What happened
Delta is selling one-way New York to Riyadh awards via Atlanta for 15,000 SkyMiles. Co-branded SkyMiles cardholders pay 12,700 miles after an extra 15% award discount. The sale is tied to new Atlanta to Riyadh nonstops with Riyadh Air, expected in late October.
One Mile at a Time reports that economy cabins look nearly empty and that a New York to Atlanta award can cost nearly twice as many miles as continuing all the way to Riyadh. Delta One awards are not on sale on a vast majority of dates. A visa is required for Saudi Arabia.
Book economy to Riyadh at 15,000 or 12,700 miles when that city is the destination.
- Numbers
- 15,000 miles: one-way New York–Riyadh award via Atlanta
- 15%: extra award discount with a co-branded SkyMiles card
- 12,700 miles: one-way Riyadh award with co-branded card discount
- Where
- Atlanta (ATL), Riyadh (RUH), New York
- Who qualifies
- Extra 15% off awards for co-branded SkyMiles credit card holders; broader sale eligibility is not stated.
- Takeaway
- Search SkyMiles for economy awards to Riyadh if that destination works, but do not expect cheap Delta One space and factor in visa rules.