Table Of Content
What Is Delta Medallion Elite Status?
Delta Medallion elite status is the frequent flyer program offered by Delta Air Lines. There are four levels of Medallion elite status: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Each level offers a set of benefits and perks, and the higher the level, the more benefits and perks you receive.
Anyone can join the Delta Medallion program and start earning Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) to qualify for Medallion elite status.
When you qualify for a certain level of Medallion elite status, you will maintain that status for the remainder of the current year and the entire next year. For example, if you qualified for Gold Medallion status in June 2022, you will have Gold Medallion status through December 31, 2023.
How to Earn Medallion Elite Status?
The requirements for the elite status tiers are as follows:
Delta Medallion Status 2023 | MQMs & MQSs | MQD |
|---|---|---|
Silver | 25,000 MQMs or 30 MQSs AND | $3,000 MQDs or MQD Waiver |
Gold | 50,000 MQMs or 60 MQSs AND | $8,000 MQDs or MQD Waiver |
Platinum | 75,000 MQMs or 100 MQSs AND | $12,000 MQDs or MQD Waiver |
Diamond | 125,000 MQMs or 140 MQSs AND | $20,000 MQDs or MQD Waiver |
What Are Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs)?
Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) are a type of mile earned by members of the Delta Medallion program.
MQMs are earned based on the distance flown on Delta or one of its partner airlines and are used to qualify for Medallion elite status. The more MQMs you earn, the higher your Medallion elite status level will be.
What Are Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs)?
Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) are another way to qualify for Medallion elite status in the Delta Medallion program. They are earned based on the number of flights taken on Delta or one of its partner airlines, rather than the distance flown.
For each flight segment, or one-way trip, that you take on Delta or one of its partners, you will earn 1 MQS. A round trip flight will earn 2 MQSs.
What Are Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs)?
Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) are another way to qualify for Medallion elite status in the Delta Medallion program, along with Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs).
MQDs are earned through a combination of flying and spending on retail and award travel with Delta and its partner airlines each year.
What Is MQD Waiver?
MQD Waiver is an option for members who do not think they will reach the MQD requirements through airfare spending but can still reach elite status by spending a certain amount with a Delta SkyMiles credit card.
- To reach Platinum, Gold, or Silver Medallion Status, the MQDs requirement will be waived after making $25,000 or more in eligible purchases during the calendar year with an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card.
- To reach Diamond Medallion Status, the MQD requirement will be waived after making $250,000 or more in eligible purchases during the calendar year with an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card.
How To Join The Program?
Joining the Delta Medallion program is simple and can be done in a few ways:
- Online: You can visit the Delta website and sign up for the Medallion program by creating an account.
- Phone: You can also call Delta's customer service line at 1-800-323-2323 and a representative will assist you in enrolling in the Medallion program.
- At the airport: You can also ask the check-in agent to enroll you in the medallion program at the airport when you check-in for your flight.
How To Earn Delta MQMs, MQSs and MQDs?
As mentioned, Delta SkyMiles program offers three types of miles: Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs), and Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).
Here's how to earn each of them:
How To Earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs)?
There are several ways to earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) in the Delta Medallion program, here are a few examples:
- Flying: The most common way to earn MQMs is by flying on Delta or one of its partner airlines. The number of MQMs earned will vary depending on the fare class, route, and airline flown. Generally, the more expensive the fare, the more MQMs you'll earn. As mentioned earlier, MQMs are earned based on the distance flown and you can earn more MQMs by flying on Delta-marketed and operated flights, compared to partner flights.
- Credit Cards: You can also earn MQMs by using a Delta-branded credit card such as the Delta SkyMiles American Express Card. These credit cards offer a way to earn MQMs through everyday spending, and they also offer a way to earn elite-qualifying miles or dollar.
- Partner activities: By engaging with Delta's partners, such as staying at a hotel in the Delta Hotels by Marriott loyalty program, renting a car, or shopping at certain retailers, you can earn additional MQMs. These activities often have a cap on the number of MQMs that can be earned and usually, these activities don't count towards elite-qualifying miles.
- Rollover: The Medallion program allows you to carry over your MQMs or MQSs to the next year, it will help you to reach the next level of elite status or help you to re-qualify for your current status.
- Promotions: Delta may run promotions from time to time where you can earn bonus MQMs for certain activities such as flying during a specific period or taking a survey. These promotions change regularly, so it's a good idea to keep an eye out for them.
It's worth noting that the MQMs earned from partner activities and credit card spending are typically capped and don't count towards elite-qualifying miles, but they will count toward your total MQMs balance. You should also check the terms of your Medallion elite status level to see what MQMs you need to earn to qualify for that level.
You can track your progress towards earning MQMs by logging into your Delta account and viewing your account summary. You can also track your progress via the Delta App.
Card | Rewards | Annual Fee |
| 1X – 2X
2X miles on delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide (including take-out and delivery in the U.S) and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases
| $99, $0 intro first year (Rates & Fees)
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 1X – 2X
2X miles for every dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and Delta purchases and 1X miles for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases
| $0 (Rates & Fees) | |
| 1X – 3X
3X miles per dollar on eligible Delta flights and Delta Vacations® with 1X miles on all other purchases
| $550 (Rates & Fees) | |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card | 1X – 3X
3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
| $250 (Rates & Fees) |
How To Earn Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs)?
Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) are earned by flying on Delta or one of its partner airlines, here are the main ways to earn them:
- Flying: The most common way to earn MQSs is by flying on Delta or one of its partner airlines. Every flight segment or one-way trip you take on Delta or one of its partner airlines will earn you 1 MQS. A round-trip flight will earn you 2 MQSs.
- Partner Airlines : MQSs can also be earned by flying on one of Delta's partner airlines. However, it's important to note that not all flights on partner airlines will qualify for earning MQSs, and the earning rate may vary between partners, it's a good idea to check the terms and conditions of each partner before you book your flight.
- Discounted Flights: You can also earn MQSs on discounted fares, like for example, award travel and flights booked with SkyMiles.
- Flights with non-Delta codeshare partners: MQSs can be earned for travel on flights operated by non-Delta codeshare partners, but only if the flight is booked with a Delta flight number, and only if the flight is operated by that partner.
How To Earn Medallion Qualification Segments (MQDs)?
Similarly to MQMs and MQSs, there are a few options as to how to earn MQDs. Here are a few examples of how to earn MQDs:
- Flying: The most common way to earn MQDs is by flying on Delta or one of its partner airlines. To earn MQDs on retail tickets, members must spend money on Delta-marketed flights (flights with a flight number that includes the “DL” airline code) in the Main Cabin or above. This includes the base fare and any carrier-imposed surcharges, but does not include government-imposed taxes and fees.
- Credit Cards: you can also earn MQDs by using a Delta-branded credit card such as the Delta SkyMiles American Express Card. These credit cards allow you to earn MQDs through everyday spending, for example, if you have a credit card that offers 2 MQDs for every dollar spent on eligible purchases.
- Partner activities: By engaging with Delta's partners such as staying at a hotel in the Delta Hotels by Marriott loyalty program, renting a car, or shopping at certain retailers, you can earn additional MQDs. For example, if you stay at a partner hotel, you may earn 1 MQD for every dollar spent on your stay. MQDs can also be earned on select partner-marketed flights not ticketed through Delta.
Which Activities Don't Earn Miles?
There are several things that do not count towards earning Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) in the Delta Medallion program. Here are a few examples:
- Miles transferred from other loyalty programs: Miles transferred from other loyalty programs, such as hotel loyalty programs, do not count towards earning MQMs.
- Purchased miles: Miles that are purchased do not count towards earning MQMs.
- Bonus Miles: Miles earned as a bonus, such as those earned through credit card sign-up bonuses or promotions, do not typically count towards earning MQMs.
- Miles expired: Miles that expired before being used for MQMs will not be considered.
- Miles from third parties: Miles earned through third-party rewards programs or other loyalty programs, like shopping portals, do not count towards earning MQMs.
- Miles earned from activities that are not eligible: Activities such as surveys, sweepstakes, and other promotions that Delta specifically excludes from earning MQMs.
- Certain partners activity: Some partners activity, like some car rental or hotel stays, might not count towards MQMs.
It's always a good idea to check the terms and conditions of the promotion or activity you're participating in to ensure that the miles you're earning will count towards earning MQMs.
How To Check Your Progress Toward Elite Status?
Delta Medallion program members can check their progress towards earning elite status by logging into their Delta account online or via the Delta mobile app.
Once logged in, you can view your account summary, which will show you the number of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs), and Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) you have earned. It will also show you how many more MQMs, MQSs, and MQDs you need to earn in order to reach the next level of elite status.
You can also track your elite status progress on the “SkyMiles” section of the Delta mobile app. There you can see a breakdown of MQMs, MQSs, and MQDs earned, as well as the elite status level you have reached and the remaining amount needed to reach the next level.
You can also see the expiration date of your elite status, the number of bonus miles you've earned and the remaining number needed to earn the next elite level, and also the remaining spend you need to achieve if you are trying to achieve MQD waiver.
Can I Rollover Medallion Qualification Miles?
Yes, members of the Delta Medallion program can rollover Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) from one year to the next. As of 2023, there is no limit on how many miles you can rollover.
This means that if you do not earn enough MQMs in a given year to reach a certain level of elite status, you can carry over a portion of your unused MQMs to the next year to help you qualify for that level of status.
For example, let's say you are a Silver Medallion member and you earn 25,000 MQMs in the current year. To reach Gold Medallion status, you need to earn 35,000 MQMs. If you rollover 10,000 MQMs from the current year to the next, you will have 35,000 MQMs in total, which is enough to qualify for Gold Medallion status.
What Do You Get With The Delta Medallion Statuses?
Delta offers tiered benefits based on your elite status level. Here's what you can get with each rewards status:
The Delta Silver Medallion Status Benefits
- Priority boarding: Silver Medallion members are among the first to board flights, which means they can get settled in their seats and store their carry-on bags before other passengers board.
- Priority security screening: Silver Medallion members have access to expedited security screening, where available, which helps them get through the airport faster.
- Complimentary upgrades: Silver Medallion members are eligible for complimentary upgrades to Delta Comfort+ and First Class, based on availability at the time of check-in.
- Complimentary baggage handling: Silver Medallion members receive complimentary baggage handling services, including priority baggage delivery and waived baggage fees for the first checked bag.
- Earn extra miles: Silver Medallion members earn a mileage bonus on all flights, which can be used towards free flights or upgrades. The bonus miles earn rate vary depending on the fare class, route, and airline flown, but generally, the more expensive the fare, the more bonus miles you'll earn.
- Partner benefits: Silver Medallion members receive partner benefits, such as complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying on a Delta-marketed flight) and discounts from car rental and hotel partners.
- Flexibility: Silver Medallion members have the ability to make changes to their reservations with no fee and standby for earlier flights at no charge.
- Medallion Complimentary Choice Benefits: Silver Medallion members get to select one of these complimentary benefits as part of their status, these benefits include:
- A complimentary domestic main cabin companion certificate
- Two one-way systemwide upgrades
- Four Regional Upgrades
The Delta Gold Medallion Status Benefits
Here are some of the new benefits and perks that Gold Medallion members can expect above what is offered at the Silver level:
- Complimentary upgrades: Gold Medallion members are eligible for complimentary upgrades to Delta Comfort+ and First Class, based on availability at the time of check-in, which are prioritized over Silver Medallion members.
- Same-day confirmed flight changes: Gold Medallion members can change their flight at no additional charge, even if the new flight is in a higher fare class, subject to availability and some restrictions.
- Guaranteed availability: Gold Medallion members have guaranteed availability for complimentary upgrades at the time of booking, on all Delta-marketed flights.
- Exclusive access to the Delta SkyClub: Gold Medallion members can access the Delta SkyClub for free when flying on a Delta-marketed flight, and bring up to two guests for a reduced rate.
- Complimentary access to select partner lounges: Gold Medallion members have complimentary access to select partner lounges when flying on a Delta-marketed flight.
- Higher bonus miles: Gold Medallion members earn bonus miles at a higher rate than Silver Medallion members, which can be used towards free flights or upgrades.
- Medallion Complimentary Choice Benefits : Gold Medallion members get to select one of these complimentary benefits as part of their status, these benefits include :
- Four global upgrade certificates
- Eight Regional Upgrades
- Four annual Guest membership to the Delta Sky Club
- Priority standby: Gold Medallion members are given priority over Silver Medallion members when requesting to standby for an earlier flight.
The Platinum Medallion Status Benefits
Here are some of the new benefits and perks that Platinum Medallion members can expect on top of the Gold level perks:
- Increased complimentary upgrade priority: Platinum Medallion members have increased priority for complimentary upgrades to Delta Comfort+ and First Class, over Gold Medallion members.
- Complimentary upgrades to the Delta One Suite: Platinum Medallion members are eligible for complimentary upgrades to the Delta One Suite, subject to availability and some restrictions.
- Guaranteed complimentary upgrades: Platinum Medallion members have guaranteed complimentary upgrades to Delta Comfort+ on all flights, regardless of availability.
- Sky Priority service: Platinum Medallion members receive Sky Priority service, which includes priority check-in, security screening, and baggage handling.
- Additional complimentary baggage: Platinum Medallion members are allowed to check additional bags for free on all Delta-marketed flights.
- Higher bonus miles: Platinum Medallion members earn bonus miles at a higher rate than Gold Medallion members, which can be used towards free flights or upgrades.
- Guaranteed Delta One availability: Platinum Medallion members have guaranteed availability for Delta One on all Delta-marketed flights, regardless of fare class.
- Medallion Complimentary Choice Benefits: Platinum Medallion members get to select one of these complimentary benefits as part of their status, these benefits include:
- Eight global upgrade certificates
- 16 Regional Upgrades
- Four mileage boosters
- Two annual Guest membership to the Delta Sky Club
The Delta Diamond Medallion Status Benefits
Here are some of the new benefits and perks that Diamond Medallion members can expect above what is given with Platinum:
- Complimentary upgrades to the Delta One Suite: Diamond Medallion members are eligible for complimentary upgrades to the Delta One Suite on all Delta-marketed flights, regardless of availability.
- Sky Priority service and handling: Diamond Medallion members receive Sky Priority service, including exclusive check-in, security screening, and baggage handling, and also receive additional complimentary baggage.
- Guaranteed Delta One availability: Diamond Medallion members have guaranteed availability for Delta One on all Delta-marketed flights, regardless of fare class and availability.
- Complimentary membership in The Delta Sky Club: Diamond Medallion members receive a complimentary membership in The Delta Sky Club, which includes access to the Delta Sky Club, SkyTeam, and partner lounges, when flying on a Delta-marketed flight.
- SkyTeam Elite Plus status: Diamond Medallion members receive SkyTeam Elite Plus status, which includes priority check-in, security screening, baggage handling, and boarding on all SkyTeam flights.
- Additional mileage bonuses: Diamond Medallion members earn additional mileage bonuses on all flights, which can be used towards free flights or upgrades.
- Medallion Complimentary Choice Benefits: Diamond Medallion members get to select one of these complimentary benefits as part of their status, these benefits include:
- Sixteen global upgrade certificates
- 32 Regional Upgrades
- Four mileage boosters
- Four annual Guest membership to the Delta Sky Club
- Priority phone service and dedicated customer service line: Diamond Medallion members have access to priority phone service and a dedicated customer service line for assistance with reservations, changes, and other inquiries.
Is Delta Airlines Elite Worth It?
Whether or not the Delta Medallion elite status is worth it depends on your individual travel habits and needs. Here are some key things to consider when determining if the program is worth it for you:
- Frequency of travel: The more you fly with Delta, the more valuable the benefits and perks of the program will be. If you're a frequent Delta flyer, the program may be worth it as it can provide valuable perks like complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, and bonus miles.
- Fare class: The fare class you typically book can impact the value of the benefits and perks. If you typically book more expensive fares, you may be able to take full advantage of the bonus miles and complimentary upgrade opportunities offered by the program.
- Partner benefits: If you also use Delta's partner airlines and take advantage of their lounges, car rentals, or hotels. These benefits can provide added value to the elite status, especially if you frequently fly on SkyTeam partner airlines or use SkyMiles for hotels, car rentals and other activities.
- Travel route: Some routes offer more frequent and better upgrades than others, especially on flights with a high-end cabin, for example, transcontinental flights. If your travel route aligns with Delta's hubs and more frequent routes, it could be more beneficial to have the elite status.
- Costs: The cost of achieving and maintaining elite status, such as the spending requirements for MQDs and the annual fee for Delta Sky Club, should be taken into account when determining if the program is worth it for you.
- Cost-benefit analysis: Calculate the value of the benefits you will receive by reaching and maintaining elite status and compare it to the costs of achieving and maintaining that status, including the MQMs, MQSs, MQDs, fees and the time you'll spend to achieve it.
FAQs
Can the Delta card help you get to delta elite status?
The Delta card can help you earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs), which can help you reach elite status in the Delta Medallion program.
Do Delta partner flights count towards delta elite status?
Partner flights can count towards earning elite status in the Delta Medallion program. The credit earned by partner flights depends on the airline, route, fare class, and program rules.
Does Delta status show up on Delta boarding pass?
Elite status is not typically displayed on a Delta boarding pass, but you will be able to enjoy the benefits of your status at the airport, during flight, and when checking-in baggage.
What kind of credit score do you need for Delta Airlines credit card?
The credit score requirement for a Delta Airlines credit card will vary depending on the specific card and issuer, but generally, a good credit score is needed to be approved for most credit cards.
What is Delta 360°?
Delta 360° is a personalized program, available for Diamond Medallion members, that includes extra benefits and perks such as personal recognition, exclusive access and personalized service.
What is the highest Delta Status?
Diamond Medallion is the highest status level in the Delta Medallion program.
Does Delta status expire?
Elite status in the Delta Medallion program expires on January 31st of the following year, and members need to re-qualify every year.
Does Delta Million Miler Status?
Delta Million Miler status is a lifetime achievement recognition program, members who earn a Million Miler status will enjoy elite status perks and benefits for life.
Can I get Delta status quickly?
There are many ways to get Delta medallions quickly, for example, by taking advantage of special offers, purchasing elite-qualifying miles, or by credit card bonuses.
Can you buy Delta medallions?
There is no official program to buy Delta medallions.
How can I get Delta medallions without flying?
Delta Medallions can be earned through Delta-branded credit card, completing non-flight activities like car rentals and hotel stays, through partnerships with other companies, and through referrals.
What is Delta 'Reclaim My Status’?
Delta ‘Reclaim My Status' is a program that allows members whose elite status has expired within the past three years to regain their status by completing a certain amount of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) or Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) within a given period of time.
This program allows the members to retain their status and benefits by proving their loyalty and commitment to the program.
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