HELP: 12.5K MQMs to Diamond on Delta
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 2
HELP: 12.5K MQMs to Diamond on Delta
Hi - Im 12,500 MQMs short of Diamond on Delta and with the new qualifications taking effect for 2018, I dont think Ill have the opportunity to be Diamond again.
What would you suggest for a low cost / efficient way of getting ~12.5K MQMs on Delta before EOY?
What would you suggest for a low cost / efficient way of getting ~12.5K MQMs on Delta before EOY?
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: 45 North
Programs: DL DM MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 10,196
It would be helpful to know where you would be starting a mileage run from. Otherwise, use Google flights and the explore map to find something that will work. SIN can be cheap but given the holidays and short notice, you may not have a lot of luck with that one.
#6
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 887
#7
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: PSC
Programs: Hilton Diamond/IHG Platinum/DL Plutononium
Posts: 1,728
Out of NYC I would try for something down in South America if you don't feel like flying all the way to Asia. JFK-ATL-SCL (Santiago, Chile) is available for ~$1,000 RT departing tomorrow (12/8) and returning 12/10. This would get you just a hair under 12.5k miles, you could plan another quick weekend trip later in the month like NYC-ORD.
#8
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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Southern South America is getting into high season, for example in Buenos Aires and other places that will be warm. Take this into account in planning for hotel prices and availability. Otherwise it's the right region for 12,500 miles.
Anywhere in Asia will be well over 12,000 miles RT from NYC.
OTOH, given rollover, if you're spending a thousand dollars on a pure MR, you should try to maximize the number of MQMs you'll earn and not just aim to hit the 12,500 you need. [SIN is very good for this reason, plus it's easy, interesting, and warm.] However, this should be done within reason so don't, for instance, pick extremely tight connections that risk getting stranded or missing work.
Anywhere in Asia will be well over 12,000 miles RT from NYC.
OTOH, given rollover, if you're spending a thousand dollars on a pure MR, you should try to maximize the number of MQMs you'll earn and not just aim to hit the 12,500 you need. [SIN is very good for this reason, plus it's easy, interesting, and warm.] However, this should be done within reason so don't, for instance, pick extremely tight connections that risk getting stranded or missing work.
#9
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SJC (formerly CHI and STL)
Programs: AS, DL, AA, UA, WN
Posts: 1,012
If you don't mind flying China Eastern, it looks like you can get ~17k MQMs on a 2-3 day run to Hong Kong and back via Shanghai for under $1,000. You need to be careful of fare classes, but I'm seeing N and S fare class (100% MQM on Delta) available for the TPAC segments and B (150% MQM) on the PVG-HKG sector.
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
LGA-MSP-ATL-SCL is 6622 miles.
#11
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Look up - On a ✈ DELTA ✈ jet NOW!
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Posts: 4,174
Don't forget the BIZ Delta Amex Reserve yields 10k MQMs plus 10k SkyMiles for the $450 fee after 1st purchase. Get fast, make charge, get MQMs and you only need 2,500 more MQMs.
#12
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: DL Charter DM/DM/2MM, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 1,918
If you don't mind flying China Eastern, it looks like you can get ~17k MQMs on a 2-3 day run to Hong Kong and back via Shanghai for under $1,000. You need to be careful of fare classes, but I'm seeing N and S fare class (100% MQM on Delta) available for the TPAC segments and B (150% MQM) on the PVG-HKG sector.
#13
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: SFO
Programs: DL PM/1MM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 117
It looks like the Welcome offer has reverted to the one I got a month ago: 10K MQMs and 40K SkyMiles after $3,000 in spending. Same as the current offer for the personal card.
#14
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There are links to the lower offer with lower spend. My links go to the one dollar (ie 1st purchase) to get the points offer for example.