Can you sell Delta SkyMiles?

How much are Delta SkyMiles worth after all the recent changes? And is there a good way to sell them?

That’s what a Clark Howard listener recently asked.

Asked Jeffrey in Georgia: “Is there a recommended way to sell Delta SkyMiles? I’ve accumulated about 750,000 miles . ... I have a friend who is interested in buying them from me, but we haven’t found what would be a fair amount.”

The exact worth depends on the type of flight you book going forward. Delta has devalued the point redemption value of some types of flights more than others.

“Delta SkyPennies, as they’re now derisively referred because Delta has devalued their points so much, (are worth) about 7/10ths of a cent per mile,” Clark says.

“Private sale to a friend, I’d say a penny a mile would be a fair amount. The problem is depending on the travel, your friend may not even be able to get a penny of value per point.”

According to Clark, Delta SkyMiles are worth more when you apply them to international premium economy seats. Or economy or frontof-the-plane seats on domestic flights. If you value the 750,000 SkyMiles at 1 cent each, that’s $7,500. If instead you value them at 7/10ths of a cent, that’s $5,250.

Speaking of selling Delta SkyMiles, you should be aware that doing so violates the terms of service. That’s true of all the frequent flyer programs, Clark says.

But if you are going to sell them to a friend, sign in to your Delta account on your phone or computer. Sit with your friend or on a call with your friend. And have the friend tell you the travel they want you to book on their behalf.

“You book it,” Clark says. “And then somehow magically your friend gives you the penny a point.”