Delta Air Lines is one of the major airlines of the United States, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights, serving more than 300 destinations in over 50 countries. Known for its commitment to customer service and innovative approaches to air travel, Delta is a key player in the global aviation industry.
Delta’s SkyMiles program is a loyalty program designed to reward frequent flyers with miles that can be redeemed for various benefits, including free flights, upgrades, and other travel-related perks. SkyMiles never expire, making it a valuable program for both occasional travelers and frequent flyers.
To advance through the Medallion Status tiers, members must earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs), along with Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). The requirements for each tier are as follows:
- Silver Medallion: $5,000 MQDs
- Gold Medallion: $10,000 MQDs
- Platinum Medallion: $15,000 MQDs
- Diamond Medallion: $28,000 MQDs
Benefits of SkyMiles Program
| Benefits | Silver | Gold | Platinum | Diamond |
| Priority Boarding | Main Cabin 1 | Sky Priority | Sky Priority | Sky Priority |
| Complimentary Upgrades | Unlimited (Day of Departure) | Unlimited (3 days prior) | Unlimited (5 days prior) | Unlimited (5 days prior) |
| Checked Baggage Allowance | First checked bag free | First checked bag free | First checked bag free | First checked bag free |
| Priority Check-In | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Priority Security | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Priority Baggage Handling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Delta Sky Club Access | Discounted rate | Discounted rate | Discounted rate | Complimentary (with same-day ticket) |
| Waived Same-Day Change Fees | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Award Ticket Fees Waived | X | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medallion Status with Partners | SkyTeam Elite | SkyTeam Elite | SkyTeam Elite Plus | SkyTeam Elite Plus |
| Dedicated Support Line | X | X | Yes | Yes |
| Mileage Bonus | 7 miles per dollar spent | 8 miles per dollar spent | 9 miles per dollar spent | 11 miles per dollar spent |
| Complimentary Preferred Seats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Clear Membership | Discounted rate | Discounted rate | Discounted rate | Complimentary |
| Companion Certificates | X | X | Annual Companion Certificate (Main Cabin) | Annual Companion Certificate (Domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin) |
| Rollover MQMs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Choice Benefits | X | X | Choice of one benefit | Choice of three benefits |
Notes:
Choice Benefits: For Platinum and Diamond members, Choice Benefits include options such as Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates, bonus miles, gift Medallion Status, and more.
Priority Boarding: Main Cabin 1 refers to boarding before general boarding; Sky Priority is an elevated boarding group.
Complimentary Upgrades: Upgrades to First Class, Delta Comfort+, and Delta One (where available) are subject to availability and may vary by route and fare class.
Rollover MQMs: MQMs earned above your tier qualification requirements roll over to the next year.
SkyMiles Partners and SkyTeam Alliance
Delta Air Lines is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, a global airline network that offers members access to a wide range of destinations and benefits through its partners. Key aspects include:
- Global Reach: SkyTeam connects over 1,000 destinations in more than 170 countries, offering extensive travel options for SkyMiles members.
- Partner Airlines: Delta’s SkyMiles can be earned and redeemed on SkyTeam member airlines, including Air France, KLM, Korean Air, and Aeromexico, among others. This provides greater flexibility and more opportunities to accumulate and use miles.
- Reciprocal Benefits: SkyMiles members enjoy reciprocal elite benefits when flying with SkyTeam partners, such as priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and access to lounges.
- Joint Ventures: Delta has joint ventures with several SkyTeam members, enhancing cooperation and offering seamless travel experiences. These include transatlantic joint ventures with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic, as well as transpacific joint ventures with Korean Air.
Points Calculation
Domestic Flights (Within the United States)
| Fare Class | Base Miles Earned | Medallion Status Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 5 miles per dollar spent | Silver: 7 miles per dollar spent |
| Gold: 8 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Platinum: 9 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Diamond: 11 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Premium Economy | 5 miles per dollar spent | Silver: 7 miles per dollar spent |
| (Delta Comfort+) | Gold: 8 miles per dollar spent | |
| Platinum: 9 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Diamond: 11 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Business Class | 5 miles per dollar spent | Silver: 7 miles per dollar spent |
| Gold: 8 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Platinum: 9 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Diamond: 11 miles per dollar spent | ||
| First Class | 5 miles per dollar spent | Silver: 7 miles per dollar spent |
| Gold: 8 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Platinum: 9 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Diamond: 11 miles per dollar spent |
International Flights
| Fare Class | Base Miles Earned | Medallion Status Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 5 miles per dollar spent | Silver: 7 miles per dollar spent |
| Gold: 8 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Platinum: 9 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Diamond: 11 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Premium Economy | 5 miles per dollar spent | Silver: 7 miles per dollar spent |
| (Delta Premium Select) | Gold: 8 miles per dollar spent | |
| Platinum: 9 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Diamond: 11 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Business Class | 5 miles per dollar spent | Silver: 7 miles per dollar spent |
| Gold: 8 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Platinum: 9 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Diamond: 11 miles per dollar spent | ||
| First Class | 5 miles per dollar spent | Silver: 7 miles per dollar spent |
| Gold: 8 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Platinum: 9 miles per dollar spent | ||
| Diamond: 11 miles per dollar spent |
Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs)
MQMs are earned based on the distance flown and fare class multiplier:
| Fare Class | MQMs Earned |
|---|---|
| Economy | 100% of distance flown |
| Premium Economy | 110% of distance flown |
| Business Class | 150% of distance flown |
| First Class | 200% of distance flown |
Example Calculations
- Domestic Economy Flight (Atlanta to Los Angeles):
- Distance: ~1,945 miles
- Fare: $300
- Base Miles Earned: $300 x 5 = 1,500 miles
- MQMs Earned: 1,945 miles
- International Business Class Flight (New York to London):
- Distance: ~3,450 miles
- Fare: $2,500
- Base Miles Earned: $2,500 x 5 = 12,500 miles
- MQMs Earned: 3,450 miles x 1.5 = 5,175 MQMs
Medallion Status Bonuses
Members earn additional miles based on their Medallion Status:
- Silver Medallion: 40% bonus miles
- Gold Medallion: 60% bonus miles
- Platinum Medallion: 80% bonus miles
- Diamond Medallion: 120% bonus miles
Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles program is a comprehensive and rewarding loyalty program that offers significant benefits to its members. Whether you are a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, the program’s flexible earning and redemption options, along with the advantages of Medallion Status and access to the SkyTeam alliance, make it a valuable asset for enhancing your travel experience.