Delta SkyMiles Members Can Now Earn Miles for Airbnb Stays

In yet another sign that the mainstream travel industry is slowly recognizing (if not wholeheartedly embracing) the sharing economy, Delta this week began awarding frequent-flyer miles for Airbnb stays.

Effective immediately, Delta SkyMiles members can earn one mile per $1 spent on Airbnb stays booked through deltaairbnb.com.

New Airbnb customers who book via the dedicated website within 60 days of opening a new Airbnb account will receive a $25 credit toward the first stay of at least $75, plus a 1,000-mile bonus for a stay of at least $150, or 500 bonus miles for a stay of at least $75.

There are incentives of up to 25,000 bonus miles for new Airbnb hosts as well:

• 2,500 bonus miles after the first $250 in host earnings
• 7,500 additional bonus miles after $1,000 in earnings
• 15,000 additional bonus miles after $2,500 in earnings

Airbnb has mileage-earning relationships with Virgin America and Qantas, and with United via that airline’s MileagePlus X shopping app. But this is the home-sharing service’s first straightforward relationship with a major U.S. airline. It’s not likely to be the last.

Reader Reality Check

When making travel plans, do you consider Airbnb among your accommodations options?

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After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.