If you’re a frequent traveler, you may be considering purchasing an all-you-can-fly pass. This type of pass allows you to fly unlimited times for a set period of time, typically one month or one year.
Delta Airlines does not currently offer an all-you-can-fly pass, but there are a few other airlines that do.
However, Delta does offer a variety of other fare options that can be a good value for frequent travelers.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Delta’s fare options and how to choose the best one for you. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of all-you-can-fly passes and whether or not they’re worth it for Delta travelers.
What is an all-you-can-fly pass?
How does an all-you-can-fly pass work?
An all-you-can-fly pass from an airline provides unlimited flights for a set period of time, typically one month.
The pass holder pays a flat upfront fee, then can book as many flights as desired within the term.
Passes are valid for economy class domestic flights departing from the traveler’s home airport. Taxes and fees apply to each booking.
Passholders can reserve seats on any available flight through the airline’s website or app.
These unlimited flight passes offer maximum flexibility for frequent flyers. However, seats are subject to availability.
What are the benefits of an all-you-can-fly pass?
- Fly as often as needed for one fixed price
- No restrictions on flight dates, times, or destinations
- Great for frequent, last-minute travel
- Tremendous value for frequent flyers
- Flexibility to change plans and rebook
- All flights count toward frequent flyer status
For high-volume travelers, passes can offer significant savings compared to buying individual tickets. They provide utmost flexibility perfect for spontaneous travelers.
What are the drawbacks of an all-you-can-fly pass?
- Upfront cost is expensive if you don’t fly enough
- No guarantees for peak travel days/times
- Doesn’t include upgrades to first class
- Not practical for short, predictable trips
- Can’t book partner airline flights
- Long layovers
For infrequent or routine travelers, passes may not provide enough value to justify the upfront cost. And availability can be limited during busy travel periods.
Delta’s fare options for frequent travelers
SkyMiles Medallion Status
Delta’s SkyMiles program offers elite Medallion status tiers that provide added benefits and discounts for frequent customers.
- Silver Medallion – Requires 25,000 Medallion Qualification Miles + $3,000 spend
- Gold Medallion – Requires 50,000 Medallion Qualification Miles + $6,000 spend
- Platinum Medallion – Requires 75,000 Medallion Qualification Miles + $9,000 spend
- Diamond Medallion – Requires 125,000 Medallion Qualification Miles + $15,000 spend
Higher status grants perks like complimentary upgrades, bonus miles, priority check-in, and more. Qualifying dollars can be earned via Delta credit cards.
Delta SkyMiles American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offer:
- 2X miles on Delta purchases
- 1X mile per dollar on other purchases
- Annual companion certificate upon renewal
- Free checked bags and priority boarding
- Access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta
The cards help loyal Delta flyers earn rewards and status faster.
Delta Vacations packages
Delta Vacations bundles flights with hotel stays, rental cars, and other amenities. Bundling can reduce costs by 5-20% compared to booking individually.
Packages are highly customizable and great for:
- Vacations – Bundle flight, hotel, transportation
- Weddings – Block hotel rooms and travel for guests
- Honeymoons – Add on excursions and dining
- Cruises – Combine with pre/post-cruise stays
Packages maximize travel value for flyers seeking more than just a flight.
Which fare option is best for you?
Factors to consider when choosing a fare option
With various fare options available from Delta, including all-you-can-fly passes, regular tickets, and more – how do you choose what’s best for your situation?
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Flight frequency – Frequent flyers get more value from unlimited passes
- Schedule flexibility – Passes favor spontaneous travelers with variable plans
- Route predictability – Fixed routes favor individual advance bookings
- Travel dates – Passes allow last-minute trips more easily
- Companion needs – Some fare options allow free companions
- Elite status – Higher status can reduce regular fares
Analyzing your typical flying habits across these dimensions will clarify the best fare option.
For example, a flexible executive flying 15+ times per month between multiple cities is a prime unlimited pass candidate.
Meanwhile, a college student flying home for holidays can likely find cheaper advance booking deals.
How to compare fare options
To directly compare the costs of different Delta fare options:
- Calculate your average flights per month and typical routes
- Use Delta’s website to estimate costs of regular tickets for those flights
- Compare to the upfront cost of an unlimited all-you-can-fly pass
- Factor in pass benefits like last-minute flexibility and companion fares
Doing the math for your expected travel habits will clearly reveal whether a pass or standard tickets make more financial sense.
Free trial periods on passes can also help evaluate if unlimited deals match your needs.
With knowledge of Delta’s fare options and your own travel tendencies, selecting the most affordable and convenient approach is easy.
And the flexibility of rebooking at any time means you can adjust as your flying needs evolve.
Are all-you-can-fly passes worth it for travelers?
When is an all-you-can-fly pass a good value?
An all-you-can-fly pass can be a great value for certain Delta travelers in specific situations.
For frequent flyers who take multiple flights per month, an unlimited pass can lead to huge savings compared to buying individual tickets.
According to expertflyer.com, a dedicated Delta flyer taking 5 round-trip flights per month could save over $5,000 compared to regular fares.
These passes provide the most value for flexible travelers who can take advantage of last-minute deals and are not tied to specific dates or destinations.
For example, if you need to fly between major hubs like New York and Los Angeles frequently, an all-access pass means you can book whenever you’d like without worrying about costs.
Some key examples of when these passes offer a good deal:
- You take more than 2 round-trip flights per month on average
- You often book last-minute flights for work or personal reasons
- You want maximum flexibility to fly whenever or wherever needed
When is an all-you-can-fly pass not a good value?
For infrequent flyers taking just a couple round-trips per month or less, an unlimited pass is often not the best option compared to buying regular tickets.
The upfront cost of a pass may not pay off if you do not fly enough to recoup the value.
Likewise, an all-you-can-fly deal does not suit travelers who stick to predictable, routine flight schedules.
For example, if you fly between the same two cities every week for work, individual tickets booked in advance may cost less than a pass.
Some examples of when a pass may not provide value:
- You only fly 1-2 round-trips per month on average
- Your flight schedule is consistent and predictable
- You purchase tickets well in advance since prices are lower
For occasional Delta flyers with consistent travel habits, locking in specific flights in advance is likely the cheaper option compared to a pass.
The value depends heavily on your unique flying frequency and flexibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether or not an all-you-can-fly pass is worth it for Delta travelers. The best way to decide is to consider your individual travel habits and needs.
If you’re a frequent flyer who travels to a variety of destinations, an all-you-can-fly pass could be a good value for you.
However, if you only fly occasionally or only to a few specific destinations, you may be better off choosing a different fare option, such as SkyMiles Medallion Status or the Delta SkyMiles American Express Card.
