delta SkyMiles American Express card by July 15 can access those elevated offers.
Among the largest bonuses announced:
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is offering up to 125,000 bonus miles after meeting spending requirements within the first six months.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is offering up to 100,000 bonus miles.
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is offering up to 90,000 bonus miles.
Business versions are also receiving elevated offers, including up to 125,000 miles for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card.
For frequent Delta flyers. the shift lands at a practical moment: when baggage fees and travel friction can turn a routine trip into a costly hassle. And for cardholders watching how airline rewards evolve. the new second-bag benefit may prove to be the one perk that’s felt immediately—long before the miles ever show up.
Delta SkyMiles Amex American Express Delta Air Lines second free checked bag travel credit cards co-branded cards rideshare credits welcome bonuses Delta SkyMiles Gold Delta SkyMiles Platinum Delta SkyMiles Reserve small business travelers
Second free bag finally?? about time lol
So if I have the Amex card I get two free checked bags? That sounds too good, but also I feel like there’s always some fine print like only certain routes. Still, less stress at the airport is nice I guess.