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Everyone has been bracing for big changes to the Delta SkyMiles program after it was leaked that agents would be going through training for an announcement slated for tomorrow. The details have been leaked and while they are scant, they do align with what has been suspected. A post on FlyerTalk spilled the beans.
2025 SkyMiles Medallion Status Will Be Based on MQDs Only
Currently, members need to earn both Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQS) plus Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) (or reach a threshold of spend on their Delta-branded Platinum or Reserve American Express cards).
This is changing next year for those qualifying for the 2025 program year. MQMs and MQDs are going away with the sole criteria based on spend. From this leaked Delta post:
Beginning January 1, 2024, we are changing the way SkyMiles Members qualify for Medallion Status to preserve the exclusivity and experience our most loyal customers and travelers look forward to and deserve. As part of these changes, select Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members will also see changes to their Delta Sky Club Access.
These changes will simplify how to earn Status, offer new and enhanced ways to earn Status and preserve the premium experience for our SkyMiles and Medallion Members.
Simpler Status Tracking: Beginning January 1, 2024, all SkyMiles Members will earn toward Status through only MQDs. SkyMiles Members will no longer earn Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualifying Segments (MQSs). Customers won’t lose any Rollover MQMs accrued — starting early 2024, Members can choose to convert Rollover MQMs to MQDs or miles (or a combination of both).
More ways to earn Status: With these changes to the SkyMiles Program, Members can now earn Status through purchases on eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards, car rentals and stays booked on delta.com, and Delta Vacations, in addition to Delta and partner flights. Earn by spending how and when you want, with Delta and our partners.”
These changes only impact how status is earned and do not change the ways that members earn and redeem miles. Next year, SkyMiles members will earn status through spending on their Delta American Express cards, with rental cars, and with hotel stays booked through Delta.com or Delta Vacations.
Earnings are reported as follows:
- Delta and Partner Flights: Earn 1 MQD per $1 spent on tickets for Delta-marketed flights operated by Delta or by a partner airline. Flights booked and ticketed by eligible partners will earn MQDs at the same rate as they do today, based on the fare class purchased and distance flown.
- Credit Cards: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express and Reserve Business Cards earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Cards earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent. There is no limit to how many MQDs can be earned from credit card spending.
- Car Rentals: Earn 1 MQD per $1 spent on completed car rentals booked through Delta direct channels.
- Hotel Stays: Earn 1 MQD per $1 spent on stays booked through Delta direct channels.
- Delta Vacations: Earn 1 MQD per $1 spent on the entire vacation experience in addition to what you earn for your flight, when booking directly with Delta Vacations.
The Points Guy is reporting that the thresholds for each level of Medallion status are also increasing drastically.
- Silver Medallion: Increases from 3,000 to 6,000 MQDs
- Gold Medallion: Increases from 8,000 to 12,000 MQDs
- Platinum Medallion: Increases from 12,000 to 18,000 MQDs
- Diamond Medallion: Increases from 20,000 to 35,000 MQDs
The increase to Diamond Medallion is especially shocking and way higher than United or American require. Diamond status requirements are increasing by 75%, Platinum and Gold by 50%, and Silver by 100% year-over-year. That’s pretty insane.
Anthony’s Take: I’ll be keeping a close eye on Delta for additional details. Initially, I’m fine with this change. I buy premium cabin tickets and spend a good amount with Delta. I should have an easier time earning status with these additional options. We’ll need to wait and see what else is changing and if the other shoe is about to drop with higher qualification levels.
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2 comments
For Diamond, 20,000 to 35,000 MQD?
Bye-bye Delta!
Seriously what are they thinking , the first increase of 33% was a tough pill to swallow. Now increasing again from the original 33%. No thank you