Delta Air Lines beginning Jan. 1, 2024, will streamline its SkyMiles program and set Medallion Qualification Dollars as the sole qualifier for Medallion status, the airline announced Wednesday. Currently, members can earn status with MQDs as well as Medallion Qualification Miles and Medallion Qualification Segments.
The carrier said that members can earn MQDs on flights with Delta and the carrier's partners, on purchases using Delta's co-branded American Express cards, through Delta Vacations and through other products, like car rentals and hotel stays. The change is similar to one American Airlines made in early 2022 for its AAdvantage program.
Status for 2025 will be determined by a single amount of Medallion Qualification Dollar thresholds: $6,000 for Silver, $12,000 for Gold, $18,000 for Platinum and $35,000 for Diamond.
For members with rollover MQMs earned during 2023, Delta will provide a one-time choice in which members can convert them into redeemable miles, MQDs or a combination of both. The carrier also has moved Million Miler status to the No. 3 priority position for complimentary upgrades. Further, any MQMs already earned toward Million Miler status will remain, and all flight miles flown starting Jan. 1, 2024, will be added to the customer's Million Miler balance.
Delta Sky Club Access Changes
In addition, Delta announced more restrictions for access to its Delta Sky Clubs, citing that "despite opening five new clubs this year—plus expanding existing clubs—visit growth has outpaced capacity, and these changes will help preserve the premium experience that Delta customers love and respect."
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express cards no longer will provide card members access to Delta Sky Clubs. Also starting on that date, all American Express card members traveling on a Basic Economy ticket or an equivalent ticket with a partner airline will not receive club access, according to the carrier.
Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express card members will receive 10 club visits per program year, and American Express Platinum and Platinum Business card members will receive six club visits per program year. Members of those cards can earn unlimited club access after spending $75,000 on their eligible card in a calendar year and will have unlimited Sky Club access for both the remainder of that year through Jan. 31 of the next year. Spend tracking begins Jan. 1, 2024, for the 2025 Medallion year.