Originally Posted by
cfischer
this is not calculated by distance. You will need to look at the detailed fare constructions. This is probably correct.
This is true and not true. Depending on the particular thing looking at.
For DL marketed segments, MQD are awarded as a percent of total ticket fare equal to percentage distance of segment is of total miles to be flown on ticket. (Including non-DL marketed)
This means even if fare is exactly same outbound and return, if more miles are to be flown on return (say different hub or extra segment) that you get less MQD on outbound and more MQD on return. It won't be 50/50, rather say 40/60.
IE 1000 miles to be flown over 4 segments. $1000 fare. Outbound fly 400 miles total (2, 200 mile segments), inbound 600 miles (a 200 and 400 mile segment)
. Outbound earn 200 MQD each segment
Return earn 200 MQD one segment and $400 MQD for other.