Trying to decide how to use those miles? Four lucky SkyMiles Members and their guests' bids paid off with an exclusive trip to the Airbus manufacturing facility in Mirabel, Quebec last week to check out the newest addition to Delta's fleet before the global carrier even took delivery of it.  

Delta — the first airline in North America to take delivery of the A220 — and Airbus set up a day Members will never forget. As some of the first people to step onboard and preview the new aircraft, this SkyMiles Experience included:

A220 flight simulator experience

Private tour of the Airbus A220 final assembly line, with guided overview of each stage of assembly

Visit to the flight test center, including a behind-the-scenes look at the high-tech laboratory used to test A220 flight systems

Sneak peek inside Delta's first ever A220, complete with a guided tour of the aircraft's state-of-the-art interior

"You can use your miles to go a lot of places, but this experience couldn't be replicated," said Delta Platinum Medallion Member and SkyMiles Experience winner, Peter S. "From getting a chance to fly the A220 simulator to being one of the first people to see the thoughtful features of the new aircraft, it was an incredible and memorable day."

As the first North American operator of the A220, Delta is bringing an elevated customer experience to top business routes with features that customers will look forward to every time they fly. Delta's A220 is the latest investment in a fleet modernization program that aims to replace 20 percent of older, less-efficient aircraft by 2020.

SkyMiles Experiences like this one give Members access to behind-the-scenes experiences ranging from celebrity chef dinners and kitchen tours to walking the red carpet at award shows to meet and greets with beloved athletes. Part of an effort to expand choices for customers and ways to use miles, there's been a renewed focus on expanding experiences.

"With SkyMiles Experiences, our Members have access to priceless opportunities like previewing the newest Delta aircraft – an experience they can't get anywhere else," said Sandeep Dube, Delta's S.V.P. — Customer Engagement & Loyalty, and CEO — Delta Vacations. "Our Members love to bid on once-in-a-lifetime adventures, and we are focused on growing that suite to include even more unique experiences."

Delta's multi-billion dollar investment in the onboard customer experience includes a cabin modernization program featuring new seats, seatback entertainment systems with free entertainment, free mobile messaging, high-capacity overhead bins, access to Wi-Fi on nearly all flights, free Main Cabin meals on select flights, upgraded Main Cabin snacks, the addition of sparkling wine, an Alessi-designed collection of serviceware, Westin Heavenly In-Flight Bedding, chef-curated meals paired with wines hand-selected by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, noise-canceling LSTN headphones and more. In 2017, Delta welcomed the A350 to its fleet — the airline's new flagship aircraft introducing the award-winning Delta One Suite and Delta Premium Select cabins.

The airline has also made significant, innovative investments in its customer engagement and loyalty programs, starting with SkyMiles. Industry-leading partnerships with brands like Lyft and Airbnb allow customers to engage with Delta by earning miles for everyday activities, while the award-winning Delta Sky Club experience continues to be a reason travelers choose to fly Delta. Last fall, Delta and American Express introduced the Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express for new and casual travelers, rounding out the portfolio of Cards designed to match customers' lifestyle needs. Also in 2017, Delta and American Express added one million new Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Members — a first in the 20-plus year partnership and breaking the co-brand partners' record for the number of new Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Members added in one year.