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
#1456
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SLC
Programs: DL PM, Hilton/Marriott Gold
Posts: 971
Has the other shoe dropped?
EDIT: I read too quickly- this only applies to Membership Rewards cards, not cobrand or other credit products. I would not be surprised to see this policy roll out to other cards in the future, however.
http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.co...ming-heats-up/
Saw this in my FT digest email today- seems Amex is looking more closely at spending patterns, including, notably:
http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.co...ming-heats-up/
Saw this in my FT digest email today- seems Amex is looking more closely at spending patterns, including, notably:
Very large credit card spend that far exceeds a person’s apparent ability to pay. My guess is that they will watch this more closely with personal cards than business cards since large business purchases are common and normal.
Last edited by captaink; Nov 2, 2017 at 8:48 am Reason: Misread the source article :(
#1457
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt LT DM, Wyndham DM, Hertz PC, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,038
EDIT: I read too quickly- this only applies to Membership Rewards cards, not cobrand or other credit products. I would not be surprised to see this policy roll out to other cards in the future, however.
http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.co...ming-heats-up/
Saw this in my FT digest email today- seems Amex is looking more closely at spending patterns, including, notably:
http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.co...ming-heats-up/
Saw this in my FT digest email today- seems Amex is looking more closely at spending patterns, including, notably:
#1458
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: Delta Diamond, Starwood Platinum
Posts: 22
I apologize if this has been addressed already, but my question relates to MQD earnings with partner airlines. I asked 2 different diamond medallion reps and got 2 different answers. I recently flew a China eastern business class flight that cost me around $2200. According to the Delta site, I would receive 35% MQD's; however, if you look at the footnote, it clearly states the following:
"Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) apply to Medallion qualification. Flights marketed and ticketed by the partner will earn MQDs based on a percentage of distance flown* as determined by the fare class paid."
The way I (want) to read this is that if my flight totaled around 14k miles roundtrip and the fare class yields 35% MQDs, that means I would earn around $4900 MQD's (14,000 miles * 35%)??? Am I completely off on this?
Thanks in advance!
"Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) apply to Medallion qualification. Flights marketed and ticketed by the partner will earn MQDs based on a percentage of distance flown* as determined by the fare class paid."
The way I (want) to read this is that if my flight totaled around 14k miles roundtrip and the fare class yields 35% MQDs, that means I would earn around $4900 MQD's (14,000 miles * 35%)??? Am I completely off on this?
Thanks in advance!
#1459
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,819
I apologize if this has been addressed already, but my question relates to MQD earnings with partner airlines. I asked 2 different diamond medallion reps and got 2 different answers. I recently flew a China eastern business class flight that cost me around $2200. According to the Delta site, I would receive 35% MQD's; however, if you look at the footnote, it clearly states the following:
"Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) apply to Medallion qualification. Flights marketed and ticketed by the partner will earn MQDs based on a percentage of distance flown* as determined by the fare class paid."
The way I (want) to read this is that if my flight totaled around 14k miles roundtrip and the fare class yields 35% MQDs, that means I would earn around $4900 MQD's (14,000 miles * 35%)??? Am I completely off on this?
Thanks in advance!
"Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) apply to Medallion qualification. Flights marketed and ticketed by the partner will earn MQDs based on a percentage of distance flown* as determined by the fare class paid."
The way I (want) to read this is that if my flight totaled around 14k miles roundtrip and the fare class yields 35% MQDs, that means I would earn around $4900 MQD's (14,000 miles * 35%)??? Am I completely off on this?
Thanks in advance!
#1460
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Orange County, CA (SNA)
Programs: Delta - PM , MM; Hilton - Diamond, Marriott - Peon
Posts: 911
Jumping in at page 35...! I have an Amex related question.
I'm considering my options for next year. My Amex Platinum is up for renewal in March. I am lucky, because I got this card for the MQD waiver a few years ago when I was totally flying down the back and couldn't make the spend. Due to a change in circumstances I think I'll find it easy to make the cut with spend.
I am considering moving down to either Gold or Blue next year. Yes, the mile bonus at $25k/$50k is fine, but right now I have 280k MQMs for 2017, so collecting miles is not really a problem.
One thing I like about Amex is the personal rental car insurance, which I would not like to lose.
So, getting to the point, what do you think should be the best options for me for Amex next year?
Are there any benefits for someone like me staying with the $200 Amex product, or just going down. Would there be any benefit even in going to Gold or would Blue still be OK?
I'm considering my options for next year. My Amex Platinum is up for renewal in March. I am lucky, because I got this card for the MQD waiver a few years ago when I was totally flying down the back and couldn't make the spend. Due to a change in circumstances I think I'll find it easy to make the cut with spend.
I am considering moving down to either Gold or Blue next year. Yes, the mile bonus at $25k/$50k is fine, but right now I have 280k MQMs for 2017, so collecting miles is not really a problem.
One thing I like about Amex is the personal rental car insurance, which I would not like to lose.
So, getting to the point, what do you think should be the best options for me for Amex next year?
Are there any benefits for someone like me staying with the $200 Amex product, or just going down. Would there be any benefit even in going to Gold or would Blue still be OK?
#1461
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL PM 1MM
Posts: 3,437
Jumping in at page 35...! I have an Amex related question.
I'm considering my options for next year. My Amex Platinum is up for renewal in March. I am lucky, because I got this card for the MQD waiver a few years ago when I was totally flying down the back and couldn't make the spend. Due to a change in circumstances I think I'll find it easy to make the cut with spend.
I am considering moving down to either Gold or Blue next year. Yes, the mile bonus at $25k/$50k is fine, but right now I have 280k MQMs for 2017, so collecting miles is not really a problem.
One thing I like about Amex is the personal rental car insurance, which I would not like to lose.
So, getting to the point, what do you think should be the best options for me for Amex next year?
Are there any benefits for someone like me staying with the $200 Amex product, or just going down. Would there be any benefit even in going to Gold or would Blue still be OK?
I'm considering my options for next year. My Amex Platinum is up for renewal in March. I am lucky, because I got this card for the MQD waiver a few years ago when I was totally flying down the back and couldn't make the spend. Due to a change in circumstances I think I'll find it easy to make the cut with spend.
I am considering moving down to either Gold or Blue next year. Yes, the mile bonus at $25k/$50k is fine, but right now I have 280k MQMs for 2017, so collecting miles is not really a problem.
One thing I like about Amex is the personal rental car insurance, which I would not like to lose.
So, getting to the point, what do you think should be the best options for me for Amex next year?
Are there any benefits for someone like me staying with the $200 Amex product, or just going down. Would there be any benefit even in going to Gold or would Blue still be OK?
#1462
Jumping in at page 35...! I have an Amex related question.
I'm considering my options for next year. My Amex Platinum is up for renewal in March. I am lucky, because I got this card for the MQD waiver a few years ago when I was totally flying down the back and couldn't make the spend. Due to a change in circumstances I think I'll find it easy to make the cut with spend.
I am considering moving down to either Gold or Blue next year. Yes, the mile bonus at $25k/$50k is fine, but right now I have 280k MQMs for 2017, so collecting miles is not really a problem.
One thing I like about Amex is the personal rental car insurance, which I would not like to lose.
So, getting to the point, what do you think should be the best options for me for Amex next year?
Are there any benefits for someone like me staying with the $200 Amex product, or just going down. Would there be any benefit even in going to Gold or would Blue still be OK?
I'm considering my options for next year. My Amex Platinum is up for renewal in March. I am lucky, because I got this card for the MQD waiver a few years ago when I was totally flying down the back and couldn't make the spend. Due to a change in circumstances I think I'll find it easy to make the cut with spend.
I am considering moving down to either Gold or Blue next year. Yes, the mile bonus at $25k/$50k is fine, but right now I have 280k MQMs for 2017, so collecting miles is not really a problem.
One thing I like about Amex is the personal rental car insurance, which I would not like to lose.
So, getting to the point, what do you think should be the best options for me for Amex next year?
Are there any benefits for someone like me staying with the $200 Amex product, or just going down. Would there be any benefit even in going to Gold or would Blue still be OK?
#1463
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: 100,326
Lounge access (for the Reserve card and the regular Platinum/Centurion charge cards) without paying or using a choice benefit. IMO the regular Plat card is great for frequent business travelers.
#1464
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Orange County, CA (SNA)
Programs: Delta - PM , MM; Hilton - Diamond, Marriott - Peon
Posts: 911
The car insurance has already paid for itself 50x over, since my wife backed into a post in the UK last year!
#1465
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 84
Does this mean if someone booked a ticket through Delta using the partner flight numbers instead of the delta code share number, the earnings would be calculated based on partner rules? Or, would delta apply delta earnings rules if delta has a code share?
#1466
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt LT DM, Wyndham DM, Hertz PC, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,038
I apologize if this has been addressed already, but my question relates to MQD earnings with partner airlines. I asked 2 different diamond medallion reps and got 2 different answers. I recently flew a China eastern business class flight that cost me around $2200. According to the Delta site, I would receive 35% MQD's; however, if you look at the footnote, it clearly states the following:
"Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) apply to Medallion qualification. Flights marketed and ticketed by the partner will earn MQDs based on a percentage of distance flown* as determined by the fare class paid."
The way I (want) to read this is that if my flight totaled around 14k miles roundtrip and the fare class yields 35% MQDs, that means I would earn around $4900 MQD's (14,000 miles * 35%)??? Am I completely off on this?
Thanks in advance!
"Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) apply to Medallion qualification. Flights marketed and ticketed by the partner will earn MQDs based on a percentage of distance flown* as determined by the fare class paid."
The way I (want) to read this is that if my flight totaled around 14k miles roundtrip and the fare class yields 35% MQDs, that means I would earn around $4900 MQD's (14,000 miles * 35%)??? Am I completely off on this?
Thanks in advance!
#1467
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,819
Delta Partner Mileage Accrual Changes Effective Jan 2018
#1468
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Beverly Hills, CA
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, UA-PE, AA
Posts: 1,074
...
I'm pretty sure raising the waiver was Delta's decision, not Amex's. A low waiver means more happy cardholders. I bet the reason that Delta raised the Diamond waiver to $250,000 instead of just eliminating it completely is that they were contractually required by Amex to keep it in some form -- even a ridiculous one.
...
Next year, wife cancels her Amex card. I keep mine (need it for business anyway), and double up spending to 50k for two 10k MQM bonus. I fly 30k MQM's (mostly SAN-SEA) for easy Plat status (30k flying + 20k Amex + 25k rollover). Wife mostly stops flying Delta for no status at all.
...
I'm pretty sure raising the waiver was Delta's decision, not Amex's. A low waiver means more happy cardholders. I bet the reason that Delta raised the Diamond waiver to $250,000 instead of just eliminating it completely is that they were contractually required by Amex to keep it in some form -- even a ridiculous one.
...
Next year, wife cancels her Amex card. I keep mine (need it for business anyway), and double up spending to 50k for two 10k MQM bonus. I fly 30k MQM's (mostly SAN-SEA) for easy Plat status (30k flying + 20k Amex + 25k rollover). Wife mostly stops flying Delta for no status at all.
...
#1469
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt LT DM, Wyndham DM, Hertz PC, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,038
That's correct for 2017 but changing on some of the 2018 charts. See this thread:
Delta Partner Mileage Accrual Changes Effective Jan 2018
Delta Partner Mileage Accrual Changes Effective Jan 2018
#1470
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,819