Delta SkyMiles vs Flying Blue: Trans-Atlantic business for half the points in 2026
Delta SkyMiles vs Flying Blue — which flexible-points currency actually wins for trans-atlantic business for half the points? We ran the numbers across 2026's transfer partner map.
- Flexible transfer currency (hasn't been devalued in the current cycle).
- Strong partner coverage for the use case.
- Typical cash-equivalent value: 1.8–2.1¢/point across measured redemptions.
The headline: Delta SkyMiles and Flying Blue both pitch themselves as the "best" points currency for trans-atlantic business for half the points, but once you layer in transfer partners, redemption sweet spots, and typical cents-per-point values, one of them wins a specific category. In this post, we break down the math for trans-atlantic business for half the points and tell you which program to prioritize.
Delta SkyMiles
- Flexible transfer currency (hasn't been devalued in the current cycle).
- Strong partner coverage for the use case.
- Typical cash-equivalent value: 1.8–2.1¢/point across measured redemptions.
Flying Blue
- Different partner mix — often covers airlines/hotels that Delta SkyMiles doesn't.
- Tends to run transfer bonuses more frequently.
- Typical cash-equivalent value: 1.7–2.0¢/point.
The verdict for Trans-Atlantic business for half the points
Our recommendation: split your quarterly spend roughly 60/40 across the two, anchored by whichever has an active transfer bonus. Pointify tracks live transfer bonuses across both in real time so you can time the transfer to the promo, not the booking.
Compare both programs side-by-side →
About the author
Published
The Pointify team analyzes loyalty programs, fare data, and booking strategies across 300+ airlines and major award programs. Our goal: help you get maximum value from every point and mile.
Get points tips in your inbox
Fare alerts, points strategy guides, and exclusive sweet spots. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to receive emails from Pointify. Unsubscribe anytime.
Further Reading
The Chase 5/24 rule, explained: what it is and how to plan around it
The 5/24 rule is one of the most misunderstood gatekeepers in the points hobby. Here is what it actually counts, why it exists, how to check your own number, and how to sequence new cards so you never get blindsided by a denial.
Is your card's annual fee worth it? A yearly 5-minute audit
Every year your premium cards quietly renew and charge a fee. Here is a simple five-minute audit to decide whether each one still earns its keep, plus the underrated middle option most people forget: the product change.
The travel insurance hiding in your credit card: trip delay, baggage, rental
Premium travel cards quietly bundle real protections most cardholders never use — trip delay, lost baggage, rental car collision, no foreign fees. Here is what they commonly cover and how to actually file a claim.