By Shawn Gallagher
Delta is one of the biggest airlines in the world, and its loyalty program, SkyMiles, is popular among many frequent travelers. The program has seen many changes thorughout the years, whether good or bad. Let’s go over what this frequent flyer program has to offer and see how you can benefit from joining.
How Does Delta SkyMiles Work?
Just like most other airlines, you earn miles with Delta. These miles are earned based on how much you spend per ticket and other eligible purchases. You earn 5 miles per dollar spent as a base member, and you’ll get to earn more the higher up you go up the elite status ladder. These miles can be redeemed for award tickets and other purchases.
In addition to these redeemable miles, you also earn Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs). These are also based on how much you spend, except that these count towards reaching Medallion status, which is what Delta calls their elite status tiers.
Status On Delta
Delta has 4 levels of Medallion status. The qualifying period is from January 1st to December 31st.
- Silver: $5,000 MQDs
- Gold: $10,000 MQDs
- Platinum: $15,000 MQDs
- Diamond: $28,000 MQDs
Let’s go over the benefits of each tier.
Silver Medallion
This is the lowest tier of Medallion status, earned with $5,000 MQDs. Some of these benefits can be earned with a Delta SkyMiles Credit Card.
- Zone 5 priority boarding
- 1 checked bag free of charge
- Complimentary preferred seats
- Comfort Plus upgrades within 24 hours of departure time
- First Class upgrades on U.S. domestic flights within 24 hours of departure time
Related: Delta Boarding Zones, Explained
Gold Medallion
Gold is reached after earning $10,000 MQDs. In addition to the Silver benefits, you’ll receive the following:
- Zone 4 priority boarding
- SkyPriority privileges
- 2 checked bags free of charge
- Expedited baggage service
- Comfort Plus upgrades within 72 hours of departure time
- First Class upgrades on U.S. domestic flights within 72 hours of departure time
- Waived same-day confirmed fees
Platinum Medallion
Next is Platinum Medallion, earned after reaching $15,000 MQDs. In addition to all of the benefits from Gold, you’ll also receive:
- 3 checked bags free of charge
- Complimentary Comfort Plus upgrades at the time of booking
- First Class upgrades on U.S. domestic flights within 5 days of departure time
- 1 choice benefit
Diamond Medallion
Diamond is the highest Medallion tier outside of the invitation-only Delta 360. It’s a big jump from Platinum, reached at $28,000 MQDs. In addition to all of the benefits of Silver, Gold, and Platinum, here are some more you’ll receive:
- Zone 2 priority boarding
- 3 choice benefits
- Clear Plus Memebership
- VIP customer service call line
- Highest upgrade priority
Related: Review, First Class on a Delta A220
Earning Miles and MQDs
The most straightforward way to earn miles and MQDs is to board Delta marketed flights. The amount you earn is based on the number of dollars you spend on the eligible purchase and also depends on your Medallion status. Note that Basic Economy will not earn you miles and MQDs.
For miles, they are as follows:
- Base member: 5 miles per dollar
- Silver: 7 miles per dollar
- Gold: 8 miles per dollar
- Platinum: 9 miles per dollar
- Diamond: 11 miles per dollar
Delta’s cobranded credit cards will also earn you miles, with earning rates depending on the card. In addition, Delta’s shopping portal and booking a hotel stay through Delta Stays will also earn you miles.
Keep in mind that SkyMiles never expire, so don’t worry if life gets in the way of traveling.
For MQDs, the rate at which you earn them aren’t based on status. Everyone earns 1 MQD per qualifying dollar.
Credit cards are also an option for earning MQDs. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex Card earns you 1 MQD per $10 spent, while the Platinum and Gold cards earn you 1 MQD per $20.
Redeeming SkyMiles
Redeeming SkyMiles can be tricky. Delta doesn’t have a published award chart like American Airlines does, and their award tickets are dynamic (amount of miles for an award ticket varies based on demand).
I find international award tickets to be very overpriced (especially ones in premium cabins). Instead, I’ve personally used SkyMiles for domestic flights. Delta credit card holders also get 15% off for these tickets as well.
Delta occasionally runs flash sales for redeeming award tickets. These are great opportunities to make the most of your miles, as they’re typically worth less compared to some other loyalty programs.
Bottom Line
Although the SkyMiles frequent flyer program has seen a lot of change over the years, it’s still worth it to take part in if you fly Delta a fair amount. Taking advantage of their cobranded Amex cards can be beneficial, and keep an eye out for promotions and flash sales for your miles.
All photos taken by the author.