Originally Posted by
stulincoln
We thought we would be able to get as many delta flights as possible to at least reach Platinum but it seems not possible to get a DL flight ticket on a partner if it does not originate or end up in the US.
This doesn't help you much, but an itinerary with a transit via the US can also have DL flight numbers. For example, from Korea to South America.
Award travel on any partner flights booked via Delta using Skymiles will have DL flight numbers. Those itineraries can be without US segment at all. Since Jan 1 2024 these flight earn MQD's at the rate of 10 Skymiles for 1 MQD.
One option for you is to move to a SkyTeam partner (Korean Air) and start earning status for 2025. Since you have a DL status for this year you can book your flights with Korean Air loyalty number, then show your DL membership at check-in and get the SkyTeam benefits (lounge, luggage, priority) during 2024.
If you had worked / studied in the US before and still have the Social Security number you could get the US AmEx card for MQD earning. However, if the majority of your flights aren't on Delta, you are not getting complimentary upgrades for your Delta status. So, moving your loyalty to a partner is reasonable