Delta SkyMiles has just launched a promotion whereby hotel stays and rental cars can count toward elite status for a limited time. This is the third time this year that Delta has offered such a promotion, so it sure seems like this could eventually become a permanent thing…
In this post:
Delta SkyMiles awarding MQDs for hotels & rental cars
Just about all major airlines have portals through which you can earn bonus miles for booking hotels and rental cars. After all, there are commissions to be made on this, and those who fly a lot are also likely to stay at hotels and rent cars a lot.
Historically Delta SkyMiles has only awarded redeemable miles for these kinds of activities, but that’s changing for a limited time. At the moment, Delta SkyMiles is offering one Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) for every dollar spent when booking a hotel or rental car at this link, in addition to earning two redeemable miles. As you’d expect, there are some terms to be aware of:
- You must book hotel and rental car reservations between August 19 and September 30, 2024
- You must travel by October 31, 2024
- You earn one MQD per dollar spent on base rates for hotels and rental cars, before taxes, fees, etc.
- The SkyMiles account and credit card being used must belong to the same person, and the first and last name must match
- It can take up to eight weeks after a completed activity for MQDs to post to accounts
It’s important to mention that while earning miles and even elite status for a hotel or rental car booking might sound appealing, keep in mind that there’s typically an opportunity cost to doing so. For example, with hotels you can’t earn hotel points if you book this way, and you typically don’t get elite perks. Furthermore, you’ll often find better rates elsewhere.
This is an interesting promotion from Delta SkyMiles
Keep in mind that the Delta SkyMiles program has been totally overhauled as of 2024. New as of this year, status is based exclusively on how many Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) you rack up, and status requires anywhere from 5,000 MQDs to 28,000 MQDs in a calendar year.
There are three ways you can earn MQDs:
- You earn one MQD per dollar spent on Delta flights
- You earn one MQD per dollar spent on vacations booked through Delta Vacations
- You earn one MQD per every $10-20 spent on an eligible Delta Amex card, depending on which product it is
When Delta first announced changes to the SkyMiles program, the plan was for hotel and rental car bookings to count toward elite status as well. However, after a lot of backlash over the new program, the elite requirements were lowered, and hotel and rental cars were also eliminated as a way to earn status.
So it’s interesting to see Delta now offering MQDs on a limited time basis for hotel and rental car bookings, and this is even the third time this year we’ve seen such a promotion.
It’s smart for Delta to incentive this kind of business, since this is pure profit for Delta. The company is getting a commission on these bookings, and is just giving a small kickback to people who book this way.
I’m just confused by the concept of now offering a limited time promotion for the third time, rather than making it a permanent feature. Is Delta not seeing as many people qualifying for status as the airline was hoping, or is the airline keeping it limited time to avoid backlash over the elite status changes?
Bottom line
Delta SkyMiles has brought back a promotion whereby you can earn MQDs for hotels and rental cars booked through the carrier’s portal. For a limited time, you can earn one MQD per dollar spent, in addition to the standard two redeemable miles you earn per dollar spent.
Delta has transformed its SkyMiles program as of 2024, and initially the plan was that these kinds of travel arrangements would permanently count toward status. However, the carrier backtracked, and is now just offering this on a limited time basis (though on three separate occasions this year alone).
What do you make of this Delta SkyMiles promotion?
I am currently a diamond medallion member, but I would not recommend utilizing this program unless you have a LOT of time on your hands. I thought that this was an interesting option earlier this year and took advantage of it during the other two windows of time where the program was available. However, I have only been credited $676 that I can find. I am missing $3338 by my records with bookings back in...
I am currently a diamond medallion member, but I would not recommend utilizing this program unless you have a LOT of time on your hands. I thought that this was an interesting option earlier this year and took advantage of it during the other two windows of time where the program was available. However, I have only been credited $676 that I can find. I am missing $3338 by my records with bookings back in March that have not been credited. I have many hours invested in tracking this in a spreadsheet, many phone calls into the diamond medallion line dating back to May 19th, and have attached my spreadsheet in a complaint launched from the delta portal. No one from Delta has cared enough to respond. It appears to be more trouble than it is worth, at least to me. Your mileage may vary…
Thanks for taking time to post. I was intrigued by the article. No Thanks. Not worth that hassle.
Since it's all about revenue now and not about flying: what exactly is the benefit of being a Delta "Elite"? I don't mind flying Delta One if the price is right but why would I want to care about elite status with this airline? Their miles are almost worthless and so many other carriers to redeem flights with.
If anything US airlines have driven me to being a free agent. So little promos like this...
Since it's all about revenue now and not about flying: what exactly is the benefit of being a Delta "Elite"? I don't mind flying Delta One if the price is right but why would I want to care about elite status with this airline? Their miles are almost worthless and so many other carriers to redeem flights with.
If anything US airlines have driven me to being a free agent. So little promos like this don't seem worthwhile following or participating in as the return on that investment is unclear. I'd rather earn Hyatt status, points and benefits rather than loose those perks chasing a few MQD.
While it is good that Delta is dipping its toe in the water again, it does not benefit the seasoned traveler who plans travel and secures flights and hotel space well in advance. Unless and until this becomes permanent, it ain't happening for me.
It doesn't look beneficial for seasoned travelers, but I can picture a use case where someone might want to earn just enough extra points to achieve status.
Plus (here in the United States) it might be an effective marketing tool for appealing to those soon-to-be-traveling sports fans who will be attending Major League Baseball playoff games (which generally run through the entire month of October and involves 12 teams, none whom have clinched the playoffs...
It doesn't look beneficial for seasoned travelers, but I can picture a use case where someone might want to earn just enough extra points to achieve status.
Plus (here in the United States) it might be an effective marketing tool for appealing to those soon-to-be-traveling sports fans who will be attending Major League Baseball playoff games (which generally run through the entire month of October and involves 12 teams, none whom have clinched the playoffs yet). Perhaps there are fans who haven't booked flights for their teams' potential games.
Same might apply for Major League Soccer and their early playoff games in October.