Delta backtracks on some elite status and lounge access changes, improves Million Miler status

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with details about bonus Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQD) for eligible Delta credit card holders.

In an email to Delta SkyMiles members, Delta CEO Ed Bastian told customers that the Atlanta-based airline will tweak many of the negative elite status and lounge access changes it announced last month.

These new tweaks include lowering the previously announced Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) requirements for earning elite status, adding more lounge access passes to select credit cards and adding a new Rollover MQM conversion option. Plus, select Delta credit card holders will receive an MQD bonus every year they keep their card open.

These updates come just weeks after Delta announced sweeping changes to its SkyMiles loyalty program. These changes are set to to significantly cut lounge access for Delta credit card holders and change how Medallion elite status is earned in 2025.

Let’s take a closer look at Delta’s most recent announcement and how it will impact the airline’s frequent flyers.

Lower MQD thresholds for elite status

One change that shocked the Delta frequent flyer world was the massive increase in MQD requirements for the 2025 status year. For example, the airline originally announced Diamond Medallion would require $35,000 MQD to earn for 2025, up from $20,000 MQD for 2024.

MQDs are earned based on how much you spend on a Delta flight before taxes. So, a flight that costs $500 before taxes earns $500 MQD. The airline also announced that SkyMiles members will be able to earn MQD when booking vacation packages, rental cars and hotels through Delta, and when spending on Delta credit cards starting January 1, 2024.

Today, Delta updated MQD requirements for the 2025 status year. Here’s the breakdown:

That said, the airline has not backtracked on making MQD the sole metric for qualifying for elite status. Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQM) and Medallion Qualifying Segments (MQS) will still go away for the 2025 status year.

And while these MQD requirements are still higher than the 2024 status year, they’re significantly lower than what the airline announced last month. This should make it a lot easier compared to what Delta originally announced, especially when combined with credit card spending.

For reference, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card will earn $1 MQD per $20 spent. Meanwhile, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card will earn $1 MQD per $10 spent.

More lounge access for Delta Reserve and Amex Platinum card holders

Last month, the airline also announced major cuts to Sky Club airport lounge access for the Delta Reserve, Delta Business Reserve, The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express starting January 1, 2025.

While there will still be restrictions on Sky Club access for these card holders, Delta has increased the number of lounge passes these card members get per year. In addition, lounge passes will be valid for 24-hours, so card holders can visit multiple lounges on one pass.

Bastian’s email to Delta SkyMiles members states that Delta Reserve and Delta Business Reserve card holders will get 15 day passes to Sky Clubs per year, up from the 10 passes originally announced.

Additionally, a Delta spokesperson confirmed to CNN Underscored that Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum will receive 10 day passes per year, up from 6 passes per year.

Card holders who run out of day passes can purchase extra passes for $50 per day. And as announced last month, these card holders can unlock unlimited access by spending $75,000 on their card in a single calendar year.

Extend elite status with Rollover MQMs

Delta is also making a big (and overwhelmingly positive) change to Rollover MQM options.

For some background, the airline has historically rolled over any excess MQM a Medallion member had over their earned elite status tier to the next year. For example, if a Diamond Medallion ended the year with 150,000 MQM, they would start the next year with 25,000 MQM since Diamond has historically required earning 125,000 MQM per year.

Last month, Delta announced it would let Medallion elites convert excess MQM to either SkyMiles or MQD. This is still going to be the case, but the airline introduced one more option: status extensions.

Medallion members can extend their 2024 elite status for another year for 100,000 MQM. This can be done multiple times, meaning 500,000 MQM would extend status for five years.

Further, you can choose to convert part of your Rollover MQM to redeemable miles and part to status extensions. So if you end the year with 250,000 Rollover MQM, you can choose to extend your status for two years and convert the rest to SkyMiles at a 2:1 ratio, giving you 25,000 SkyMiles.

This is a great change for Delta elites, as it will make maintaining status far easier for those with large MQM balances.

Million Miler status upgraded across the board

Delta’s Million Milers receive lifetime elite status for every million miles they fly — and these members are getting a big upgrade. Today, Delta also announced that it’s upgrading Million Miler status levels, effective February 1, 2024.

Here’s a look at the new Million Miler lifetime status levels:

This is a huge perk for Million Milers, as all levels are getting a big upgrade. It’s also a first for Delta since it’s never offered its invite-only Delta 360°™ tier to Million Miler elites.

Updated Choice Benefit options

Finally, a Delta spokesperson told CNN Underscored that the airline will introduce improved Choice Benefits for the 2025 status year.

For reference, Platinum and Diamond Medallion members earn these annually upon qualification, with Platinums getting one Choice Benefit and Diamonds getting three additional Choice Benefits.

Here’s a look at new Choice Benefits that will be available for the 2025 status year. These will be offered in addition to existing Choice Benefits like Regional and Global Upgrade Certificates.

Again, this is a positive change for Delta elites. No existing benefits will be removed, but Platinum and Diamond Medallions will have an enhanced selection of Choice Benefits to pick from next year.

MQD head start for some Delta credit card holders

In addition to these changes, an American Express spokesperson told CNN Underscored that SkyMiles members with a Delta Reserve, Delta Business Reserve, Delta Platinum or Delta Business Platinum will receive a $2,500 MQD head start per card type starting February 1, 2024.

This is a substantial boost toward Medallion elite status as it gets card members half-way to Silver Medallion status right out of the gate. This benefit isn’t a one-time bonus either — it will apply every year the card is open.

Bottom line

Today, Delta announced major tweaks to the Medallion elite status and Sky Club lounge access changes it announced last month.

While the changes are still overwhelmingly negative, this update will make it easier for Delta frequent flyers to earn or maintain status for years to come. Plus, Million Milers will appreciate upgraded lifetime Medallion status, especially at the upper tiers.

These changes also soften the blow for Amex Platinum and Delta Reserve card holders who are losing unlimited lounge access in early 2025. Both cards will receive more lounge passes than originally announced and passes can be used to visit multiple lounges during a single 24-hour period.

Looking for a new travel credit card? Check out CNN Underscored’s list of the best credit cards currently available.