How do you get Delta elite status? Delta elite status, or Medallion Status, is earned based on a member's number of Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs), Medallion Qualifying Segments (MQSs), and Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs).
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Further, you can spend $25,000 on either the Delta Platinum or Delta Reserve cards to earn an MQD waiver for Silver, Gold and Platinum status. Or, you can spend $250,000 for a Diamond MQD waiver. This completely waives the MQD requirement, meaning you only need to meet the MQS or MQM requirement to earn status.
The fastest way to do so is to fly Delta and its partners, apply for a premium co-branded credit card and spend, spend, spend. With Diamond Medallion status, you'll enjoy several premium benefits such as automatic upgrades, bonus miles on flights, a free Delta Sky Club membership and more.
You might even be able to use a Delta SkyMiles credit card to earn Silver Medallion status without ever flying if you're a big enough spender. For example, with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you can earn 15,000 MQMs for every $30,000 you spend — up to four times annually through Dec. 31, 2023.
Alaska Airlines is matching status of disgruntled Delta Air Lines frequent fliers as the airline recently changed its loyalty program. Alaska Airlines will now match a traveler's status on Delta — and even raise some frequent fliers to the next status level — through 2024, according to the airline.
At airports which do not have a dedicated Silver Medallion check-in lane, Silver Medallion Members are permitted to use the Sky Priority check-in lane.
For most people, it probably won't be worth going very far out of your way to chase airline elite status. You can easily replicate many of the perks that a low- or even mid-tier elite traveler would enjoy by holding the right credit cards and buying the occasional upgrade to first class.
Here are the requirements for the various Medallion tiers: Silver: 25,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (or 30 segments) and $3,000 in Medallion Qualification Dollars. Gold: 50,000 MQMs (or 60 segments) and $8,000 in MQDs. Platinum: 75,000 MQMs (or 100 segments) and $12,000 in MQDs.
Yes, some companies do get elite status to gift as part of a corporate travel agreement. However, without exception, selling this elite status to a third party violates the terms of airline frequent flyer programs. Period.
You can access Delta lounges with a paid Delta Sky Club? membership, with Delta elite status or if you're flying in a premium cabin with Delta or an eligible partner airline (in certain situations).
Delta Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion Status permits entry to the Club when flying in Delta Premium Select internationally or in Delta One (or the equivalent cabin on a Delta partner operated flight).
Delta Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members can also access Sky Club lounges when traveling in Premium Select or Delta One seats on a same-day, international itinerary. These members may also get Delta Sky Club access when traveling in first class to Mexico, Canada and Central America.
Access to and use of Delta Sky Priority services are reserved for Delta One®, Delta Premium Select and First Class passengers, Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion® Members, and SkyTeam® Elite Plus members on all Delta and Delta Connection® flights. Benefits subject to change at any time. All Sky Priority rules apply.
To earn Diamond status, you'll need to bank 125,000 MQMs or 140 MQSs. You'll also need to spend $20,000 in MQDs or qualify for an MQD waiver by spending at least $250,000 on eligible purchases with your Delta co-branded American Express card.
To earn Platinum, you must fly 75,000 miles a year, or 100 segments, and then also spend $12,000 annually, or participate in a waiver through spend on a co-branded credit card. What are the benefits of Delta Platinum?
Here's an example of how Rollover MQMs work: You reach Platinum Medallion Status by earning 100,000 MQMs and $20,000 MQDs during the 2023 calendar year - giving you Status from the day you earn it through January 31, 2025.
If you are a frequent Delta flyer — especially someone who values upgrades, bonus miles and free checked bags — reaching Platinum Medallion is quite rewarding given its value estimated at over $6,000.
Further, Silver Medallion members who hold The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card can get complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when traveling on a Delta-operated or -marketed flight, or for $50 when flying a SkyTeam partner.
Silver Medallion holders get SkyTeam Elite status, which offers a few limited benefits on most partners. Gold, Platinum and Diamond holders get SkyTeam Elite Plus status, which offers more robust benefits like lounge access. All Medallion holders get one extra free piece of luggage on partner flights.