EQM's, MQM's or butt in seat= bis miles are aquired by flying on a paid ticket. Though Delta/Amex have a relationship with some of their cards were you can earn MQM's and waive MQD's. Delta and UA besides flying 25,000 miles you have to spend $2,500 on tickets excluding taxes and fees to make lowest tier. Also I beleive it's Delta and UA again who have hotel programs you can earn 150-250 EQM's per stay at certain brands of hotels. Good luck with figuring it all out even some of us who have been flying for years are having trouble this year with all the new requirements. Life is not getting easier lol. Hope this helped a little instead of confusing you.