Delta keeps Medallion qualification levels unchanged through 2026

SkyMiles members earn 1 MQD per $1 spent on ticket prices for all Delta-marketed flights operated by Delta or its partners. Certain Delta-American Express cardholders receive a 2,500 MQD head start each year. Eligible cards include the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card.

This head start gets cardholders halfway to Silver status. Entry-level benefits at this tier include a free checked bag, priority boarding, complimentary access to Comfort Plus seats within 24 hours of departure, and complimentary upgrades to first-class seats when available.

Additionally, consumer and business versions of the Platinum-tier Amex cards earn 1 MQD per $20 spent on eligible purchases. Reserve-level cardholders earn 1 MQD per $10 spent. For example, spending $25,000 on the Delta Reserve Amex would allow a member to reach Silver status without flying if they did not earn miles or MQDs any other way.

Delta’s decision follows recent moves by competitors such as United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. United has made Premier status harder to achieve this year. Alaska Airlines recently announced it would raise thresholds for its top two tiers as part of its new Atmos Rewards program developed with merger partner Hawaiian Airlines. However, Alaska also offered top elites a one-time boost toward next year's status and introduced a premium credit card that helps customers reach elite levels more quickly https://thepointsguy.com/news/alaska-airlines-atmos-rewards-program-launch/.

Delta’s new rules limiting annual visits to Sky Clubs went into effect this year as well. These caps apply to Reserve cardholders and those with The Platinum Card from American Express https://thepointsguy.com/news/delta-sky-club-access-rules-2024/.

"Delta will leave its Medallion qualification requirements intact next year," a spokesperson confirmed to The Points Guy this week.

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