If you linked Starbucks Rewards and Delta SkyMiles ages ago and haven’t flown Delta lately, check your account before assuming your next latte is earning miles.
The program’s temporary mileage-earning grace period ends October 5, 2026. That matters for older linked members who have been earning without a recent qualifying flight. It does not mean everyone’s Starbucks miles are going away.
Which group are you in?
For U.S.-based linked members, the current program terms make two distinctions:
- You linked before August 5, 2026: Once the grace period ends, earning requires a completed qualifying Delta flight within the previous year.
- You first linked on or after August 5, 2026: You get a year of mileage-earning eligibility from your linking date, even without a qualifying flight. After that, the flight requirement applies.
Unlinking and linking again does not restart that first-year offer. Also, booking a trip is not the same as completing a flight.
A qualifying flight is Delta-marketed, with a DL flight number, and your SkyMiles number must be on the itinerary before you fly. Eligible partner-operated flights can count too; check the full terms for exclusions.
Check this before your next coffee order
Go to My Promotions in your SkyMiles account on Delta.com or in the Fly Delta app. The official FAQ says that’s where you can check your earning eligibility.
Eligible members earn one mile per eligible dollar spent at participating Starbucks locations. Taxes, tips, gift cards and alcohol do not count. Reloading your Starbucks balance does not earn miles by itself; qualifying purchases made with that balance can.
And the reassuring part: this deadline is about earning more miles on coffee purchases. The FAQ says SkyMiles already earned do not expire.
Still deciding? Browse our Starbucks secret menu recipes and ordering guide for your next drink.
