Using miles while maintaining Medallion qualification
Dec 7, 2016, 7:09 am
#1
formerly oyalkut
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: New York
Programs: Delta SM
Posts: 89
Using miles while maintaining Medallion qualification
I want to make sure I understand correctly the specifics of earning MQM/MQD:
1) If I fly and pay $$ for my ticket, I would earn both.
2) If I book my ticket with miles, I would get neither.
3) If I book via "pay with miles" to knock off a few hundred $$ off the price, would I get a credit for the same MQM's as in scenario 1, or would it be reduced? I'm assuming MQD would be only for what was actually paid in $$.
If you looking to earn/keep a medallion, what is the best strategy of utilizing miles? Or is it best to only use miles to book fares for your spouse/child, and pay $$ for your own ticket?
Thanks!
1) If I fly and pay $$ for my ticket, I would earn both.
2) If I book my ticket with miles, I would get neither.
3) If I book via "pay with miles" to knock off a few hundred $$ off the price, would I get a credit for the same MQM's as in scenario 1, or would it be reduced? I'm assuming MQD would be only for what was actually paid in $$.
If you looking to earn/keep a medallion, what is the best strategy of utilizing miles? Or is it best to only use miles to book fares for your spouse/child, and pay $$ for your own ticket?
Thanks!
Dec 7, 2016, 7:10 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,040
I want to make sure I understand correctly the specifics of earning MQM/MQD:
1) If I fly and pay $$ for my ticket, I would earn both.
2) If I book my ticket with miles, I would get neither.
3) If I book via "pay with miles" to knock off a few hundred $$ off the price, would I get a credit for the same MQM's as in scenario 1, or would it be reduced? I'm assuming MQD would be only for what was actually paid in $$.
If you looking to earn/keep a medallion, what is the best strategy of utilizing miles? Or is it best to only use miles to book fares for your spouse/child, and pay $$ for your own ticket?
Thanks!
1) If I fly and pay $$ for my ticket, I would earn both.
2) If I book my ticket with miles, I would get neither.
3) If I book via "pay with miles" to knock off a few hundred $$ off the price, would I get a credit for the same MQM's as in scenario 1, or would it be reduced? I'm assuming MQD would be only for what was actually paid in $$.
If you looking to earn/keep a medallion, what is the best strategy of utilizing miles? Or is it best to only use miles to book fares for your spouse/child, and pay $$ for your own ticket?
Thanks!
Dec 7, 2016, 7:43 am
#3
formerly oyalkut
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: New York
Programs: Delta SM
Posts: 89
Thanks! I figured as much. Unfortunately this revelation came to me after I already paid for 4 of my upcoming flights with miles. Hopefully schedule changes will allow me to cancel/re-book better.
Still would love to know the answer to my #3 scenario above
Dec 7, 2016, 7:54 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,040
Yes PWM get normal MQM credit. Reduced RDM/MQD based on actual payment.
Dec 7, 2016, 8:19 am
#5
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Wayne, PA USA
Programs: DL MM, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, HHonors Gold
Posts: 7,242
There are scenarios where PWM can actually be a good deal, particularly at the end of the year, if you're short a significant number of MQMs, good on MQDs, looking to hit PM or DM and can find a "reasonable" D1 fare (important to note that, to use PWM, ALL flights in the itinera MUST be on DL metal with DL codes).
Dec 7, 2016, 9:10 am
#6
formerly oyalkut
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: New York
Programs: Delta SM
Posts: 89
Thanks!!!
There are scenarios where PWM can actually be a good deal, particularly at the end of the year, if you're short a significant number of MQMs, good on MQDs, looking to hit PM or DM and can find a "reasonable" D1 fare (important to note that, to use PWM, ALL flights in the itinera MUST be on DL metal with DL codes).
I'm generally good on MQDs with the CC waiver, so thinking this would be useful for upgrades.
For example, my common route is LGA-FLL. Flight next week is $147 one way in the main cabin, but $238 in FC. I would not pay extra ~$100 for FC on a 2 hr flight, but I would be willing to pay that difference in miles. So thinking a partial PWM is probably the best way to do it going forward. Just wanted to make sure this wont cause me to lose MQMs that I need to keep up with the medallion.
Dec 7, 2016, 9:27 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, Marriott Plat, Hertz Pres
Posts: 3,649
I want to make sure I understand correctly the specifics of earning MQM/MQD:
1) If I fly and pay $$ for my ticket, I would earn both.
2) If I book my ticket with miles, I would get neither.
3) If I book via "pay with miles" to knock off a few hundred $$ off the price, would I get a credit for the same MQM's as in scenario 1, or would it be reduced? I'm assuming MQD would be only for what was actually paid in $$.
If you looking to earn/keep a medallion, what is the best strategy of utilizing miles? Or is it best to only use miles to book fares for your spouse/child, and pay $$ for your own ticket?
Thanks!
1) If I fly and pay $$ for my ticket, I would earn both.
2) If I book my ticket with miles, I would get neither.
3) If I book via "pay with miles" to knock off a few hundred $$ off the price, would I get a credit for the same MQM's as in scenario 1, or would it be reduced? I'm assuming MQD would be only for what was actually paid in $$.
If you looking to earn/keep a medallion, what is the best strategy of utilizing miles? Or is it best to only use miles to book fares for your spouse/child, and pay $$ for your own ticket?
Thanks!
Dec 7, 2016, 9:46 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: CT
Programs: DL DM 2MM, MR LTT, Hilton D, Hertz PC. National Emerald Exec, UA Silver(thanks to Marriott)
Posts: 2,026
There was a time also when you used PWM and the amount of miles was more that the base fare you didn't get MQM's either. So if a fare was $400 and $51 is taxes and you used 35000 miles you got no MQM's.
I don't know if that is still true.
I don't know if that is still true.
Dec 7, 2016, 9:53 am
#9
formerly oyalkut
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: New York
Programs: Delta SM
Posts: 89
Good to know. the whole point is to retain MQM's so I'll have to be careful to use miles only for the base fare portion
Dec 7, 2016, 10:29 am
#10
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: ATL
Programs: SPG, DL
Posts: 307
I've used PWM several times with the wife for the difference between coach and first.
Dec 7, 2016, 11:26 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
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Dec 7, 2016, 12:41 pm
#12
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Dec 7, 2016, 2:32 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NYC
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Dec 7, 2016, 4:03 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Flying to a boat
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