Originally Posted by
GagaPilot
I've had DM for a couple of years now. It was originally just a "bucket list" thing that I never expected to achieve as normally I would earn enough for PM and not much more. A few years back I found myself with DM in range because of all the Covid bonuses. Combine that with the ending of MQMs and status rollover, I've had DM ever since. This upcoming year (2026) is my last year of rollover status, so 2026 will be a year to see where my earnings end me for 2027. For comparison purposes this year I will end with $27K+ MQDs, just shy of the $28K threshold to make DM organically. There is a possibility some upcoming expenses on my DL Plat Amex could push me over the 28K mark, but I'm kind of hoping they will not be incurred until 2026 to count for 2027. But it's not expenses that are really within my control, so whenever they happen will happen..
If you’re that close to DM, I’d either 1) mileage run for it (even on miles since you’d get MQDs miles with basically zero out of pocket cash cost) or 2) buy a Delta gift card this year that will provide enough MQDs from the purchase aspect that you can still use for next year and at least the MQDs from flying will still be earned in 2026 for 2027. With no rollover it seems almost silly to be so close and not get above the DM threshold especially since you could get direct cash value that would offset the difference like the $700 AmEx credit and either miles or a Delta voucher plus get GUCs and such.