In yet another sign that the mainstream travel industry is slowly recognizing (if not wholeheartedly embracing) the sharing economy, Delta this week began awarding frequent-flyer miles for Airbnb stays.

Effective immediately, Delta SkyMiles members can earn one mile per $1 spent on Airbnb stays booked through deltaairbnb.com.

New Airbnb customers who book via the dedicated website within 60 days of opening a new Airbnb account will receive a $25 credit toward the first stay of at least $75, plus a 1,000-mile bonus for a stay of at least $150, or 500 bonus miles for a stay of at least $75.

RELATED: Delta's Premium Economy, Coming in 2017. The Real Deal?

There are incentives of up to 25,000 bonus miles for new Airbnb hosts as well:

  • 2,500 bonus miles after the first $250 in host earnings
  • 7,500 additional bonus miles after $1,000 in earnings
  • 15,000 additional bonus miles after $2,500 in earnings

Airbnb has mileage-earning relationships with Virgin America and Qantas, and with United via that airline's MileagePlus X shopping app. But this is the home-sharing service's first straightforward relationship with a major U.S. airline. It's not likely to be the last.

Reader Reality Check

When making travel plans, do you consider Airbnb among your accommodations options?

More from SmarterTravel:

Read the original story: Delta SkyMiles Members Can Now Earn Miles for Airbnb Stays by Tim Winship, who is a regular contributor to SmarterTravel.

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