American Express and Delta Air Lines are adding new perks to their cobranded credit cards just ahead of the busy summer travel season, including a benefit frequent Delta flyers have long wanted: a second free checked bag.
The two companies announced Thursday that several Delta SkyMiles American Express cards will receive updated travel perks, refreshed card designs, and limited-time welcome bonuses for new applicants. Notably, the changes come without an increase to annual fees.
The update also marks 30 years of partnership between Delta and American Express.
A bigger push into travel perks
The headline addition is a complimentary second checked bag on U.S. domestic Delta-operated flights for Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, and Reserve consumer and business cardholders.
Delta and Amex are positioning the update as a convenience play for travelers navigating increasingly crowded airports and packed summer schedules.
“After three decades of working together, we’ve learned that the future of travel benefits isn’t just more perks, it’s less friction,” Jon Gantman, executive VP of Cobrand Products & New Product Development at American Express, tells Fast Company. “Whether it’s getting to the airport, packing for a trip, or managing the logistics in between, we’re focused on creating benefits that fit naturally into how people travel today and make every step of the journey feel a little easier.”
According to a new study commissioned by the companies, 63% of travelers say they spend more time deciding what to pack than planning the actual trip. Meanwhile, 64% of Gen Z travelers say they’ve left important items at home at least occasionally just to avoid checking a bag.
The survey also found that 70% of travelers believe packing a suitcase together is “the ultimate relationship test.”
New rideshare credits
Delta SkyMiles Gold cardholders are also getting a new transportation perk.
After renewing their card, enrolled Delta SkyMiles Gold and Gold Business cardmembers will receive up to $120 annually in rideshare statement credits. The perk offers up to $10 back each month on eligible U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
The move mirrors a broader trend among travel credit cards, where issuers are increasingly adding lifestyle-oriented monthly credits for services like rideshares, dining, streaming, and food delivery to offset annual fees and encourage card use.
Small business travelers may particularly appreciate the new baggage perk. According to the Delta and Amex study, 41% of small business travelers said they would pack more outfit options for different work scenarios if they had a second free checked bag.
“Over Delta’s 30 years of partnership with American Express, we’ve built something unique by listening closely to our customers and what matters most to them in their travel experience,” says Dwight James, senior VP of Customer Engagement & Loyalty for Delta and CEO of Delta Vacations. “Today, we are seeing how important it is to extend value into the moments that surround the travel journey. We’ll continue building on that understanding to deliver a card experience that makes a real difference for our SkyMiles Members.”
Refreshed card designs
Alongside the benefit updates, the companies are also rolling out refreshed card designs across the Delta SkyMiles portfolio.
The most noticeable change is a new Slate Grey color option for the premium Reserve and Reserve Business cards, giving the cards a more modern look.
Starting June 4, travelers who apply and are approved for a Delta SkyMiles American Express card by July 15 can also access limited-time elevated welcome offers.
Among the largest offers:
- 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 of the cards 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 updates reflect a broader shift happening across the travel credit card industry: Perks are becoming less about luxury extras and more about removing everyday travel headaches. And with baggage fees continuing to climb, a second free checked bag may end up being one of the most practical airline card benefits travelers see this year.
