Delta has just announced a new “Reclaim My Status” program, where SkyMiles Medallion members can reclaim their status after a major life event that impacts their travel.
We’ve seen some other airlines introduce similar programs lately, though it typically relates specifically to pregnancy, and also has rigid rules. In Delta’s case, they’re reviewing situations on a case-by-case status.
Delta’s SVP of Customer Engagement and Loyalty had the following to say regarding this new program:
“Getting back into travel after a big change can be stressful, and this is one more way we’re showing Medallion Members that we are here for them when they need it. Loyalty is a two-way street and as a leading consumer brand, we are always looking for new ways to take care of our customers.”
What qualifies for Delta’s “Reclaim My Status” program?
While each situation will be evaluated independently, Delta gives the following examples of major life events that may impact travel:
- Becoming a parent, including maternity, paternity, adoption or foster leave
- Recovering from serious illness
- Sustaining serious injury
- Changing jobs or careers
- Caregiving for a family member
- Getting a degree
- And more
How does Delta’s “Reclaim My Status” program work?
Here’s what you need to know about how this new program works:
- Once a Medallion member is ready to start traveling again, they can submit their request at delta.com/reclaimmystatus
- Delta will generally provide a decision within five business days (but it can take up to two weeks), and if approved, they will automatically and immediately enjoy three months of Medallion status
- Members who meet the minimum travel and spend thresholds for that status tier over a three month period will retain status; for example:
- If a member enrolls on or before Dec. 31, 2019, and meets the thresholds, Medallion Status will be extended through Jan. 31, 2021
- If a member enrolls in Reclaim My Status between Jan. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2020, and meets the thresholds, Medallion Status will be extended through Jan. 31, 2022
Delta isn’t actually fully extending status here, but rather there are strings attached. Delta seems to be offering something similar to their current SkyMiles status challenge for those looking to match from other airlines. The difference is that they’re offering this for all tiers, including Diamond (their status challenge is usually only valid for a maximum of Platinum).
How much do you have to fly to reclaim status with Delta?
With Delta’s “Reclaim My Status” program, you’ll need to earn the following in a three month period to maintain status:
- Silver: 6,250 MQMs or 8 MQSs and 750 MQDs
- Gold: 12,500 MQMs or 15 MQMs and 1,500 MQDs
- Platinum: 18,750 MQMs or 25 MQSs and 2,250 MQDs
- Diamond: 31,250 MQMs or 35 MQSs and 3,750 MQDs
In all cases this is exactly a quarter of the usual status requirement.
Note that you can only take advantage of the offer equal to the status you previously had, at most. So if you were previously Platinum you couldn’t earn Diamond through this. However, if you were previously Platinum and only qualify for Silver through the trial, you could maintain Silver status through this program.
You’re eligible to participate in Reclaim My Status once every three years, though in exceptional cases they may grant it more often.
Bottom line
It’s nice to see Delta create a program like this that’s so open ended. I do feel like they might have a hard time drawing a line here, though. Then again, they’re not offering much more than a status challenge, so it’s not like they’re giving anything away, really.
Well done, Delta.
What do you make of Delta’s new Reclaim My Status program?
My wife and I both applied to the program, we travel together for work and have both been impacted by the same medical incident. I have provided the same documentation to Delta from both of us, however for some reason I was approved for the program while she has not been approved. I have called 4 times and submitted the information that the Skymiles desk keeps telling me that they are missing and still haven’t...
My wife and I both applied to the program, we travel together for work and have both been impacted by the same medical incident. I have provided the same documentation to Delta from both of us, however for some reason I was approved for the program while she has not been approved. I have called 4 times and submitted the information that the Skymiles desk keeps telling me that they are missing and still haven’t gotten her accepted to the program. It’s very frustrating especially because I can not even have a conversation with them directly. The only communication has been indirectly through the Delta desk (the usual 1 800 number), they put me on hold and talk to the Skymiles people then relay the information to me. Poor way to administer the program, kinda subhuman treatment when they wont even get on the phone with you directly to talk to you!
I know I'm not going to fly enough to maintain Medallion status for 2019. Can I book flights for early 2020 now and then submit a request for this so that the flights apply? Or can the flights only apply once I'm approved for the reclaimed status challenge?
I'm working on reclaiming my diamond status with delta. We had a work travel ban pre IPO, in my application I linked to news stories about the IPO. Was approved within a couple of days (although I only realized this when I logged into my account and saw my status had been changed back to diamond - I can't find an email notification anywhere). You do have to track your miles yourself but you get...
I'm working on reclaiming my diamond status with delta. We had a work travel ban pre IPO, in my application I linked to news stories about the IPO. Was approved within a couple of days (although I only realized this when I logged into my account and saw my status had been changed back to diamond - I can't find an email notification anywhere). You do have to track your miles yourself but you get notified each time you hit a new tier (with the below abridged email) and are able to make your choice benefits selection right away.
"You've earned Platinum Medallion® Status through January 31, 2021, with Reclaim My Status.
Enrolled in Reclaim My Status to reach Diamond Medallion Status? Continue flying to meet the thresholds for your tier."
So Delta has been by far my preferred airline and I go out of my way to use them (Ex just booked a Delta Vacation for a Viking Cruise for August) and use the Delta Reserve Amex just to give them more miles. I tried to Reclaim My Status yesterday (Gold back to Platinum which I have been @ 5 years) due to my husband being hospitalized & then diagnosed with Parkinson's last summer which...
So Delta has been by far my preferred airline and I go out of my way to use them (Ex just booked a Delta Vacation for a Viking Cruise for August) and use the Delta Reserve Amex just to give them more miles. I tried to Reclaim My Status yesterday (Gold back to Platinum which I have been @ 5 years) due to my husband being hospitalized & then diagnosed with Parkinson's last summer which caused me to cancel 2 Delta flights (which caused me to miss my Platinum status for 2019). I submitted the Neurologist's diagnosis from his file for the proof, and much to my surprise, I was denied within 8 hours. For the first time in 7 years, I am rethinking my loyalty to Delta as other airlines are more flexible and easier to work with for travel.
I successfully enrolled and moved from Silver back to Platinum. It took a about a week. Really a great perk that Delta offers here. Unfortunately, it seems that the MQM bonus miles you receive after spending $25k with the Delta Amex don’t count towards the MQM requirement...
Also, Do I have to track these miles myself?
Any idea if reclaimed status will come with choice benefits for diamonds and platinums?
UA has had similar policies for a really long time. Don't judge UA before you know their policies.
Any idea if they need to be BIS miles, or would MQMs earned through the DL Amex cards that post during the that quarter count?
@ Matt -- The terms state that MQMs from Delta Amex cards don't qualify, unfortunately.
No thanks Delta I’ll pass with your awful requirements and absurd unknown
costs to redeem for awards that are widely overpriced
450,000 one way to Australia in antiquated mediocre business class?
Sad but laughable
The worst I’ve seen in my lifetime
The good news is they siphon traffic off my preferred airlines
How far back can you go? I was diamond a few years back
@ Shay Peleg -- Under normal circumstances it only applies for the previous year.
The more posts I read, the closer you are to making Delta your airline of choice in the US! Careful! ;-)
Worth noting Alaska has a similar program for parents where they extend your status another year, no meaningful strings attached: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/membership-benefits/elite-leave.
My understanding is that if someone were MVP Gold 75K, had a child right now, and informed Alaska, they'd extend 75K through early 2021.
It seems like Delta actually gives a crap about its passengers/customers, while UA and AA don't.