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Simplified paths to Status, more ways to earn: Delta transforms its SkyMiles loyalty program

Delta’s award-winning SkyMiles Program will use MQDs as the single qualifier toward Medallion Status and offer new and enhanced ways to earn Status – both on the ground and in the air. The airline will also make changes to Delta Sky Club access for some American Express Card Members.

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Editor's note: Delta shared several updates to its SkyMiles Program on Oct. 18, modifying some of the changes announced in September and adding several new benefits. Read the full story at the link below:

Delta will adjust the number of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) required to achieve 2025 Medallion Status, further enhance the Million Miler program, update Delta Sky Club access policies for eligible Card Members and enhance options for Rollover Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs).
A NOTE FROM ED: Thank you for your feedback on the SkyMiles Program

Delta is simplifying its SkyMiles Program while also offering new and enhanced ways for customers to earn toward Status. Starting Jan. 1, 2024, Medallion Qualification Dollars will serve as the only qualifier for Medallion Status. SkyMiles Members will no longer need to track Medallion Qualification Miles or Medallion Qualification Segments.

The airline is also increasing Members’ ability to earn those MQDs not only through Delta- and partner-operated flights, but also via Delta rental cars and stays booked through Delta.com, Delta Vacations experiences and an MQD Boost benefit with select Delta SkyMiles American Express cards.

As always, customers can continue to earn an unlimited number of redeemable miles and take advantage of Delta SkyMiles favorites they know and love, including miles that don’t expire, no blackout dates for Award tickets on any Delta-operated flight, and fast, free onboard Wi-Fi available today on most domestic flights, and rolling out on all flights by the end of 2024.

MQD Thresholds for 2025 Status

“Delta is on a multi-year journey to transform our SkyMiles Program by building a portfolio of options for customers to grow their membership with Delta beginning as soon as they join the program,” said Dwight James, S.V.P. of Customer Engagement and Loyalty and CEO of Delta Vacations. “Our Members will earn status the way they want to – not only along their travel journey, but also in their everyday lives.”

Tracking Medallion Status progress has never been easier. Members can stay up to date on their path to Status whenever they’d like via an improved personal dashboard on the Fly Delta app or on their SkyMiles account page on delta.com, launching in January.

Customers won’t lose any Rollover MQMs accrued during 2023. Beginning Feb. 1, 2024, Members can choose to convert Rollover MQMs to MQDs, redeemable miles or a mix of both.

A man works on a tablet while seated in Delta domestic first class.

Delta is simplifying its SkyMiles Program, with Medallion Qualification Dollars serving as the only qualifier for Medallion Status. Here are several things you should remember about the program and what changes for you.

Delta once again outperformed all other global airlines and claimed the No. 2 spot overall in the evaluation of 10 of the most prominent U.S. airlines.

Delta Sky Club Access Updates

Delta is also updating its Delta Sky Club access guidelines for some American Express Card Members as part of its continued efforts to help preserve the premium experience in the airline’s popular lounges.

Starting Feb. 1, 2025, Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Card Members will receive 10 Club visits per Program year. The Platinum Card® and the Business Platinum Card® from American Express Card Members will receive six Club visits per Program year.

These Members can earn unlimited Club access after spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their eligible Card in a calendar year and will have unlimited Club access for both the remainder of the current program year (which ends on January 31) and for the next full program year. Spend tracking begins Jan. 1, 2024, for the 2025 Medallion year.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Card Members and those customers traveling in Basic Economy, regardless of card type, will no longer be eligible for Club access.

These changes are part of Delta’s ongoing efforts to help balance the popularity of the Clubs with the premium experience they provide for our guests. For more information on Club access via American Express cards, visit Delta Sky Club access policies.

Recent Club investments include spacious and beautifully rendered lounges in Delta’s Boston, New York-JFK and Minneapolis hubs; the airline’s new home in and Newark’s Terminal A; and in Kansas City, where Delta is the only airline with a lounge at MCI airport.

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