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Delta’s new Group Drop turns loyalty intro shared adventures

Delta unveils “Group Drops” as social sweepstakes for shared travel experiences

Delta Group Drop
Delta

Delta SkyMiles members can now enter to win shared experiences with friends through the new “Group Drop” program. This important new lever within Delta’s SkyMiles Experiences platform is designed to be inclusive and accessible, tapping into travelers’ desire to share unique experiences and amplify emotional connections when traveling.

The Delta Group Drop program allows members to enter to win special events as a group instead of individually. The social sweepstakes model allows you and a friend to link SkyMiles accounts and enter together for the chance to win unique, travel-based experiences — no miles or purchase required. Joshua Kaehler, Managing Director of Delta’s SkyMiles Loyalty Partnerships, shares what inspired the unique new Group Drop program and how travelers can enter to win. Delta is expected to launch various Group Drops throughout 2026.

The idea behind Delta Group Drops

“Travel is about connection – to people, places, and passions. Experiences that merge travel with culture create deeper emotional engagement and give customers a reason to choose Delta beyond the seat,” shares Kaehler. “When we connect Members to moments they can’t find anywhere else, we’re not just moving them from point A to B—we’re creating stories they’ll carry with them long after the journey.” With this in mind, Delta formulated the Group Drop after noticing a meaningful shift in what travelers value the most: Experiences that allow them to reconnect, celebrate, and make lasting memories with people who matter most.

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For Delta, Group Drop builds on the foundation already set in place by SkyMiles. “SkyMiles has always been about rewarding loyalty in ways that feel elevated and meaningful, but now Delta expands this by offering this new, inclusive entry point, open to members and their friends, in an effort to evolve SkyMiles into something larger than just a frequent flyer program. Delta strives to make SkyMiles a platform that delivers more value and engagement across every part of the customer journey. 

“Our goal is for members to walk away feeling genuinely connected — not just to the experience, but to one another and to Delta. When someone says, “That’s something I’ll never forget,” we know we’ve done our job. That’s the kind of engagement we’re trying to create with Group Drop,” says Kaehler.

How it works

Unlike traditional sweepstakes, Group Drop encourages organic referrals by allowing Members to invite others to participate – all while maintaining low barriers to entry and delivering high-value experiences.  Unlike other airline loyalty programs that are built around frequency, Group Drop gives all SkyMiles members the chance to experience something new and extraordinary. With this program, Delta moves beyond transactional rewards to create experiences that bring people together around the things they love.

How Group Drop works

  1. Join SkyMiles – Log in to your Delta SkyMiles account, or sign up for free. Group Drop is open to U.S. members 21 and older.
  2. Create or Join a Group – Decide if you’ll be the Group Leader or the Friend. Leaders invite one friend using the email tied to their SkyMiles account. The invited friend must accept the invite to complete the entry.
  3. Enter for a Chance to Win – Once both members have joined, your group is officially entered in the drawing. Each Group Drop corresponds to a specific, limited-time experience — like the Delta x Starbucks trip to Costa Rica — and requires zero miles to participate.
  4. Wait for the Drawing – Delta randomly selects winning “Group Duos.” Winners share the entire prize package — travel, lodging, curated events, and more — as one team.
  5. Travel Together – If your group wins, you’ll experience every part of the trip together, from the private charter flight to the Hacienda Alsacia coffee tour. It’s about shared adventure and connection — the heart of why people travel in the first place.
Emily is a Features Writer at The Manual, where she specializes in food, beverage, and travel content. She focuses on weaving… Read Full Bio
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