[Originally posted December 19 2025]
How Delta MQDs Work
Delta now uses MQDs (Medallion Qualification Dollars) as the primary metric for earning elite status.
MQDs reset every calendar year, and only qualifying activity completed within the year counts toward that year’s status.
That timing piece matters — a lot — especially if you’re making last-minute moves.
Delta Medallion Status Tiers
Delta Medallion status is earned purely through MQDs (Medallion Qualification Dollars), and each tier unlocks progressively better perks — though not all tiers are created equal.
1. Flying on Delta (or Partners)
This is the most obvious option.
You earn:
$1 MQD per $1 spent on Delta flights
Taxes and fees do not count
Partner flights can earn MQDs
A few strategic notes:
The flight must be completed this calendar year
MQDs from flights booked for next year will count toward next year
A short, efficient one-way flight can sometimes make sense
Personally, I’ve looked at flying one-way with Delta and then returning on another airline that’s cheaper or more convenient for my Miami hub — instead of forcing a roundtrip just for status.
2. MQD Headstart (My Favorite Shortcut)
This is hands-down the easiest way to make a big dent in your MQD total, but it does come with higher annual fees.
Certain Delta co-branded American Express cards offer an MQD Headstart:
Each eligible card gives you $2,500 MQDs
You can stack up to $10,000 MQDs total
This alone can get you to Gold Delta status without flying
Eligible cards:
Delta Platinum
Delta Reserve
Delta Platinum Business
Delta Reserve Business
Important rules:
You only get one MQD Headstart per card type
Holding both a personal and business version does stack
Two of the same card does not double the benefit
Yes, the annual fees are high ($350 for Platinum, $695 for Reserve), but between Delta Stays credits, Uber, Resy, and companion certificates, many people can offset a big chunk of that cost.
3. MQD Boost (Spending Your Way to Status)
If you’re just a little short, this can be useful — but only strategically.
With a Delta Platinum or Reserve card:
Platinum earns $1 MQD per $20 spent
Reserve earns $1 MQD per $10 spent
If you have both, the Reserve is clearly the faster path.
That said, I generally don’t love putting heavy spend on airline cards because your points are locked into one program. You lose the flexibility you get with transferable points like Amex Membership Rewards.
This is one of the few situations where I’ll say:
👉 Yes, spend on the Delta card — but only with intention.
4. Delta Vacations
Delta Vacations can earn MQDs, but there are a few gotchas.
What counts:
MQDs are earned on the Delta Vacation package (flight + hotel)
Delta Stays (hotel only) do not earn MQDs (unless Delta is running a limited-time promo)
Taxes and fees do not count
Timing matters:
The trip must be completed this year
MQDs can take weeks to post, but if the stay is completed by Dec 31, you should still receive credit for this year’s status-earning.
If you already have a holiday trip planned, packaging it as a Delta Vacation might make sense — just be careful not to overestimate your MQDs.
5. Delta’s “Elevate Your Status” Promo (The Bonus Option)
At the time of writing (December 2025), Delta is running a limited-time Elevate Your Status offer.
For eligible SkyMiles members, within a specific amount of MQDs from the next tier, you can buy the extra MQDs. Eligible bands:
Elevate Your Status allows you to:
Purchase MQDs in 100 MQD increments
Pay $3 per MQD
Minimum spend: $300 for 100 MQDs
My honest take? You’re paying real money for nothing except MQDs.
Yes, the funds support Delta’s sustainable aviation fuel initiatives — but if you follow me, you know I don’t recommend spending money unless you’re getting tangible value in return.
Personally, I’d rather spend on a Delta Amex and get:
MQDs
Credits
Companion certificates
Other perks
But if time matters more than value, this option may still appeal to you.
Is Delta Status Actually Worth It?
This is the most important question.
Silver & Gold
Upgrade lists (but upgrades are rare)
Checked bags
Slightly earlier boarding
Nice, but not game-changing
Platinum
Automatic Comfort+ upgrades (when available)
This alone can meaningfully improve your flying experience
Platinum & Diamond Choice Benefits
This is where things get interesting.
Platinum | Diamond
The biggest value comes from:
Regional Upgrade Certificates
Global Upgrade Certificates
Used correctly, these can turn an economy ticket into a Delta One lie-flat experience, which is where elite status can really pay off.
If you’re new to Platinum, I strongly recommend choosing Regional Upgrade Certificates due to their upside.
Diamond members unlock even more flexibility, including statement credits and Delta Vacations benefits.
Final Thoughts
Not everyone should chase airline status — and that’s okay.
But if you’re already close, using the right strategy can save you:
Money
Time
Stress
If you’re pushing for status this year, I’d love to know:
👉 Which tier are you aiming for, and how are you planning to get there?
And if you want a full walkthrough, I break everything down step by step in the full YouTube video.
See you in the next one ✨✈️
— Rachel