Within the next hour, you’ll see our official announcement of the changes we’re making to how you qualify for status in the Medallion program for 2015. We know you got a head start yesterday which is no surprise - you are some of our most passionate and engaged customers. We felt it was important to publish the details well in advance so you can plan your travel.
First, it’s true that we’re introducing a new requirement for earning status on Delta for US-based SkyMiles members. Starting January 1, 2014, Medallion status will be earned with MQMs or MQSs
and a new threshold – Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). MQDs will be paired with our existing MQM/MQS requirements at each tier level and will include base fare and applicable surcharges (excluding taxes and fees) to qualify for each level.
Silver Medallion – you will need 25,000 MQMs or 30 MQSs and $2,500 MQDs
Gold Medallion – you will need 50,000 MQMs or 60 MQSs and $5,000 MQDs
Platinum Medallion – you will need 75,000 MQMs or 100 MQSs and $7,500 MQDs
Diamond Medallion – you will need 125,000 MQMs or 140 MQSs and $12,500 MQDs
If you have a U.S. Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express you will have the new MQDs requirement waived each year you make $25,000 in eligible purchases using your card.
Second, starting March 1, 2013 we are changing a few of the MQM bonus levels on certain fares. F and J class fares will increase to a 100% MQM bonus and M class fares will no longer receive an MQM bonus. Y and B fares will remain at the current level, receiving a 50% MQM bonus. This change will go into effect for Delta-marketed flights for any purchases on or after March 1 and for OA with travel flown on or after March 1, 2013.
These changes will not change the way your redeemable SkyMiles (for Award Travel, etc.) are counted or redeemed.
Today is just the first time you’ll be hearing from us about these changes as we’ll continue updating you with information through email and on
delta.com until the new requirements are in place. We’ll also be keeping an eye on the conversations here on FT.
I’ll be back to respond to the common questions from the community in the coming days.