Guide To Delta SkyMiles Medallion Elite Status Match & Challenge

Can you clarify something for me. Is my understanding correct that if $1 spent = 1 MQD. That all you have to do is purchase a business class ticket for >= $3,750 and you have met the requirements? That seems too easy.

@ justindev -- That's correct, except taxes and airport fees don't count toward the total.

Unfortunately, DL has devalued medallion status to the point that IMO it's not worth pursuing de novo. I'm keeping my Platinum for now (since I'm just about to hit 1MM), but after that I'll be much more of a free agent.

Agree --- very few benefits whatsoever, with the only real one being more miles being earned at higher status levels... miles that can then be applied towards an already lower-value programme. Meh.

A small but important clarification regarding qualification here:

You say: "You’re not eligible if you’ve otherwise requested a status challenge in the past three years."

In fact, it's a bit more complicated and not one-size-fits-all. Per Delta's website, you're not eligible if you requested OR successfully completed a challenge "in 2023, 2024, or 2025."

For anyone who requested a challenge in the last few months of 2022 and successfully completed it on or after January 1, 2023, this means they must wait until January 1, 2027 to apply again (assuming current rules apply again a year from now).

Case in point: me. I applied in November 2022, and successfully matched to Platinum on January 2, 2023, which means I'm locked out until 2027 by those two days, meaning a 4-year waiting period, not 3.

I’ll probably do this challenge and time it with the 1-2x a year Hotels promotion. If AA is not going to fly planes with extra legroom economy across the Atlantic, it’s time to diversify (well, rediversify back to Delta in my case). Easy way to pick up Delta Plat.

If you are currently a Silver or Gold Medallion member , can you sign up for a Platinum challenge or are current lower tier members ineligible? Thanks for any information.

What fool would ever want a Delta elite status anymore. Diamond is worthless, Delta skylines have the lowest value of any airline. Having and using a Delta brand card is for fools. ONLY have amd use chase sapphire and cap 1 venture x. Numerous transfer partners and 10x benefits.

And if you pay for it with the Delta Amex Reserve card, you also get an additional 10% MQD's on purchases so an additional 375 MQD's.