What is the difference between Delta Gold and Platinum status?

Silver Medallion Members earn 2 additional miles per dollar (for a total of 7), Gold Medallion Members earn an additional 3 miles per dollar (for a total of 8), Platinum Medallion Members earn 4 additional miles per dollar (for a total of 9), and Diamond Medallion Members earn 6 additional miles per dollar (for a total ...



The primary differences between Delta SkyMiles Gold and Platinum Medallion status in 2026 revolve around upgrade priority, Choice Benefits, and mileage earning. Gold Medallion members earn 8 miles per dollar spent and receive unlimited complimentary upgrades to First Class and Delta Comfort+ beginning 72 hours (3 days) before departure. Platinum Medallion members earn 9 miles per dollar and receive a much higher upgrade priority, with windows opening 120 hours (5 days) before departure. Crucially, Platinum members receive one "Choice Benefit" annually (such as Regional Upgrade Certificates or bonus miles), which Gold members do not. Additionally, Platinum status offers higher priority for "waitlisted" upgrades and waived fees for certain same-day confirmed travel changes, making it significantly more valuable for frequent business travelers.

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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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This card, even with its annual fee, is well worth it for those who are frequent Delta flyers. Each year when you renew the card, you can receive a domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate. Plus, when you fly on Delta, you can check your first bag free, along with saving up to $50 on a round-trip flight.

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It's good to be Gold. Receive Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades, access to the full Sky Priority® suite of services, waived same-day confirmed change fees and benefits like a preferred rate on a CLEAR® Plus membership, Rollover MQMs and more.

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Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business Basic and Additional Card Members (“Platinum Card Members”) have access to the Delta Sky Club at a per-visit rate of $50 per person when traveling on a same-day Delta or Delta partner airline flight.

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If you already have the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, look for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the blue button underneath should read Request Upgrade.

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Gold Medallion: SkyMiles members who have earned 50,000 MQMs or 60 MQSs and 8,000 MQDs. Platinum Medallion: SkyMiles members who have earned 75,000 MQMs or 100 MQSs and 12,000 MQDs.

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Delta 360° is an annual, invitation-only membership for our most loyal SkyMiles Members. A Delta 360° Membership offers Delta's most premium suite of benefits and services exclusive to our top SkyMiles Members.

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How long does Delta status last? Delta elite status lasts from the day you earn it through the next calendar year and until the following January 31. For example, if you earn Medallion status on October 3, 2023, you would have status through January 31, 2025.

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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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Plus, all Medallion® Members are eligible for Complimentary Upgrades, with Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members also having access to Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates through exclusive Choice Benefits.

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Both cards offer lounge access where you are likely to use it most often and travel insurance benefits that can protect you when your trip gets interrupted or delayed. For Delta Air Lines flyers chasing status and the status boosts provided by the Delta Reserve card make it the more attractive option.

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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.

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Under the SkyMiles Mileage Expiration policy, miles do not expire. Delta reserves the right to deactivate or close an account under the following circumstances: Fraudulent activity occurs. A Member requests an account closure.

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