In 2025, I've managed to hit $28K and requalify for DM, but I've done relatively flying on DL/ST thanks to the Amex Headstart x 4, the $2000 MQD Boost Choice Benefit (selected during in 2024), moderate Amex spend and a cheap MU business fare.

This was possible even though I've simultaneously taken much of my business to JL to qualify for OWS (and eventually OWE) as well. The main reason I could juggle JL and DL simultaneously this year is simply due to DL's lack of rollover and middling offerings for surpassing $28K MQD. There's a significant opportunity cost when it comes to million miler qualification (two of the JL flights were Japan-Brazil itineraries), but the greater flexibility in airline choice outweighs that.

I was very much against the MQD qualifications back when they were announced in 2023, primarily because it probably decimated 99% of DL's Japanese base, making them largely unable to reasonably qualify for PM and DM. But I have the luxury of having access to DL's Amex cards in both Japan and the US–the Japan Amex cards reward $1MQD per 1,000 yen spent (~$6.50), which is a tremendously valuable earn rate and contributed to my ability to maintain DM.