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
#1561
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
Programs: DM life is over 2MM PM now & NW MillionAir Wyndham Rewards Plat -Hotels.com Silver -Accor Silver
Posts: 15,408
I'll be in <the limo> business 33 years on May 25, and the way thingz are going, I'm kind of looking for a reason to re-tyre! (That's a joke from another thread! )
#1562
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NYC, MSY
Programs: DL DM, 1.5MM, NEXUS, Sky Club Lifetime, Admirals Club Lifetime, LowValueCustomer everywhere
Posts: 6,447
I don't know why all you think DM is so hard to get with the new requirements. Lemme break down how easy it is and you will see how it benefits delta and amex .
Get a delta reserve and plat delta amex card. Spend 110k combined on those cards and get 50k mqms. Now spend just 15k on an amex plat card only needing to earn 75k mqms and get 5x the points. Just fly from the USA to Japan once and SIN and you're covered as long as you fly domestic normal.
Last year flew the first delta a350 to NRT and back with a 1:50 layover to keep DM. This year going to SIN with a 5:45 layover .Why, to easily keep my DM .
Get a delta reserve and plat delta amex card. Spend 110k combined on those cards and get 50k mqms. Now spend just 15k on an amex plat card only needing to earn 75k mqms and get 5x the points. Just fly from the USA to Japan once and SIN and you're covered as long as you fly domestic normal.
Last year flew the first delta a350 to NRT and back with a 1:50 layover to keep DM. This year going to SIN with a 5:45 layover .Why, to easily keep my DM .
#1563
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upper Sternistan
Posts: 10,047
I don't know why all you think DM is so hard to get with the new requirements. Lemme break down how easy it is and you will see how it benefits delta and amex .
Get a delta reserve and plat delta amex card. Spend 110k combined on those cards and get 50k mqms. Now spend just 15k on an amex plat card only needing to earn 75k mqms and get 5x the points. Just fly from the USA to Japan once and SIN and you're covered as long as you fly domestic normal.
Last year flew the first delta a350 to NRT and back with a 1:50 layover to keep DM. This year going to SIN with a 5:45 layover .Why, to easily keep my DM .
Get a delta reserve and plat delta amex card. Spend 110k combined on those cards and get 50k mqms. Now spend just 15k on an amex plat card only needing to earn 75k mqms and get 5x the points. Just fly from the USA to Japan once and SIN and you're covered as long as you fly domestic normal.
Last year flew the first delta a350 to NRT and back with a 1:50 layover to keep DM. This year going to SIN with a 5:45 layover .Why, to easily keep my DM .
You didn't go into Tokyo and suck down some ramen? No chicken rice plan in Singapore? Old Airport Road?
It's just not possible.
#1564
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Programs: Delta DM / 1M, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC, Emerald Club Exec
Posts: 500
No comment on the shill part. But the Singapore mileage run thread in the mileage run forum is mostly dedicated to that exact quick-turn trip. Maybe you already knew that, though.
#1565
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Yiron, Israel
Programs: Bates Motel Plat
Posts: 68,930
#1566
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MEM
Programs: Starbucks Green Card
Posts: 5,431
Why are you putting that much on the reserve card??? It sounds like you don't need the waiver, so after you hit the 2nd milesboost at 60k you should move that spend to another card.
#1567
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
Why?
You obviously don't fly much if you need to get 100k+ of your MQMs via MR and DL Amex each year. Is having DM on the few other legitimate flights you have actually worth all that diverted/extra spend and trouble?
#1568
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 8
Yes it is
You bet DM is worth it. Delta has it figured out so those who want DM need to earn it . I fly every week just like everyone else in the DM but it's only 2k round trip so one big miles run just to make a turn. Just like when I sat next to Renee on the first a350 to NRT. I'm gonna spend about 150k per year on my cards anyway so the delta reserve and plat just up the mqms and I keep rolling them over .
All airfare on an amex metal plat for 5x the points. I pay for 1st class in the first 3 months of the year and after that I ALWAYS get first upgrades ahead of other DMs because of the way delta does rankings since I book my weekly flights as far in advance as the system allows plus holding the reserve .
Anyway, unlike most DMs, 90% of my miles are earned on personal flights and not bc a work for a company paying for my flights. I see all you business travelers in the sky clubs and centurion lounges doing your work on the phone and computer with your business dress and briefcases, and it's interesting to watch. And trust me, delta needs you guys very much and I'm glad lounge access is changing next year. Just like I'm glad the 250k spend was put in place. Why? Bc it thins the herd to either either those who earn DM bc of their job and those like me who earn it with our own money and travel .
All airfare on an amex metal plat for 5x the points. I pay for 1st class in the first 3 months of the year and after that I ALWAYS get first upgrades ahead of other DMs because of the way delta does rankings since I book my weekly flights as far in advance as the system allows plus holding the reserve .
Anyway, unlike most DMs, 90% of my miles are earned on personal flights and not bc a work for a company paying for my flights. I see all you business travelers in the sky clubs and centurion lounges doing your work on the phone and computer with your business dress and briefcases, and it's interesting to watch. And trust me, delta needs you guys very much and I'm glad lounge access is changing next year. Just like I'm glad the 250k spend was put in place. Why? Bc it thins the herd to either either those who earn DM bc of their job and those like me who earn it with our own money and travel .
#1569
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
1. If you're rolling over DM every year why does it make a difference to buy FC the first 3 months? It's not like you have to wait for last year's DM to kick back in.
2. Explain why buying your fares 330 days in advance and holding a Reserve makes any difference on a flight that is either sold out in FC or where there are 30 business traveler DMs on last minute YBMHQK fares vs. your advance purchase LUTXV.
3. Whatever do you do when a bunch of those other DMs are ALSO holding a Reserve. You're aware that it's not really that exclusive of a card, right?
#1570
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
I don't know why all you think DM is so hard to get with the new requirements. Lemme break down how easy it is and you will see how it benefits delta and amex .
Get a delta reserve and plat delta amex card. Spend 110k combined on those cards and get 50k mqms. Now spend just 15k on an amex plat card only needing to earn 75k mqms and get 5x the points. Just fly from the USA to Japan once and SIN and you're covered as long as you fly domestic normal.
Last year flew the first delta a350 to NRT and back with a 1:50 layover to keep DM. This year going to SIN with a 5:45 layover .Why, to easily keep my DM .
Get a delta reserve and plat delta amex card. Spend 110k combined on those cards and get 50k mqms. Now spend just 15k on an amex plat card only needing to earn 75k mqms and get 5x the points. Just fly from the USA to Japan once and SIN and you're covered as long as you fly domestic normal.
Last year flew the first delta a350 to NRT and back with a 1:50 layover to keep DM. This year going to SIN with a 5:45 layover .Why, to easily keep my DM .
Do you use an overseas address for the MQD waiver? Otherwise, I don't see how your plan could lead to DM going forward.
#1571
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
LOL ok I'll play since I'm just sitting at home waiting for a contractor to show up.
1. If you're rolling over DM every year why does it make a difference to buy FC the first 3 months? It's not like you have to wait for last year's DM to kick back in.
2. Explain why buying your fares 330 days in advance and holding a Reserve makes any difference on a flight that is either sold out in FC or where there are 30 business traveler DMs on last minute YBMHQK fares vs. your advance purchase LUTXV.
3. Whatever do you do when a bunch of those other DMs are ALSO holding a Reserve. You're aware that it's not really that exclusive of a card, right?
1. If you're rolling over DM every year why does it make a difference to buy FC the first 3 months? It's not like you have to wait for last year's DM to kick back in.
2. Explain why buying your fares 330 days in advance and holding a Reserve makes any difference on a flight that is either sold out in FC or where there are 30 business traveler DMs on last minute YBMHQK fares vs. your advance purchase LUTXV.
3. Whatever do you do when a bunch of those other DMs are ALSO holding a Reserve. You're aware that it's not really that exclusive of a card, right?
#1572
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
In any case, this thread has turned from the usual FT griping to actually being quite entertaining, so I'm thankful for that.
#1574
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 8
I don't think the metal plat gives mqms. I use it to get 5x points I can transfer to virtually any airline. And yes I know the reserve is not that big of a deal but it does give you 30mqms year if your spending the money anyway. All I am saying is that making the DM spend waiver 250k and the MQD for DM to 15k is a very smart thing for delta to do b/c it forces folks to get the mqms and mqds if they want DM. Why, b/c there are way too many DMs that got their status spending only 25k on the reserve card. However, in 2019 the number of DMs should go way down and thus DMs will get upgraded much easier.
To the question of how does booking early or having the reserve card help with upgrades? Read how delta ranks upgrade priority and then watch your fare class closely. It's really not that hard to get to DM.
https://www.delta.com/content/www/en...-upgrades.html
To the question of how does booking early or having the reserve card help with upgrades? Read how delta ranks upgrade priority and then watch your fare class closely. It's really not that hard to get to DM.
https://www.delta.com/content/www/en...-upgrades.html
#1575
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
I know, but today is my Friday and it's fun.
I'm quite familiar, as are many others in this thread, as to how DL ranks upgrade priority.
Since you're looking at the same thing - please tell us what fare classes you are generally booking into when you book your flights 330 days in advance (which is as early as the system allows).
I don't think the metal plat gives mqms. I use it to get 5x points I can transfer to virtually any airline. And yes I know the reserve is not that big of a deal but it does give you 30mqms year if your spending the money anyway. All I am saying is that making the DM spend waiver 250k and the MQD for DM to 15k is a very smart thing for delta to do b/c it forces folks to get the mqms and mqds if they want DM. Why, b/c there are way too many DMs that got their status spending only 25k on the reserve card. However, in 2019 the number of DMs should go way down and thus DMs will get upgraded much easier.
To the question of how does booking early or having the reserve card help with upgrades? Read how delta ranks upgrade priority and then watch your fare class closely. It's really not that hard to get to DM.
https://www.delta.com/content/www/en...-upgrades.html
To the question of how does booking early or having the reserve card help with upgrades? Read how delta ranks upgrade priority and then watch your fare class closely. It's really not that hard to get to DM.
https://www.delta.com/content/www/en...-upgrades.html
Since you're looking at the same thing - please tell us what fare classes you are generally booking into when you book your flights 330 days in advance (which is as early as the system allows).