Frequent Flyer

Earn Delta Elite Miles for Hilton Stays


Family at the airport terminal
Tim Winship

    As a rule, airline miles earned for hotel stays do not count toward elite status—they're redeemable miles, but not elite-qualifying miles (EQMs).

    But these aren't normal times, and rules are broken as often as they're observed.

    Case in point:

    Hilton's latest bonus offer

    for members of Delta's SkyMiles program.



    Offer Details



    Between September 1 and December 10, HHonors members who complete one stay of at least two nights at any of 3,600-plus Hilton family hotels will earn a combination of Delta redeemable miles and EQMs, depending on their earning preference, as follows:


    • HHonors members who choose variable miles will earn one bonus mile plus one EQM for every dollar spent on qualifying stays, up to a maximum of 10,000 EQMs.
    • HHonors members who choose fixed miles will earn 500 bonus miles plus 500 EQMs per stay.



      To earn one of the bonuses, HHonors members must choose to earn points and miles, and indicate Delta as their chosen airline program in their program account profiles.

      Registration is required.



      Deal or No Deal



      Double redeemable miles make for an average promotion. The addition of the EQMs makes this decidedly above average, especially for SkyMiles members who might otherwise fall just short of elite status.

      Needless to say, if you're not a Delta partisan, this offer is a non-starter. For those with other airline loyalties, or who prefer to earn only HHonors points, Hilton also has a

      double miles or points promotion

      in effect through September 30.



      Reader Reality Check



      Is this offer a difference-maker for you?



      This article originally appeared on FrequentFlier.com.