On September 14, 2023, Delta Airlines announced that they would be making changes to their SkyMiles Membership Program (the first time since 2015) to provide a simpler and more rewarding SkyMiles, as well as preserve the exclusivity and overall experience that Delta travelers have come to expect. Starting in January 2024, to achieve status through your SkyMiles Membership, you will only need Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD’s). On October 18, 2023, Delta Airlines announced additional changes to the Sky Miles Membership program and Sky Club access criteria.
Starting in January 2024, you will only need to earn the following to achieve Medallion status in 2025:
- Silver Medallion:
$6,000.00 MQDsnow $5,000.00 - Gold Medallion:
$12,000.00 MQDsnow $10,000.00 - Platinum Medallion:
$18,000.00 MQDsnow $18,000.00 - Diamond Medallion:
$35,000.00 MQDsnow $28,000.00
Also starting in January 2024, Delta Airlines said they will be introducing more ways to earn from purchases on an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, car rentals, and hotel stays on delta.com and with Delta Vacations.
Delta says goodbye to Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs). December 31, 2023, will be the last day to earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs).
What will happen to my Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs)? For the remainder of 2023, you can continue to earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM’s) towards your 2024 status. However, at the end of 2023, MQMs and MQM Rollover will be departing. The Rollover MQMs you’ve earned, Delta SkyMiles will offer you a one-time conversion of your Rollover MQMs where you can select how you would like to apply them. Your one-time selection of converting your Rollover MQMs will be between Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or miles; or a combination of both.
HUGE CHANGES TO DELTA SKYCLUB ACCESS:
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card from American Express:
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card American Express changes: For Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express card members, you will be eligible for 10 Delta Sky Club visits per Medallion Year, starting February 1, 2025. Card members will now receive 15 days per year (up from 10 visits); all visits made in a 24-hour period will count as one day. * Card members will also be able to purchase Club access for $50 per day after using all allotted days.
For unlimited access to Delta Sky Club, card members will need to spend $75,000 on their eligible Card in a calendar year and then you will have unlimited access to Delta Sky Club for the remainder of the current Medallion Year and for the following Medallion Year. Your spend tracking begins January 1, 2024 for the 2025 Medallion Year. *Medallion Members also have the option of purchasing an annual individual Delta Sky Club membership for $695.
Changes to the Platinum Card from American Express: (*Important – Platinum Card from American Express and Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card with American Express are NOT the same card)
Platinum Card American Express changes: For Platinum Card and Business Platinum card members, you will be eligible for 6 Delta Sky Club visits per Medallion Year, starting in 2025.
For unlimited access to Delta Sky Club, card members will need to spend $75,000 on their eligible Card in a calendar year and will have unlimited Delta Sky Club access for the remainder of the current Medallion year and for the following Medallion Year. Your spend tracking begins on January 1, 2024 for the 2025 Medallion Year.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card: No Sky Club access beginning January 1, 2024, for Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express card holders.
Booked a Basic Economy airfare with Delta and want SkyClub access? Delta Airlines says not so fast. ALL American Express Card Members traveling on a Basic Economy ticket or an equivalent ticket with a partner airline will NOT receive Delta Sky Club Access effective January 1, 2024.
In conclusion, Delta Airlines’ recent announcement of changes to their SkyMiles Membership Program marks a significant shift in their loyalty program strategy. With the introduction of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) as the primary criteria for status, Delta aims to simplify the process while maintaining the exclusivity and excellence associated with their brand. While this shift means bidding farewell to Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs), it opens up new opportunities for earning through various channels, such as the Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, car rentals, and hotel bookings. For existing members, the transition may require some adjustment, particularly in terms of Rollover MQMs, but Delta is offering flexibility in converting these credits to align with the new system. Additionally, changes in Sky Club access for cardholders underscore the importance of understanding the evolving landscape of loyalty benefits. As Delta Airlines charts this new course, travelers can anticipate a loyalty program that’s more streamlined, rewarding, and tailored to the modern travel experience. These changes are set to take effect in January 2024, so be prepared to navigate this exciting transformation in Delta’s SkyMiles Membership Program.
For the complete guide to the Delta SkyMiles program, visit: https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles/medallion-program/2024-program-updates
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