Delta announced some major changes to the SkyMiles program for 2024 and 2025. Changes include an end to the use of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Medallion Qualification Segments (MQMs) with members earning status entirely though Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). However, Delta’s CEO has signaled that these changes may have been too much, and that more changes may be on the way in 2024 for earning status for 2025.
As it stands now, however, earning status with Delta in 2024 will be based on spending with Delta and partners only. In fact, you’ll be able to earn MQDs with the following options:
- Booking paid flights with Delta and partners
- Spending with Delta credit cards
- Delta car rentals
- Hotels stays through Delta.com
- Delta Vacations packages
Generally speaking, paid flights with Delta and partners that are marketed by Delta will earn 1 MQD per dollar spent. Having a co-branded Delta credit card can also help you earn a MQD status boost. For example, Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Cards give you 1 MQD per $20 spent and Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Cards give you 1 MQD per $1 spent.
Earning status in 2024 will also require more spending overall, as you can see in the Delta Medallion qualification graphic below:
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. The perks get better as your Medallion status level increases.
To qualify for Delta Medallion status, you’ll need to meet requirements for both Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualifying Segments (MQSs) and Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs).
To qualify for Delta Medallion status in 2023, you must meet the requirements given in the following chart.
You can see the number of MQMs and MQDs you’ll earn on the Trip Summary page when booking a ticket through Delta.com. The number of MQMs earned is based on the distance flown and the fare class, excluding Basic Economy.