So, what’s the big deal here? If you’ve ever booked an Airbnb stay, you’re already familiar with earning 1 SkyMile per dollar — a decent, if unexciting, perk. But Delta’s cranked it up to 11 for the stuff that makes travel memorable: think cooking classes in Tuscany, guided hikes in Patagonia, or that “mystery tour” you’ve been eyeing. Suddenly, dropping $200 on a hot air balloon ride nets you 600 miles instead of 200. Not bad for doing stuff you’d probably pay for anyway.
But let’s not get carried away. Your actual Airbnb rental — the place you’re sleeping — still earns at the standard 1X rate. So if you’re booking a $500/night villa in Bali for a week, you’re still only getting 3,500 miles for it. That’s roughly enough for a one-way economy ticket from NYC to Miami… if you’re lucky. The real value here is in the Experiences, which is why this change feels like Delta’s nudge to get you spending more on the “fun” parts of travel.
Is this worth your attention? If you’re a Delta flyer who already uses Airbnb for activities, absolutely. The 3X rate is one of the better earning methods out there for those purchases. But if you’re only booking stays, this update doesn’t move the needle. Compare it to something like a credit card bonus: would you rather earn 3X on a $100 pasta-making class or 2X on a $500 flight? Prioritize based on your spending habits.
One caveat: SkyMiles aren’t the most valuable currency out there. A quick search shows a domestic economy award ticket typically costs 25,000 miles. So that 600-mile hot air balloon ride still leaves you 24,400 miles short of a free flight. But hey, every little bit helps — especially when it’s passively earned on stuff you’d book anyway.
Bottom line: Link your accounts (it’s free) and start leaning into Experiences if you want to maximize this. Just don’t cancel your travel plans to chase miles — unless that hot air balloon ride is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. In that case, go nuts.