Delta Is Changing the Way Travelers Earn Status in 2024 — What to Know
The airline also announced future changes to its policy for Delta Sky Club access.
The way passengers earn status for Delta Air Lines is about to change.
Starting Jan. 1, 2024, travelers will only be able to earn medallion status with Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), the airline shared with Travel + Leisure on Thursday. Currently, there are three ways to earn status; by accruing Medallion Qualification Segments (MQS), Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), and MQDs.
MQDs are specifically earned by purchasing Delta or a Delta-partner flights, or booking hotels, car rentals, or Delta Vacations directly through the airline's website. For every dollar spent, 1 MQD will be earned.
Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
Spending thresholds, for earning status in 2025, below, will also increase.
Silver Medallion - 6,000 MQDs
Gold Medallion - 12,000 MQDs
Platinum Medallion - 18,000 MQDs
Diamond Medallion - $35,000 MQDs
Travelers with a Delta credit card, however, are in luck and can earn bonus MQDs while spending.
Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders can earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent. And with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express card, and Platinum Business American Express Card Members can earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent on the card.
Additionally, Delta also announced future policy changes to their Delta Sky Club access.
Starting Feb. 1, 2025 Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders will be limited to only 10 Club visits per calendar year, unless they spend at least $75,000 annually, in which case they would receive unlimited visits. Travelers who have an American Express Platinum card will be limited to six lounge visits a year, unless they also hit the $75,000 threshold.
Card members currently able to access the club without any spend requirement.
Passengers who are flying the airline with a Basic Economy fare will no longer have access to the Delta Sky Club when trying to access in connection with a membership obtained through an American Express card.
Delta points out that some of the upgrades for passengers have already rolled out including free wifi for SkyMiles members, and a partnership with Starbucks for reciprocal earnings on the loyalty programs.
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