1хDelta Airlines recent changes inch this frequent flier program ever closer to ticket volume discount program

Earlier this year, Delta Airlines followed in American Airlines footsteps and changed some of the core principles of its program.  The changes don't seem all that monumental at first glance, but like American these changes are designed to change the DNA of a frequent flyer program as we know it.  Both programs made changes in response to encroaching of super cards (see credit card reward programs tab on wikimiles.com) which have been offering better value and  much better flexibility then legacy airline programs.

Here is a summary of the latest changes at SkyMiles.

Delta Air Lines has just implemented permanent changes to its SkyMiles loyalty program, making it easier for passengers to earn elite status and enjoy valuable perks!

Before the pandemic, elite status-qualifying credits could only be earned when a flyer pays for flights in cash. But after March 31, 2022, the airline allowed flyers to earn elite-qualifying credits from redeeming miles for award travel.

To understand the changes and how this benefits a customer, let’s dive deep into the basics of the Delta SkyMiles program… 

There are two different types of miles: SkyMiles and Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs). 

SkyMiles are redeemable miles that can be used to get free flights, while Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) are non-redeemable miles but are accumulated by flyers to be eligible for elite status.

SkyMiles can get you to travel nearly for free, while MQMs—together with other metrics such as Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) and Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs)—can earn you an elite status on Delta.

Before the change, award flights from redeemed SkyMiles couldn’t earn MQMs, MQDs, or MQSs (credits that lead to elite status). These credits could only be attained when a flight is paid for in cash. 

However, since the COVID-19 pandemic put a downturn in travel, Delta Air Lines temporarily waived that rule and allowed flyers to earn the elite-qualifying credits from award travel. Now, the airline has decided to make it permanent. 

As long as the flight isn’t in basic economy ticket, flyers can now earn miles, segments, or dollars needed for elite status even if they’re flying on an award ticket.

To earn elite status with Delta, you’ll need to meet minimum MQD requirements plus MQM or MQS requirements. An MQD waiver earned from credit card spending will fulfill the MQD requirement. All the criteria must be completed within a calendar year.

Delta Medallion Status = MQM or MQS + MQD

The SkyMiles member (whose name and SkyMiles number are on the ticket) earns the MQMs, MQSs, and MQDs regardless of who purchased the ticket.

Flyers can also earn bonus MQMs based on the ticket's fare class. For full fare first and business class tickets, flyers can earn a 100% bonus and a 50% bonus for discounted first class, Delta Premium Select, business, and premium main cabin tickets.

Delta flyers can also earn redeemable SkyMiles through a number of the airline’s credit cards. Here’s a recap of their credit card offers.

Delta members can use their SkyMiles in a variety of ways. By being able to earn elite-qualifying credits on award flights, flyers can now easily attain elite status and enjoy all the privileges that come with it. 

Our 2 cents

The changes are positive overall.  They continue in the same trajectory of making the programs more flexible, while the trade-off is reducing the value of each mile.  With most recent changes the program in effect became a rebate program offering 5 percent discount to general members going up to 11 percent rebate to those in top tier. After these changes, Delta Skymiles and American AAdvantage should be classified as air co-branded credit card reward programs.

Wikimiles position remains that your best bet is to stick to the super cards.  The only times to actively engage with SkyMiles and Advantage is if you are based in hub fortress city where one of these airlines dominate.  For Delta Skymiles that would be Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis and Salt Lake City.  For American Advantage it is Dallas, Charlotte, Miami.  Even if you are not heavy flyer in those cities still stick with supercards for flexibility.