What is the difference between Delta Diamond and Platinum?

Platinum Medallion: SkyMiles members who have earned 75,000 MQMs or 100 MQSs and 12,000 MQDs. Diamond Medallion: SkyMiles members who have earned 125,000 MQMs or 140 MQSs and 20,000 MQDs.



The primary difference between Delta Diamond and Platinum Medallion status in 2026 lies in the number of Choice Benefits, upgrade priority, and MQD requirements. To reach Platinum, you need $15,000 MQDs, while Diamond requires $28,000 MQDs. Platinum members receive one Choice Benefit (such as 4 Regional Upgrade Certificates), whereas Diamonds get three (such as 4 Global Upgrade Certificates or a Delta Sky Club Executive Membership). Diamonds also sit at the very top of the "Unlimited Complimentary Upgrade" hierarchy, clear for upgrades beginning 120 hours before departure, compared to 120 hours for Platinums with lower priority. Additionally, Diamond status includes a dedicated "VIP" phone line and the highest baggage fee waivers. While both tiers enjoy SkyPriority and waived change fees, Diamond is designed for Delta's "ultra-high-spend" travelers who require international upgrade flexibility and maximum lounge access.

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Diamond status is Delta's highest status in the SkyMiles frequent flyer Medallion program. Diamond requires $20,000 spent every year, in addition to 125,000 miles flown or 140 segments.

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Diamond Medallion is the highest level of Delta Air Lines status available and therefore grants the most generous benefits. Diamond Medallions receive the highest complimentary upgrade priority, with upgrades clearing up to five days before departure and complimentary Clear membership.

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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).

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Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates: Global Upgrade Certificates, available exclusively for Diamond Medallion Members, offer upgrades on both international and domestic flights with Delta and select partner airlines.

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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.

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Here's a rundown of how earning Delta Medallion status still works in 2023: Delta rewards its most loyal members with special airline perks through its Medallion status program. Benefits include free checked bags, waived fees, bonus SkyMiles, complimentary upgrades and more.

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7 ways to get upgraded on a flight
  1. Earn airline elite status. ...
  2. Fly with someone who has airline elite status. ...
  3. Ask an elite member for their unused upgrades. ...
  4. Volunteer for an oversold flight. ...
  5. Purchase upgrades with the right credit card. ...
  6. Use miles to upgrade. ...
  7. Pay for a last-minute upgrade.


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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).

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Tipping is not required in airport lounges In the United States, for example, tipping most members of a wait staff and professionals who provide a service is customary. Despite this convention, tipping in a U.S. airport lounge is not required.

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Customers with select Platinum Cards and Centurion Cards from American Express may access Delta Sky Club locations when traveling on a same-day ticket on a Delta-operated (Delta or Delta Connection) or Delta-marketed flight operated by WestJet (006 ticket number).

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Since the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card has a lower fee, it might make the most sense for you, especially if you don't plan to take advantage of some of the added perks that come with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

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The Delta Gold and Delta Platinum have identical earning rates, except the Platinum earns an additional mile per dollar on Delta purchases (3 miles per dollar as opposed to 2) and also earns 3 miles per dollar on purchases made directly with hotels (as opposed to the standard 1 mile per dollar with the Delta Gold).

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