Delta Is Offering a Limited-Time Promotion to Help Loyalists Reach Medallion Status — What to Know

Looking to qualify for Delta Medallion status? There are just four months left of the year, though the airline has made elite status easier in reach with its latest promotion. 

Right now, SkyMiles members can earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) per dollar spent on car rentals, hotels, and vacation rentals through the online Delta Travel Extras portal after taxes and fees. Travel must be booked by September 30 and completed by October 31 in order to qualify for the MQD earnings. 

These MQDs are separate from SkyMiles, though you will still earn the latter on any bookings via the Delta Travel Extras portal. Whether booking a car rental, hotel, or vacation rental, members will earn a minimum of 2 SkyMiles per dollar spent that can be redeemed for future award flights. 

However, it can take up to eight weeks after travel is complete to receive MQDs and SkyMiles, according to the airline. 

There are four levels of Delta elite status: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. The following MQD thresholds are required to qualify every calendar year, and once achieved, travelers will enjoy status benefits for the remainder of the calendar year and the next full calendar year:

• Silver Medallion – $6,000 MQDs
• Gold Medallion – $12,000 MQDs
• Platinum Medallion – $18,000 MQDs
• Diamond Medallion – $35,000 MQDs

For instance, a traveler who books a weeklong vacation rental home for $3,000 after taxes and fees through Delta Travel Extras will earn 3,000 MQDs. That purchase alone clears half the requirement for Delta Silver status, which grants perks like waived baggage fees and priority customer service.

Beyond booking flights — which earn 1 MQD per dollar spent with Delta — travelers can earn MQDs by holding the right credit card. Delta’s premium credit cards, including the Platinum and Reserve, come with a $2,500 MQD headstart. In addition, Delta Platinum cardholders will earn 1 MQD per $20 spent on everyday purchases, while Delta Reserve cardholders can earn 1 MQD per $10 spent.