The news: American Express and Delta are deepening travel benefits for SkyMiles card members, per a press release.

Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cardholders will get a complimentary second checked bag and a $10 monthly statement credits for rideshares after renewing their membership. Reserve cards will also get a redesigned slate gray card.

Limited-time welcome offers range from 70,000 to 125,000 bonus miles based on card tier and spending.

How we got here: Travel costs are surging alongside the price of jet fuel.

• Air fares rose 20.7% YoY in April, per US Travel Association’s Travel Price Index (TPI).
• Jet fuel is up 57.3% per IATA’s Jet Fuel Price Monitor.

Even so, US adults can’t contain their wanderlust.

• 42% of US adults are planning to reach their summer travel destinations by plane, per Numerator.
• 49% intend to travel outside the US, per Allianz Partners' 2026 Global Travel Confidence Index.
• United Airlines anticipates 53 million passengers over the course of June and August—up 3 million from last year.

Why this matters: As budgets tighten, issuers need to justify their travel card fees with rewards that help cardholders navigate a difficult travel environment. Less stress around baggage requirements and getting to and from the airport  can assuage those cardholders. 

Amex and Delta can also use the sign-up bonuses to snag new acquisitions from consumers trying to finance their summer trips amid rising costs.

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