Delta SkyMiles is one of the most popular frequent flyer programs in the world, offering various tiers of elite status that provide increasing levels of benefits to travelers. The first tier in the Medallion Status hierarchy is Silver Medallion, which offers valuable perks for frequent travelers. This article will explain what Delta SkyMiles Silver Medallion membership is, the requirements to attain it, the benefits it offers, the best ways to achieve this status, and how to earn from partner airlines.
What is Delta SkyMiles Silver Medallion Membership?
Delta SkyMiles Silver Medallion is the entry-level elite status in the Delta Air Lines frequent flyer program. As a Silver Medallion member, you gain access to a range of perks that can enhance your travel experience, making your journeys more comfortable and efficient. Although it is the lowest tier in the Medallion program, Silver Medallion status still provides significant advantages over general SkyMiles membership.
Requirements for Delta SkyMiles Silver Medallion Membership
To become a Delta SkyMiles Silver Medallion member, you need to meet specific requirements within a calendar year:
- Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs): Earn at least 25,000 MQMs. These are miles earned based on distance flown and fare class. Certain premium cabins or higher fare classes earn more MQMs.
- Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs): If you prefer to count segments instead of miles, you need to complete 30 Medallion Qualification Segments. An MQS is a flight segment on Delta or a qualifying partner airline.
- Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs): You must also spend a minimum of $3,000 in Medallion Qualification Dollars. MQDs are based on the amount you spend on Delta flights and certain partner airlines, excluding taxes and fees.
MQD Waiver: If you are a U.S. resident and hold a Delta SkyMiles American Express card, you can waive the MQD requirement for Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medallion Status by spending $25,000 on eligible purchases within the calendar year.
Benefits of Delta SkyMiles Silver Medallion Membership
As a Silver Medallion member, you enjoy several benefits that can make your travel experience more enjoyable:
- Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades: You are eligible for complimentary upgrades to First Class, Delta Comfort+, and Delta One on domestic flights, subject to availability. Upgrades are processed based on availability and Medallion tier.
- Priority Check-In: Access to the SkyPriority check-in lanes, allowing you to skip the regular lines.
- Priority Boarding: You can board earlier with Main Cabin 1, giving you more time to settle in and secure overhead bin space.
- Waived Fees: Your first checked bag is free on Delta flights, saving you money on baggage fees.
- Priority Waitlist: You are given priority on the standby list for flights when your plans change unexpectedly.
- Earn Bonus Miles: Silver Medallion members earn a 7-mile bonus for every dollar spent on Delta flights.
- Partner Airline Benefits: Silver Medallion members can also enjoy benefits when flying with Delta’s SkyTeam partners, such as priority services and baggage handling.
Best Ways to Achieve Delta SkyMiles Silver Medallion Status
Attaining Silver Medallion status can be done more efficiently with a few strategies:
- Leverage MQM Bonuses: Book premium cabin tickets or higher fare classes that offer bonus MQMs. You can earn MQMs faster this way, especially on long-haul flights.
- Use a Delta SkyMiles Credit Card: Holding a Delta SkyMiles American Express card not only helps you earn miles on everyday purchases but also offers the MQD waiver after spending $25,000 in a year. Some cards also provide MQM bonuses when you reach certain spending thresholds.
- Strategically Book Flights: Focus on flying with Delta and its partner airlines to maximize MQM and MQD accumulation. Opt for longer flights to earn more MQMs in a single trip.
- Plan Mileage Runs: If you’re close to reaching Silver Medallion status by the end of the year, consider a mileage run—a trip planned specifically to earn the necessary MQMs or MQSs.
Partner Airlines and How to Earn from Them
Delta Air Lines is part of the SkyTeam alliance, which includes several global airlines. As a Delta SkyMiles member, you can earn miles and MQMs when flying with the following partner airlines:
- Air France-KLM
- Korean Air
- Aeroméxico
- China Eastern Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic (non-SkyTeam partner but still a key partner with Delta)
When booking flights with these partners, make sure to enter your Delta SkyMiles number to earn miles. The number of MQMs and MQDs earned will depend on the fare class and distance flown, similar to Delta-operated flights.
In addition to flying, you can also earn miles through car rentals, hotel stays, and other travel-related purchases with Delta’s non-airline partners.
Delta SkyMiles Silver Medallion status is a valuable entry point into Delta’s elite membership tiers, offering perks that can make your travel more comfortable and enjoyable. By strategically booking flights, leveraging credit card bonuses, and flying with Delta’s partners, you can efficiently earn the required MQMs, MQSs, and MQDs to reach Silver Medallion status. Once attained, the benefits will enhance your travel experience, making every journey smoother and more rewarding.