Quantcast

Delta Air Lines offers limited-time status to Southwest elite members

These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Air India to operate daily Delhi-Prayagraj flights for Maha Kumbh
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Delta Air Lines offers limited-time status to Southwest elite members
Research
Webp kzhrv9olyzx8ctyph4lzqlin70d0
Colby Kirkpatrick Contributor | The Points Guy

Delta Air Lines has launched a new strategy targeting Southwest Airlines' elite customers. Following recent changes in Southwest's Rapid Rewards program that have left some members dissatisfied, Delta's SkyMiles program is providing a limited-time status match offer. This offer is specifically aimed at Southwest's A-List and A-List Preferred members, granting them Gold Medallion and Platinum Medallion status, respectively. Typically, these members would only qualify for Silver Medallion status.

Delta's offer comes in the wake of American Airlines' similar AAdvantage status match for Southwest elites, which is still available. To benefit from Delta's promotion, which expires on September 30, Southwest members can apply for a status match with Delta and submit proof of their current status. Eligibility requires enrollment in SkyMiles for at least 30 days and one Delta-marketed flight taken over the past three years in a fare class above basic economy.

Upon approval, applicants receive a 90-day trial of complimentary Medallion status. Extending the status beyond this period requires meeting specific Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) amounts. Delta outlines the MQDs needed during the trial period as follows: 1,250 for Silver, 2,500 for Gold, and 3,750 for Platinum. These MQDs can be earned through both Delta-operated services and eligible SkyMiles partner flights. Moreover, the use of Delta cobranded credit cards, like the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve American Express cards, can contribute to earning MQDs.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Delta has confirmed that MQDs accumulated through the MQD Headstart benefit from eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards also count towards this offer, but only for Southwest elite members. Those who succeed in reaching the required MQDs within the 90 days will retain their status until January 31, 2027. Delta clarifies that the usual MQD requirements are considerably higher for these status levels, making the current offering a valuable opportunity.

The promotion extends throughout the year, but the special offer for Southwest elites is limited to applications submitted by September 30. It means interested members should plan their 2025 travel strategy accordingly to maximize their MQD earnings during the trial period.

Delta’s strategy showcases an effort to capitalize on potential dissatisfaction among Southwest elite members by offering higher-tier benefits, including seat upgrades, free checked baggage, and SkyTeam lounge access. Other airlines might consider similar promotions to attract Southwest's customer base.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

At the Routes Asia Conference 2025, four prominent Asian airlines shared insights into their current challenges and strategic changes they are implementing.

Apr 3, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a major enhancement in its connectivity services with the rollout of fast, free Wi-Fi across its transatlantic network, encompassing destinations in Europe, Israel, and West Africa.

Apr 3, 2025

After a trip from Nashville to Seattle, Jeanette Kronquist encountered an unexpected issue with her rental car reservation.

Apr 3, 2025

FedEx, het grootste exprestransportbedrijf ter wereld, heeft een nieuwe locatie in Amsterdam geopend, waarmee het zijn logistieke capaciteit in Nederland verder uitbreidt.

Apr 3, 2025

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is under the spotlight for its annual fee of $95, as cardholders and potential applicants weigh the benefits against the costs.

Apr 3, 2025

Delta Air Lines is preparing to welcome patrons of the Masters Tournament with its largest-ever service to Augusta, Georgia.

Apr 3, 2025