Medallion Benefit Clarification & Upgrade Probability?
Feb 25, 2019, 9:31 am
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Programs: Delta Platinum, AA Plat Pro, F9 Elite 100k
Posts: 151
You just need to complete the challenge. Delta's definition of "extend" is beyond the 3 month challenge. They are happy to extend the benefit to you once you spend $2,250 and fly the little over 18,000 miles that first 3 months. You do not need to fly the 75k MQMs. The following review also concurs with me: https://onemileatatime.com/delta-pla...hoice-benefit/
Last edited by Cameron B; Feb 25, 2019 at 9:44 am
Feb 25, 2019, 9:55 am
#17
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
Actually, no. According to Delta's own text, "Members who are matched to Platinum Medallion Status will not be eligible for Choice Benefits unless the requirements to extend Platinum Medallion Status are met."
You just need to complete the challenge. Delta's definition of "extend" is beyond the 3 month challenge. They are happy to extend the benefit to you once you spend $2,250 and fly the little over 18,000 miles that first 3 months. You do not need to fly the 75k MQMs. The following review also concurs with me: https://onemileatatime.com/delta-pla...hoice-benefit/
You just need to complete the challenge. Delta's definition of "extend" is beyond the 3 month challenge. They are happy to extend the benefit to you once you spend $2,250 and fly the little over 18,000 miles that first 3 months. You do not need to fly the 75k MQMs. The following review also concurs with me: https://onemileatatime.com/delta-pla...hoice-benefit/
Extending PM means the normal requirements for PM. That's why they have the "unless" clause in there. Otherwise it would simply say "Members who are matched to PM status are eligible for Choice Benefits."
What OMAAT says in 2017 is irrelevant as we are in 2019.
I had a colleague in 2018 try to argue this and they rejected it with a hard no and even noted his SkyMiles account that their decision was "final."
I can only imagine the reps laughing when you call and try to use a frequent flyer blog as justification for milking them for benefits.
They shouldn't be handing out 4 RUCs to people who don't even fly 1/3 of the PM requirements. It's a slap in the face to everyone else who flew 75K/125K and thus earned those certificates and position on the UG list.
Feb 25, 2019, 10:00 am
#18
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
Extending status means qualifying in 2019 for the 2020 status year. That is the extension, as matched status only lasts for 2019 and 1 month into 2020.
Delta is also not happy to give you better upgrade chances for flying and spending less than a Silver Medallion does in a year.
If they did, Silvers and Golds would get RUCs too.
Delta is also not happy to give you better upgrade chances for flying and spending less than a Silver Medallion does in a year.
If they did, Silvers and Golds would get RUCs too.
Feb 25, 2019, 10:06 am
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Programs: Delta Platinum, AA Plat Pro, F9 Elite 100k
Posts: 151
My interpretation of Delta's wording is not the same as yours. I interpret it as follows:
Members who are matched to Platinum Medallion Status = Members who have a higher tier status with a different airline and are MATCHED with Delta's Platinum status via a challenge. The "match" wording is the 3 months challenge.
will not be eligible for Choice Benefits unless the requirements to extend Platinum Medallion Status are met = the Choice Benefits are not to be given to Challenge users unless they put the legwork in to meet the challenge, and only once a member has met the criteria to extend beyond the 3 month challenge will they receive the benefit.
You may consider giving a member who flies and meets criteria based on 3 months of work a slap in the face, but I would imagine Delta's hope and typical person they match with is someone that's going to stick around. Therefore, they feel that anyone who puts in 18,000+ MQMs and $2250 in a short 90 day period is worth giving status in full to. After all, the status match challenge is designed to coax passengers AWAY from other airlines. Delta doesn't care what other people think. They want my money. It's in their best interest to "show you what they've got" so to speak and not neuter a program when trying to keep a status match user from another airline they were once loyal to. SkyMiles are designed as a way to keep you loyal (that's the hope anyhow) with Delta. It's a total bait and fish situation, where I'm the fish.
While I would never use a blogger as an example to state a case against what I would assume is a very automated system with Delta, my interpretation matches that of a blogger's experience, and also the Sky Miles person I spoke to. Whether that sticks we will see. I'll be happy to update that once my challenge is over on April 23. If I get the RUC, great! If I don't, oh well. I didn't enter the status match for 4 hard to use RUC's anyhow.
Last edited by Cameron B; Feb 25, 2019 at 10:20 am
Feb 25, 2019, 10:15 am
#20
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
I have just called into SM line for clarification on this. They agree with what I have previously stated. I personally don't care about the RUC's at the moment, just stating what I've been told and have understood from the start. That said, while I'm sure RUCs may be nice on some occasions, I value the complimentary upgrades on other routes through the year more than these, so they'll just be a bonus whether I get them or not.
My interpretation of Delta's wording is not the same as yours. I interpret it as follows:
Members who are matched to Platinum Medallion Status = Members who have a higher tier status with a different airline and are MATCHED with Delta's Platinum status via a challenge. The "match" wording is the 3 months challenge.
will not be eligible for Choice Benefits unless the requirements to extend Platinum Medallion Status are met = the Choice Benefits are not to be given to Challenge users unless they put the legwork in to meet the challenge, and only once a member has met the criteria to extend beyond the 3 month challenge will they receive the benefit.
You may consider giving a member who flies and meets criteria based on 3 months of work a slap in the face, but I would imagine Delta's hope and typical person they match with is someone that's going to stick around. Therefore, they feel that anyone who puts in 18,000+ MQMs and $2250 in a short 90 day period is worth giving status in full to.
While I would never use a blogger as an example to state a case against what I would assume is a very automated system with Delta, my interpretation matches that of a blogger's experience, and also the Sky Miles person I spoke to. Whether that sticks we will see. I'll be happy to update that once my challenge is over on April 23. If I get the RUC, great! If I don't, oh well. I didn't enter the status match for 4 hard to use RUC's anyhow.
My interpretation of Delta's wording is not the same as yours. I interpret it as follows:
Members who are matched to Platinum Medallion Status = Members who have a higher tier status with a different airline and are MATCHED with Delta's Platinum status via a challenge. The "match" wording is the 3 months challenge.
will not be eligible for Choice Benefits unless the requirements to extend Platinum Medallion Status are met = the Choice Benefits are not to be given to Challenge users unless they put the legwork in to meet the challenge, and only once a member has met the criteria to extend beyond the 3 month challenge will they receive the benefit.
You may consider giving a member who flies and meets criteria based on 3 months of work a slap in the face, but I would imagine Delta's hope and typical person they match with is someone that's going to stick around. Therefore, they feel that anyone who puts in 18,000+ MQMs and $2250 in a short 90 day period is worth giving status in full to.
While I would never use a blogger as an example to state a case against what I would assume is a very automated system with Delta, my interpretation matches that of a blogger's experience, and also the Sky Miles person I spoke to. Whether that sticks we will see. I'll be happy to update that once my challenge is over on April 23. If I get the RUC, great! If I don't, oh well. I didn't enter the status match for 4 hard to use RUC's anyhow.
SkyMiles Support are some of the stingiest folks and they don't even talk to customers. They only talk to the Reservations/Medallion agents, who talk to us.
Safe travels!
Feb 25, 2019, 10:16 am
#21
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Central Florida
Programs: DL PM; MR Titanium & LTT; Hilton Diamond; National Exec Elite
Posts: 69
Actually, no. According to Delta's own text, "Members who are matched to Platinum Medallion Status will not be eligible for Choice Benefits unless the requirements to extend Platinum Medallion Status are met."
You just need to complete the challenge. Delta's definition of "extend" is beyond the 3 month challenge. They are happy to extend the benefit to you once you spend $2,250 and fly the little over 18,000 miles that first 3 months. You do not need to fly the 75k MQMs. The following review also concurs with me: https://onemileatatime.com/delta-pla...hoice-benefit/
You just need to complete the challenge. Delta's definition of "extend" is beyond the 3 month challenge. They are happy to extend the benefit to you once you spend $2,250 and fly the little over 18,000 miles that first 3 months. You do not need to fly the 75k MQMs. The following review also concurs with me: https://onemileatatime.com/delta-pla...hoice-benefit/
Feb 25, 2019, 10:22 am
#22
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
This is correct. I began the Plat challenge on 1-July last year and upon successfully completing it, received PM until 31-Jan-20 and also received the ability to select a choice benefit (which I have yet to do). You will not receive the choice benefit until successfully completing the PM challenge, but you will receive it once the PM challenge is complete and your PM status has been extended.
"When everyone's elite, nobody is."
Feb 25, 2019, 10:25 am
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Programs: Delta Platinum, AA Plat Pro, F9 Elite 100k
Posts: 151
So far I have! While I find Delta slightly more expensive than what I'm used to, and much less prone to run sales, I think they have a solid product.
Thanks for sharing your experience and affirming what I thought is the case.
I'm not sure why @btonkid12345 's friend had issues, but I've felt like I have a pretty clear understanding on this since before I decided to try the challenge.
This is correct. I began the Plat challenge on 1-July last year and upon successfully completing it, received PM until 31-Jan-20 and also received the ability to select a choice benefit (which I have yet to do). You will not receive the choice benefit until successfully completing the PM challenge, but you will receive it once the PM challenge is complete and your PM status has been extended.
I'm not sure why @btonkid12345 's friend had issues, but I've felt like I have a pretty clear understanding on this since before I decided to try the challenge.
Feb 25, 2019, 10:50 am
#24
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: DL DM, UA Gold, Alaska MVP, Bonvoy (lol) Ambassador
Posts: 2,994
The reality is there are just a lot of Diamonds. And even though you're on a high fare class, someone else is likely on a higher one. This is doubly true with married segment logic. A short-haul connecting into Atlanta may be an B fare, which makes the ATL->transcon into an B fare too - even though ATL-Transcon may only be selling at an H fare (despite the fact the ATL-ZZZ nonstop on H is actually more expensive than that XXX-ATL-ZZZ on a B fare).
Also, the Reserve card makes a big difference (in my experience). I assume you have one?
Feb 25, 2019, 11:59 am
#25
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: 100,369
I have just called into SM line for clarification on this. They agree with what I have previously stated. I personally don't care about the RUC's at the moment, just stating what I've been told and have understood from the start. That said, while I'm sure RUCs may be nice on some occasions, I value the complimentary upgrades on other routes through the year more than these, so they'll just be a bonus whether I get them or not.
My interpretation of Delta's wording is not the same as yours. I interpret it as follows:
Members who are matched to Platinum Medallion Status = Members who have a higher tier status with a different airline and are MATCHED with Delta's Platinum status via a challenge. The "match" wording is the 3 months challenge.
will not be eligible for Choice Benefits unless the requirements to extend Platinum Medallion Status are met = the Choice Benefits are not to be given to Challenge users unless they put the legwork in to meet the challenge, and only once a member has met the criteria to extend beyond the 3 month challenge will they receive the benefit.
You may consider giving a member who flies and meets criteria based on 3 months of work a slap in the face, but I would imagine Delta's hope and typical person they match with is someone that's going to stick around. Therefore, they feel that anyone who puts in 18,000+ MQMs and $2250 in a short 90 day period is worth giving status in full to. After all, the status match challenge is designed to coax passengers AWAY from other airlines. Delta doesn't care what other people think. They want my money. It's in their best interest to "show you what they've got" so to speak and not neuter a program when trying to keep a status match user from another airline they were once loyal to. SkyMiles are designed as a way to keep you loyal (that's the hope anyhow) with Delta. It's a total bait and fish situation, where I'm the fish.
While I would never use a blogger as an example to state a case against what I would assume is a very automated system with Delta, my interpretation matches that of a blogger's experience, and also the Sky Miles person I spoke to. Whether that sticks we will see. I'll be happy to update that once my challenge is over on April 23. If I get the RUC, great! If I don't, oh well. I didn't enter the status match for 4 hard to use RUC's anyhow.
My interpretation of Delta's wording is not the same as yours. I interpret it as follows:
Members who are matched to Platinum Medallion Status = Members who have a higher tier status with a different airline and are MATCHED with Delta's Platinum status via a challenge. The "match" wording is the 3 months challenge.
will not be eligible for Choice Benefits unless the requirements to extend Platinum Medallion Status are met = the Choice Benefits are not to be given to Challenge users unless they put the legwork in to meet the challenge, and only once a member has met the criteria to extend beyond the 3 month challenge will they receive the benefit.
You may consider giving a member who flies and meets criteria based on 3 months of work a slap in the face, but I would imagine Delta's hope and typical person they match with is someone that's going to stick around. Therefore, they feel that anyone who puts in 18,000+ MQMs and $2250 in a short 90 day period is worth giving status in full to. After all, the status match challenge is designed to coax passengers AWAY from other airlines. Delta doesn't care what other people think. They want my money. It's in their best interest to "show you what they've got" so to speak and not neuter a program when trying to keep a status match user from another airline they were once loyal to. SkyMiles are designed as a way to keep you loyal (that's the hope anyhow) with Delta. It's a total bait and fish situation, where I'm the fish.
While I would never use a blogger as an example to state a case against what I would assume is a very automated system with Delta, my interpretation matches that of a blogger's experience, and also the Sky Miles person I spoke to. Whether that sticks we will see. I'll be happy to update that once my challenge is over on April 23. If I get the RUC, great! If I don't, oh well. I didn't enter the status match for 4 hard to use RUC's anyhow.
1. Was this a normal status match/challenge open to the general public or was it some deal through your employer's corporate travel contract?
2. Was it a match or a challenge? Do you currently have the status to enjoy during the three month period or not?
I'm confused. AFAIK one normally gets three months to qualify for a status tier under special terms that are considerably less that the normal annual requirements. Then, at the end of the three months (or earlier if the special requirements have been met earlier) one is awarded the status for the additional period that was specified in the contract. However, it's not considered to be earned status at that point and is treated similarly to comped status such as the recurring annual status granted to MMers.
2. Was it a match or a challenge? Do you currently have the status to enjoy during the three month period or not?
I'm confused. AFAIK one normally gets three months to qualify for a status tier under special terms that are considerably less that the normal annual requirements. Then, at the end of the three months (or earlier if the special requirements have been met earlier) one is awarded the status for the additional period that was specified in the contract. However, it's not considered to be earned status at that point and is treated similarly to comped status such as the recurring annual status granted to MMers.
Feb 25, 2019, 1:36 pm
#26
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LAX
Programs: DL DM, 2 MM; OW Emerald; MVP Gold 100k;Marriott/SPG LTPlat; HH Diamond
Posts: 967
RUCs or any Platinum choice benefits are not given until you achieve the actual PM qualification of 75K MQMs and MQDs, if applicable. This is listed in the challenge T&Cs.
I have cleared into domestic D1 once before not at the gate - and it was JFK-LAS on a Tuesday.
Never ever happens on JFK-LAX even for a Diamond, let alone on as busy a travel day as Thursday.
I have cleared into domestic D1 once before not at the gate - and it was JFK-LAS on a Tuesday.
Never ever happens on JFK-LAX even for a Diamond, let alone on as busy a travel day as Thursday.
Feb 25, 2019, 1:58 pm
#27
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
I have cleared JFK-LAX using an RUC ahead of gate multiple times.
I was just referring to comp upgrades. Always had JFK-LAX comps at gate. Only domestic Delta One that cleared at T-4 was that JFK-LAS.
Feb 25, 2019, 4:51 pm
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Programs: Delta Platinum, AA Plat Pro, F9 Elite 100k
Posts: 151
It is a status match open to anyone who Delta determines is worthy based on other airline status. You are required to apply, and Delta has cracked down on people trying to abuse it with fake credentials. I've heard of many denials, and they require hard status card photos (no digital accepted) and lengthy statements to show your travel history on another airline.
I'm confused. AFAIK one normally gets three months to qualify for a status tier under special terms that are considerably less that the normal annual requirements. Then, at the end of the three months (or earlier if the special requirements have been met earlier) one is awarded the status for the additional period that was specified in the contract. However, it's not considered to be earned status at that point and is treated similarly to comped status such as the recurring annual status granted to MMers.
I don't know what "normally" is, but it's as I have explained. I am recognized as a Plat Medallion during these 90 days, and I personally do not consider this "considerably less than normal annual requirements". It seems like simple math Delta is doing here. For a typical Plat Medallion they expect you to fly 75,000 MQMs annually and $9,000 annually. There are four quarters in a year, and you get one of the four quarters to match it, so all Delta has done is divided it by four. 75,000/4 = 18,750, and $9,000/4 = $2,250. This is quite literally the exact values of the challenge, so for all intents and purposes, anyone who meets the challenge is flying at least on par with that of a regular annual Plat Medallion flier. It makes perfect sense to me why Delta would extend all privileges to that person considering it's also what they would expect of a normal Plat Medallion each quarter as well. Obviously once you've reached the status you need to fly even more to ENJOY the status, so there's nothing "significantly less" about it.
It's not like they are accepting and handing out these challenges to just anyone. You have to be a proven hardcore flier with another airline in the first place. It's literally a business move for them to take you away from another airline.
Last edited by Cameron B; Feb 25, 2019 at 5:03 pm
Feb 28, 2019, 1:58 pm
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Programs: Delta Platinum, AA Plat Pro, F9 Elite 100k
Posts: 151
I just wanted to update this topic for anyone who has the same question I did about a Delta One upgrade on JFK-LAX.
I was expecting my position to be WAY worse based on what @btonkid12345 stated here for Thurs JFK busy travel day/times.
In the end, I am #12 of 51 with 9 available and 2 hours to go till departure. I don't anticipate making it, but I would say as a Platinum on a lowly V fare that's not such a bad position and it's possible with the right fare to get this upgrade.
Now if only I could get an agent to help me with not wanting a middle seat C+ on the DL 41 from LAX-SYD that would be great! I didn't find the opt-out for that during check-in on my desktop. Delta Twitter people are telling me there's no such thing.
I was expecting my position to be WAY worse based on what @btonkid12345 stated here for Thurs JFK busy travel day/times.
In the end, I am #12 of 51 with 9 available and 2 hours to go till departure. I don't anticipate making it, but I would say as a Platinum on a lowly V fare that's not such a bad position and it's possible with the right fare to get this upgrade.
Now if only I could get an agent to help me with not wanting a middle seat C+ on the DL 41 from LAX-SYD that would be great! I didn't find the opt-out for that during check-in on my desktop. Delta Twitter people are telling me there's no such thing.
Feb 28, 2019, 3:35 pm
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,021
I just wanted to update this topic for anyone who has the same question I did about a Delta One upgrade on JFK-LAX.
I was expecting my position to be WAY worse based on what @btonkid12345 stated here for Thurs JFK busy travel day/times.
In the end, I am #12 of 51 with 9 available and 2 hours to go till departure. I don't anticipate making it, but I would say as a Platinum on a lowly V fare that's not such a bad position and it's possible with the right fare to get this upgrade.
Now if only I could get an agent to help me with not wanting a middle seat C+ on the DL 41 from LAX-SYD that would be great! I didn't find the opt-out for that during check-in on my desktop. Delta Twitter people are telling me there's no such thing.
I was expecting my position to be WAY worse based on what @btonkid12345 stated here for Thurs JFK busy travel day/times.
In the end, I am #12 of 51 with 9 available and 2 hours to go till departure. I don't anticipate making it, but I would say as a Platinum on a lowly V fare that's not such a bad position and it's possible with the right fare to get this upgrade.
Now if only I could get an agent to help me with not wanting a middle seat C+ on the DL 41 from LAX-SYD that would be great! I didn't find the opt-out for that during check-in on my desktop. Delta Twitter people are telling me there's no such thing.