Sep 26, 2017, 1:09 pm
Last edit by: Renes Points
On 26SEPT17 Delta changed the MQD AMEX exempt requirements. $25,000 only exempts you to Platinum or lower. $250,000 spend needed across ALL the DL AMEX cards you hold (personal and business in your name) for Diamond exemption for 2019 elite year.
If all you are interested in is the discussion starting when the announcement occurred on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, start here.
The Delta announcement is here https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/news-and-updates.html
There are many data points that Delta will allow a one time exception under the 2017 qualification rules if you request this for the 2019 Medallion year.
If all you are interested in is the discussion starting when the announcement occurred on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, start here.
The Delta announcement is here https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/news-and-updates.html
There are many data points that Delta will allow a one time exception under the 2017 qualification rules if you request this for the 2019 Medallion year.
Delta increasing Diamond MQD Waiver to $250,000
Jul 17, 2017, 8:58 pm
#136
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Mostly living in the basement
Programs: Newly minted free agent; MR LT(!)TE, HH SE, BA SECM, DL MM, UA PS, 2V Fanboi, CBP GE
Posts: 5,108
Another angle to this could be if it drives EOY MQM/MQD sales. That's got to be the most profitable product DL sells.
Jul 17, 2017, 9:07 pm
#137
Join Date: May 2004
Location: formerly Gold now Diamond, formerly MSY, now LAX, formerly NW, now DL
Programs: Hyatt Plat, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold, Delta Diamond/1MM
Posts: 4,635
So this would severely impact me and my partner. I'd drop my DL AMEX since it wouldn't be needed anymore and focus really on Chase cards since they currently have the best value (Sapphire Reserve). With Marriott Visa vs SPG AMEX, if Marriott sticks with Chase, I'll be down to just the Hilton AMEX, which isn't really that good for me anyways.
I'd be PM likely and not DM, which is great for the GUCs.
Remember that AMEX stepped in to help DL when they were in bankruptcy with something like a $1B investment when they needed help.
I've emailed all the AMEX people (the email for Greg O'Hara bounced back btw). I'll email the Delta execs too. Though I suspect they'll just see me as one of the people that they are trying to exclude.
I'd be PM likely and not DM, which is great for the GUCs.
Remember that AMEX stepped in to help DL when they were in bankruptcy with something like a $1B investment when they needed help.
I've emailed all the AMEX people (the email for Greg O'Hara bounced back btw). I'll email the Delta execs too. Though I suspect they'll just see me as one of the people that they are trying to exclude.
Jul 17, 2017, 10:32 pm
#139
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: Delta Platinum & 2MM, Marriott Lifetime TIT, Hertz Pres Club, IHG Gold, *A Gold
Posts: 1,253
$33K spent so far this year with only 115,XXX MQM. I don't own a Delta AMEX.
The waiver elimination would seem to benefit this PE.
The waiver elimination would seem to benefit this PE.
Jul 18, 2017, 1:15 am
#142
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SNA
Programs: Delta PM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 44
I want DM2018 and use amex
I have 2 more SNA-CLE trips (so that will only be another 700-1200) this year.
I am 20k into this year's AMEX spend. This will probably be the last year I go this way.
Most of my travel is for business, corporate policy is everyone goes lowest fare.
It is miserable.
Jul 18, 2017, 4:14 am
#143
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 16,273
Ok, so apparently you do agree that would be a devaluation. What if they gave this to two people? Three? A thousand? Where's the line where it goes from a devaluation to not a devaluation?
Last edited by javabytes; Jul 18, 2017 at 4:22 am
Jul 18, 2017, 5:20 am
#144
Join Date: May 2013
Location: west coast best coast
Programs: TINDER GOLD, STARBUCKS GOLD, COSTCO EXECUTIVE!!
Posts: 3,989
I agree with you. I thought AA's elite program was far better than DL's before this, and now it is just more so. I matched DL because I have a Skyteam flight that will fulfill the challenge, so why not?
AA EXP upgrades are nearly constant, you can just select MCE, not wait for an "upgrade" to it, and OW Emerald gives you real and serious benefits, whereas ST Elite+, not so much. You can also use AA miles for longhaul J on partners for very reasonable amounts. I'm certainly not leaving AA anytime soon.
I just chimed in on this thread because I think it's actually a good move by Delta. Certainly terrible for AMEX though.
AA EXP upgrades are nearly constant, you can just select MCE, not wait for an "upgrade" to it, and OW Emerald gives you real and serious benefits, whereas ST Elite+, not so much. You can also use AA miles for longhaul J on partners for very reasonable amounts. I'm certainly not leaving AA anytime soon.
I just chimed in on this thread because I think it's actually a good move by Delta. Certainly terrible for AMEX though.
*not including Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico (outside of Mexico City), and your grandmother's apartment
Jul 18, 2017, 5:22 am
#145
Join Date: Oct 2016
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 23
Doesn't seem to effect you in any way.
Jul 18, 2017, 5:52 am
#146
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MEM
Programs: Starbucks Green Card
Posts: 5,431
Boo hoo. You know, delta will happily take your money as well.
Jul 18, 2017, 6:04 am
#147
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 129
Jul 18, 2017, 6:10 am
#148
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Look up - On a ✈ DELTA ✈ jet NOW!
Programs: Blogger & Delta Diamond Medallion Million Miler
Posts: 4,174
Jul 18, 2017, 7:00 am
#149
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 129
Some perspective so other FTer can judge on their own 
https://twitter.com/RenesPoints/stat...24168508137472
https://twitter.com/RenesPoints/stat...24168508137472
My point hasn't changed - and it is the same other's have made here. Those who travel a LOT will still earn Diamond. Those on the fringe won't. I suspect that would be Delta's goal - to reward the truly high end flyers with Diamond, making it all that more elite.
Jul 18, 2017, 7:09 am
#150
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
Programs: DL DM 1.929MM, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, IHG Platinum, Avis CHM, Marriott Titanium (lifetime gold)
Posts: 7,859
If you're paying, you're already upfront. WFBF and all that.
David