Is it easier to get status on Delta or American?

Things get a bit more interesting here because it's much easier to earn status with American and its Loyalty Points system than with Delta and its Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). Both airlines use different metrics, but the chart below outlines the different tier qualifications for 2025 elite status.



People Also Ask

1. American Airlines AAdvantage. Starting January 2022, American Airlines revamped its elite status program. Earning Loyalty Points from flying is relatively simple: If you earn an AAdvantage mile from flying, you'll earn a Loyalty Point.

MORE DETAILS

Delta has four tiers of elite status: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. You can earn status by flying and spending enough within a single calendar year, and once earned you'll keep it through the following calendar year. So if you earn Gold status in February 2023, you'll keep it through the end of 2024.

MORE DETAILS

The airline is the latest to offer status matching following Delta's changes to its loyalty program. American Airlines has released a new status match program, targeting the most “elite of the elite” flyers from its two major competitors: Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

MORE DETAILS

How to Reach Medallion Status. Medallion Status is earned for U.S.-based Members through a combination of flying and spending (retail and Award Travel) with Delta and our partner airlines each year. On retail tickets, MQDs are earned based on your annual spend on Delta flights and on many partner flights.

MORE DETAILS

How to get Sky Priority. Delta Sky Priority is available to passengers who purchase first class and Delta One tickets and most Medallion members and SkyTeam Elite Plus travelers, no matter where they sit on the plane. Eligible travelers for Delta's Sky Priority service include: Delta One and first-class passengers.

MORE DETAILS

Beginning in early 2024, we will offer a one-time conversion of your Rollover MQMs or a Medallion Status extension for Members with a significant Rollover MQM balance.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

In the competition of Delta versus United, there isn't a clear winner. Delta charges less baggage fees and makes basic economy more tolerable for a frugal traveler. United, on other hand, has a stronger loyalty program, cheaper award prices and a stronger presence when it comes to global connections.

MORE DETAILS

Most Delta elites — as well as those flying first class and Delta One fares — can access Sky Priority perks. Ramsey is a freelance travel journalist covering business travel, loyalty programs and luxury travel.

MORE DETAILS

Premium economy passengers in the Delta Premium Select passengers also get priority boarding after first class, Delta One and Diamond Medallion members. Premium Select is available on select international flights. Following Premium Select flyers, Comfort+ passengers board before the remaining passengers.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business Basic and Reserve Additional Card Members (“Reserve Card Members”) receive complimentary access to Delta Sky Club when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.

MORE DETAILS

Delta earlier this year increased entry requirements to its airport clubs but has now taken additional measures. The new rules will cut unlimited access to the clubs for certain American Express credit card holders. Delta is also setting new requirements to earn elite status, solely based on customer spending.

MORE DETAILS