{"id":50800,"date":"2023-11-02T21:00:03","date_gmt":"2023-11-02T21:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/11\/02\/last-minute-strategies-for-earning-delta-status-the-points-guy\/"},"modified":"2023-11-02T21:00:03","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T21:00:03","slug":"last-minute-strategies-for-earning-delta-status-the-points-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/11\/02\/last-minute-strategies-for-earning-delta-status-the-points-guy\/","title":{"rendered":"Last-minute strategies for earning Delta status &#8211; The Points Guy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>With just two months left in 2023, time is running out to qualify (or requalify) for Delta elite status.<\/p>\n<p>If you haven&#8217;t done so already, check your elite qualification metrics, tally up your travel for the rest of the year and see where that puts you in terms of elite status for next year. If you&#8217;re short of your goal, you still have time to close the gap.<\/p>\n<p>And while this post will focus on qualifying for Delta Medallion status this year, be aware <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/delta-skymiles-changes-update\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">major changes for Delta elite status go into effect next year<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some ideas for earning what you need before the end of the year.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"last-minute-earning-strategies\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">Last-minute earning strategies<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:75%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Delta-Air-Lines-commuter-jet-scaled.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Delta-Air-Lines-commuter-jet-scaled.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Delta-Air-Lines-commuter-jet-scaled.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Delta-Air-Lines-commuter-jet-scaled.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Delta-Air-Lines-commuter-jet-scaled.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Delta-Air-Lines-commuter-jet-scaled.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Delta-Air-Lines-commuter-jet-scaled.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Delta-Air-Lines-commuter-jet-scaled.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Delta-Air-Lines-commuter-jet-scaled.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">ANDREW KUNESH\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Time is short, but if you think you&#8217;re not quite going to make the earning threshold of your elite status tier, there are still some good options to put you over the top.<\/p>\n<p>Remember that as of Jan. 1, 2024, Delta will <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/delta-skymiles-changes\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">consolidate all Medallion status<\/a> earning activities into Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), axing Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) \u2014 though it did <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/delta-skymiles-changes-update\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">pull back on some of those changes<\/a> after widespread <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/delta-program-changes-customer-reaction\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">customer outrage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Next year, MQDs will track not just your eligible travel spend on Delta and its partners but also other methods like your spending on Delta-issued credit cards and car rentals, hotel stays and Delta vacations.<\/p>\n<p>However, it&#8217;s business as usual through Dec. 31 \u2014 giving you just a couple of months to hit your desired tiers under the old criteria.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/what-is-delta-elite-status-worth\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">What is Delta Air Lines elite status worth?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"&#10;        EmailSignUp_container__70lh2&#10;        undefined&#10;        EmailSignUp_isLoading__zGkU5&#10;      \"><picture class=\"EmailSignUp_graphic__AEA5s\"><source media=\"screen and (max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"\/images\/EmailSignUp\/daily-mob.svg\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/images\/EmailSignUp\/daily-dt.svg\"\/><\/picture>\n<div class=\"EmailSignUp_form__cnneL\">\n<p>Daily Newsletter<\/p>\n<p>Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter<\/p>\n<p>Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG\u2019s experts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Spend on a Delta cobranded credit card<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.75%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/01\/New_Amex-Delta-Skymiles-Reserve_CCSL.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/01\/New_Amex-Delta-Skymiles-Reserve_CCSL.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/01\/New_Amex-Delta-Skymiles-Reserve_CCSL.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/01\/New_Amex-Delta-Skymiles-Reserve_CCSL.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/01\/New_Amex-Delta-Skymiles-Reserve_CCSL.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/01\/New_Amex-Delta-Skymiles-Reserve_CCSL.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/01\/New_Amex-Delta-Skymiles-Reserve_CCSL.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/01\/New_Amex-Delta-Skymiles-Reserve_CCSL.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/01\/New_Amex-Delta-Skymiles-Reserve_CCSL.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">WYATT SMITH\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Some <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/delta\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Delta cobranded credit cards<\/a> allow cardholders to earn MQMs or unlock MQD waivers, both of which can level you up to a higher Medallion tier.<\/p>\n<p>For starters, through Dec. 31, 2023, you can earn bonus MQMs via calendar-year spending on four of Delta&#8217;s cobranded credit cards:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/delta-skymiles-platinum-american-express-card\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b applyLink inherit\">Delta SkyMiles\u00ae Platinum American Express Card<\/a><\/span>: Earn 10,000 MQMs after you spend $25,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, plus another 10,000 MQMs after you spend $50,000 in a calendar year.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/delta-skymiles-platinum-business-american-express-card\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b applyLink inherit\">Delta SkyMiles\u00ae Platinum Business American Express Card<\/a><\/span>: Earn 10,000 MQMs after you spend $25,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, plus another 10,000 MQMs after you spend $50,000 in a calendar year.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/delta-skymiles-reserve-american-express-card\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b applyLink inherit\">Delta SkyMiles Reserve\u00ae American Express Card<\/a><\/span>: Earn 15,000 MQMs for every $30,000 in eligible purchases you make on the card in a calendar year, up to $120,000 in total spending (60,000 MQMs in all).<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/delta-skymiles-reserve-business-american-express-card\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b applyLink inherit\">Delta SkyMiles Reserve\u00ae Business American Express Card<\/a><\/span>: Earn 15,000 MQMs for every $30,000 in eligible purchases you make on the card in a calendar year, up to $120,000 in total spending (60,000 MQMs in all).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In addition, you can spend $25,000 on these cards to earn an MQD waiver for Silver, Gold and Platinum status. Or, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/2017\/09\/delta-mqd-waiver-positive-change\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">spend $250,000<\/a> for a Diamond MQD waiver. This completely waives the MQD requirement, meaning you only need to meet the MQS or MQM requirement to earn status in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>However, as of Jan. 1, 2024, all of these benefits will no longer be available.<\/p>\n<p>These are high spending thresholds, but you might also spend more on your cobranded credit card than you realize. Check your overall spending levels from the year so far and see if you&#8217;re within striking distance of one of those thresholds. You might consider temporarily <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/pay-credit-card-bills-right-way\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">paying bills<\/a> and other expenses with your cobranded card if you&#8217;re close to one of these thresholds.<\/p>\n<p>Just beware that the spending and bonus MQMs must be posted to your account this year to count for elite status qualification for the 2024 status year, so know your statement closing dates and be sure your spending is on a statement that will be issued before the end of the year.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/american-express\/reviews\/delta-reserve-amex-credit-card-review\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex card review<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Status challenge<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/11\/Delta-A220-300-Zach-Griff-35.jpeg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/11\/Delta-A220-300-Zach-Griff-35.jpeg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/11\/Delta-A220-300-Zach-Griff-35.jpeg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/11\/Delta-A220-300-Zach-Griff-35.jpeg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/11\/Delta-A220-300-Zach-Griff-35.jpeg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/11\/Delta-A220-300-Zach-Griff-35.jpeg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/11\/Delta-A220-300-Zach-Griff-35.jpeg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/11\/Delta-A220-300-Zach-Griff-35.jpeg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2020\/11\/Delta-A220-300-Zach-Griff-35.jpeg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">ZACH GRIFF\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Historically, Delta SkyMiles has been one of the most generous programs regarding <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/airline-status-matches-challenges\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">status challenges<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, the SkyMiles Medallion Status Match Challenge is &#8220;temporarily unavailable,&#8221; per the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.delta.com\/us\/en\/skymiles\/medallion-program\/status-match-challenge\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Delta website<\/a> \u2014 likely due to all the changes going on to the program. Keep this option in mind for next year and beyond if you&#8217;re still looking to boost your Delta status.<\/p>\n<h3>Choice Benefits status<\/h3>\n<p>As mentioned above, Delta&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.delta.com\/content\/www\/en_US\/skymiles\/medallion-program\/choice-benefits\/choice-benefits.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Choice Benefits<\/a> for Platinum and Diamond members include the opportunity to confer Medallion status on other members. Platinum Medallions can choose to gift Silver Medallion status, and Diamonds can gift Gold status to other flyers. So be nice to friends or family who might be able to give you a hand up into the club.<\/p>\n<p><b>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/ultimate-guide-delta-choice-benefits\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">The ultimate guide to Delta Choice Benefits<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n<h3>Fly private, earn Diamond Medallion status<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6796875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/04\/Family-Exterior-scaled.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/04\/Family-Exterior-scaled.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/04\/Family-Exterior-scaled.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/04\/Family-Exterior-scaled.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/04\/Family-Exterior-scaled.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/04\/Family-Exterior-scaled.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/04\/Family-Exterior-scaled.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/04\/Family-Exterior-scaled.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/04\/Family-Exterior-scaled.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">WHEELS UP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Delta has a partnership with <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/wheels-up\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Wheels Up<\/a>, a private jet subscription service. Historically, if you fund a WheelsUp account with $50,000 or more, you&#8217;ll receive automatic Delta elite status.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, this is not the cheapest option for earning Delta elite status. However, if you or your business use the service anyway, it might be a good option to bypass all the other requirements and go straight to the top.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/affordable-private-jets\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The 8 cheapest ways to get the private jet experience<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Book an award ticket<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:64.33333333333333%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/01\/Delta-Air-Lines-Airbus-A350-in-Sydney.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/01\/Delta-Air-Lines-Airbus-A350-in-Sydney.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/01\/Delta-Air-Lines-Airbus-A350-in-Sydney.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/01\/Delta-Air-Lines-Airbus-A350-in-Sydney.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/01\/Delta-Air-Lines-Airbus-A350-in-Sydney.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/01\/Delta-Air-Lines-Airbus-A350-in-Sydney.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/01\/Delta-Air-Lines-Airbus-A350-in-Sydney.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/01\/Delta-Air-Lines-Airbus-A350-in-Sydney.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/01\/Delta-Air-Lines-Airbus-A350-in-Sydney.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">JAMES D. MORGAN\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One of the best changes to the Delta SkyMiles program in recent years is that award tickets booked in Main Cabin or higher now earn MQDs and MQMs. This was originally <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/delta-medallion-status-fast-track-2022\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">introduced as a temporary benefit in 2021<\/a> but later <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/delta-medallion-earn-awards\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">became a permanent benefit of the program<\/a>. This can make earning status much cheaper.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a stash of SkyMiles sitting in your account, consider <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/how-to-redeem-delta-skymiles\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">redeeming them<\/a> to close the gap to your desired elite status tier. This could save you money and make elite status as simple as booking a single award flight to your destination of choice.<\/p>\n<p>And remember that holders of select Delta American Express cards automatically receive <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/delta-credit-card-award-discount\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">15% off Delta-operated award tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>However, there is one major exception to keep in mind: Only Delta-ticketed and operated award tickets earn elite status metrics. Using <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/points-program\/flying-blue\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Air France-KLM Flying Blue<\/a> miles to book an award ticket, for example, won&#8217;t earn elite status, even if you add your SkyMiles number to the itinerary. Likewise, booking a Virgin Atlantic ticket with SkyMiles won&#8217;t earn elite status.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/ultimate-guide-delta-skymiles\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Your complete guide to the Delta SkyMiles program<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Partner MQM and MQD earning<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/09\/Planes-Los-Angeles-LAX-Zach-Griff-70.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/09\/Planes-Los-Angeles-LAX-Zach-Griff-70.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/09\/Planes-Los-Angeles-LAX-Zach-Griff-70.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/09\/Planes-Los-Angeles-LAX-Zach-Griff-70.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/09\/Planes-Los-Angeles-LAX-Zach-Griff-70.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/09\/Planes-Los-Angeles-LAX-Zach-Griff-70.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/09\/Planes-Los-Angeles-LAX-Zach-Griff-70.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/09\/Planes-Los-Angeles-LAX-Zach-Griff-70.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/09\/Planes-Los-Angeles-LAX-Zach-Griff-70.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">ZACH GRIFF\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Since achieving elite status this year requires earning both elite-qualifying miles or segments <em>and <\/em>hitting spending thresholds, mileage runs are not necessarily the useful tool toward qualifying they once were if you&#8217;re flying on Delta metal.<\/p>\n<p>But on the bright side, you can still <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/mqd-with-delta-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">leverage partner fares to earn MQDs quickly<\/a>. This is because these flights earn MQDs based on a percentage of the distance of the flight, not how much you spend.<\/p>\n<p>If you go that route, know the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.delta.com\/content\/www\/en_US\/skymiles\/how-to-earn-miles\/airline-partners.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">earning rates<\/a> for the specific carrier and fare class you purchase, and note that <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/delta-skymiles-changes-mqd-devaluation\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">many are being devalued<\/a> next year. As a result, you&#8217;ll want to complete these flights by Dec. 31, 2023 \u2014 and then keep your boarding passes and flight confirmations to ensure they&#8217;re credited properly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/audit-your-loyalty-accounts\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">How (and why) you should regularly audit your loyalty accounts<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"bottom-line\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">Bottom line<\/h2>\n<p>Even though the year is coming to a close, there&#8217;s still time to level up to the next tier of Delta Medallion elite status.<\/p>\n<p>The most important thing is to know where you stand now and how short you&#8217;ll be after accounting for the rest of your planned travel for this year. Once you figure out how many extra MQMs or MQDs you need, you can use these strategies to ensure you earn your desired elite tier for next year \u2014 especially since 2023 is the final year of qualifying with MQMs and MQSs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/earning-delta-elite-status\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With just two months left in 2023, time is running out to qualify (or requalify) for Delta elite status. If you haven&#8217;t done so already, check your elite qualification metrics, tally up your travel for the rest of the year and see where that puts you in terms of elite status for next year. If [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":50801,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-50800","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-travel"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50800","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50800"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50800\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50801"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50800"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50800"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50800"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}