Operated vs Marketed for partner earning
 

Dumb question here, so sorry. I always thought that partner earning on Delta was based on the operating carrier, but now that I'm re-reading, it looks like it's actually the *marketed carrier*. Just want to be sure I'm understanding correctly.

I'm on my last month of a status challenge and I fly a lot, but cheap fares, so I've got enough MQMs but not enough MQDs. Flying LAX-SJD next week to visit a friend, and if I understand right, I could potentially earn quite a few MQDs by booking through Aeromexico.

There's a routing I like that goes LAX-SLC-SJD, flights are all operated by DL but if I book on Aeromexico.com I see AM flight numbers, so these would net me partner-earning miles, correct? I can book premium economy (W) for $212 and would earn $457.50 MQDs (based on 25% of the 1830-mile routing)?

Just want to be sure I'm understanding correctly before I pull the trigger. Thanks!

Yes, it’s been marketing carrier for a few years. All that matters is the flight number on the ticket. And yes, Flying partner-marketer flights are a good way to boost MQDs, although of course it depends on the specific circumstance of the ticket and routing.

Since this is a status challenge, you should double check that partner operated flights count. Look at the T&C for your particular challenge, as they might not all have the same rules.

Good call, thanks. It's actually a Reclaim My Status challenge, and confirmed partner earning counts.