Delta Announcing Changes to Status Qualification
Oct 21, 2023 | 8:24 pm
#496
Join Date: Oct 2023
Posts: 18
There was deduction every year since the MQM system was introduced, why should it be any different now? You're EXCHANGING the MQM's for the 2024 status, the rest is the actual "rollover" balance. Rollover was always calculated AFTER the MQM's for your status have been deducted.
So after the MQM's for your 2024 status have been deducted the remaining balance will be "rolled over" into the new year. If you then have more then 100.000 Mqm's left you can use the "extend my 2024 status" for one year feature year by year as long as there is a balance greater then 100k left.
So after the MQM's for your 2024 status have been deducted the remaining balance will be "rolled over" into the new year. If you then have more then 100.000 Mqm's left you can use the "extend my 2024 status" for one year feature year by year as long as there is a balance greater then 100k left.
Oct 21, 2023 | 8:29 pm
#497
Join Date: Oct 2023
Posts: 18
Breaking news. PM/DM 100k MQM extensions AND MM status DO come with CBs!
https://eyeoftheflyer.com/2023/10/21...our-questions/
https://eyeoftheflyer.com/2023/10/21...our-questions/
If it is true, then I guess I can stay a Delta Diamond with full benefits AND be a free agent for at least the next two years
Oct 22, 2023 | 8:04 am
#498
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 28,002
I think they added it because PS is now a cabin on domestic flights. A PS passenger will be upgraded before all others. Not that purchasing C+ let's you trump other main cabin passengers.
Oct 22, 2023 | 11:58 am
#499
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AA EXP2M, DL 1MM DM ext, UA PP <=> HH G/Marr PE/Hyatt G/IHG P FT RA ( Recovering Addict)
Posts: 4,902
Much easier not harder
SM - easier
2 Cards for 500$ gets 5000 MQD = Silver
GM - easier
= Add 25k spend for waiver gets 2500 MQD and then some flying on DL 2500 MQD instead of 6000 = Gold - very easy for any US based flyer
PM much easier
Platinum
4 cards = 10k MQD or 2 cards for 5k MQD and fly for 5k MQD
then spend 75k from Jan 1 2024 on a Reserve Card in 1 yr = PM till 2026 PLUS unlimited visits for you and family members (175$ each for a yr free visits for many people) If you are PM today till 2025, then start the spend in Jan 2025
DM - this is crazy easier
Previously I had to hit 250k spend every other year to get waiver
e.g., 125 MQM PLUS 250k spend Jan 2023 = waiver good till Jan 2025
Now - my DM is valid till end 2024
100k MQM Rollover gets 1 more year = 2025 as DM
My cards are put away till 2026
2026, spend of 230k will be enough with 2 cards 1 DR and 1 Plat - with all benefits
So even easier than 250k Waiver spend
I am assuming zero flying - but when you subtract the flying MQD then the needed spend is much less
I wonder why they think it will boost their Amex spend?
SM - easier
2 Cards for 500$ gets 5000 MQD = Silver
GM - easier
= Add 25k spend for waiver gets 2500 MQD and then some flying on DL 2500 MQD instead of 6000 = Gold - very easy for any US based flyer
PM much easier
Platinum
4 cards = 10k MQD or 2 cards for 5k MQD and fly for 5k MQD
then spend 75k from Jan 1 2024 on a Reserve Card in 1 yr = PM till 2026 PLUS unlimited visits for you and family members (175$ each for a yr free visits for many people) If you are PM today till 2025, then start the spend in Jan 2025
DM - this is crazy easier
Previously I had to hit 250k spend every other year to get waiver
e.g., 125 MQM PLUS 250k spend Jan 2023 = waiver good till Jan 2025
Now - my DM is valid till end 2024
100k MQM Rollover gets 1 more year = 2025 as DM
My cards are put away till 2026
2026, spend of 230k will be enough with 2 cards 1 DR and 1 Plat - with all benefits
So even easier than 250k Waiver spend
I am assuming zero flying - but when you subtract the flying MQD then the needed spend is much less
I wonder why they think it will boost their Amex spend?
As with the initial announcement, I'm gonna need a bit of time to digest and analyze all of this to determine what is the best value outcome for me pertaining to future flying.
A few brief initial observations/thoughts:
1. The rollbacks/adjustments are far broader than I ever expected. Certainly it's still harder to earn status, no MQD waiver, limited sky club visits for card, etc. The program is still changing greatly. Nonetheless, I expected some limited "here have a candy or two" gimmes from DL, not revision of multiple aspects of the new program.
2. In a world of limited club access, the change to measuring sky club allocations by 'days' instead of 'visits' makes much, much more sense.
3. Never expected MM changes in this (I'm not MM on DL anyway, but that whole section of the announcement was a surprise)
4. UA already gave Gold for 1MM. DL now gives Gold for 1MM. Hoping this pushes AA to give Platinum (their equivalent tier) instead of Gold (their DL Silver equivalent tier) for 1MM.
5. Clearly, these changes were met with a broad negative reaction, beyond just folks like us chatting on a message board. The breadth of the backstepping speaks to that. DL really messed this one up and they realize it.
A few brief initial observations/thoughts:
1. The rollbacks/adjustments are far broader than I ever expected. Certainly it's still harder to earn status, no MQD waiver, limited sky club visits for card, etc. The program is still changing greatly. Nonetheless, I expected some limited "here have a candy or two" gimmes from DL, not revision of multiple aspects of the new program.
2. In a world of limited club access, the change to measuring sky club allocations by 'days' instead of 'visits' makes much, much more sense.
3. Never expected MM changes in this (I'm not MM on DL anyway, but that whole section of the announcement was a surprise)
4. UA already gave Gold for 1MM. DL now gives Gold for 1MM. Hoping this pushes AA to give Platinum (their equivalent tier) instead of Gold (their DL Silver equivalent tier) for 1MM.
5. Clearly, these changes were met with a broad negative reaction, beyond just folks like us chatting on a message board. The breadth of the backstepping speaks to that. DL really messed this one up and they realize it.
Oct 22, 2023 | 12:06 pm
#500
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AA EXP2M, DL 1MM DM ext, UA PP <=> HH G/Marr PE/Hyatt G/IHG P FT RA ( Recovering Addict)
Posts: 4,902
e.g., Diamond - "Hoping" for an upgrade when there are 1-2 seats and 69 on the list
Thought process over time is as follows - telling people not to buy lottery tickets never works
September 2023 Delta - No one is getting upgraded anyway, let us shrink the upgrade lists and empty the lounges
October 2023 Delta - Everyone is an Elite now - Plase don't leave us - we are very happy to add you to the upgrade list!
Oct 22, 2023 | 1:27 pm
#501
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 5,116
2) Most people who were spending for status were probably spending for just one boost (25K or 30K)
With the head start, and constant MQD spending, I think there is much more of a case for people to keep spending on a Delta Reserve card. Going from $30K to $75K spend gets you pretty far to Diamond now...
Oct 22, 2023 | 1:38 pm
#502
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AA EXP2M, DL 1MM DM ext, UA PP <=> HH G/Marr PE/Hyatt G/IHG P FT RA ( Recovering Addict)
Posts: 4,902
Best option is to take the extension - giving up 50k miles for 1 yr of DM is a no brainer
For PM I think it is worth it to extend - use extra 25k soon to be useless MQM for a yr of PM with no spend waiver needed.
For GM / SM it is not worth it - take the miles
For PM I think it is worth it to extend - use extra 25k soon to be useless MQM for a yr of PM with no spend waiver needed.
For GM / SM it is not worth it - take the miles
This is why I feel it is best to wait until the end of CY 2024 to decide how to best use the rollover MQM, that is unless you really need the future program year choice benefits as a PM or DM.
I feel that Im writing in circles just posting this as Delta has now complicated the MQM rollover.
I feel that Im writing in circles just posting this as Delta has now complicated the MQM rollover.
Oct 22, 2023 | 1:51 pm
#503
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AA EXP2M, DL 1MM DM ext, UA PP <=> HH G/Marr PE/Hyatt G/IHG P FT RA ( Recovering Addict)
Posts: 4,902
True, but opens up many scenarios for people with money to spend on Delta in 2023.
A
DM with 940 MQM (and 40k rollover MQM) - needs 60k to 1MM and lifetime GM - spend 120k on DR - cost 3k - less 120k miles worth 1350
= real cost 1650$ for lifetime GM and 1 yr extra DM till Feb 2025 with the 100k rollover MQM - well worth it today
Can save money on DL cards for 2 yrs by moving it to no fee and low fee DL Cards - minus 800x2 +100x2 from DL Gold for the 15% = 1400 saved
Real cost 250$ for an extra yr of DM
B
DM with 730k MQM and 25k rollover = needs 270k to lifetime GM and 275k for 3 more years of DM
Needs 540k spend = Cost of spend 15000$ less $6000 value of miles = $9000 for 4 yrs of DM
? I am not sure it is worth it ?even though he would save on keeping 2 DL cards a yr for 4 yrs = 3000$ saved
- total cost 6k for 3 extra yrs of DM with no mileage runs at last minute.
A
DM with 940 MQM (and 40k rollover MQM) - needs 60k to 1MM and lifetime GM - spend 120k on DR - cost 3k - less 120k miles worth 1350
= real cost 1650$ for lifetime GM and 1 yr extra DM till Feb 2025 with the 100k rollover MQM - well worth it today
Can save money on DL cards for 2 yrs by moving it to no fee and low fee DL Cards - minus 800x2 +100x2 from DL Gold for the 15% = 1400 saved
Real cost 250$ for an extra yr of DM
B
DM with 730k MQM and 25k rollover = needs 270k to lifetime GM and 275k for 3 more years of DM
Needs 540k spend = Cost of spend 15000$ less $6000 value of miles = $9000 for 4 yrs of DM
? I am not sure it is worth it ?even though he would save on keeping 2 DL cards a yr for 4 yrs = 3000$ saved
- total cost 6k for 3 extra yrs of DM with no mileage runs at last minute.
1) Most people don't have multiple years of rollover
2) Most people who were spending for status were probably spending for just one boost (25K or 30K)
With the head start, and constant MQD spending, I think there is much more of a case for people to keep spending on a Delta Reserve card. Going from $30K to $75K spend gets you pretty far to Diamond now...
2) Most people who were spending for status were probably spending for just one boost (25K or 30K)
With the head start, and constant MQD spending, I think there is much more of a case for people to keep spending on a Delta Reserve card. Going from $30K to $75K spend gets you pretty far to Diamond now...
Oct 22, 2023 | 8:40 pm
#504
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM, 2 MM, UA Silver (thanks Marriott!), Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 328
I am still confused by the second set of changes with regard to extend my status. And especially if I can get DM next year again with no further spend this year..
My stats .
Current DM. Will end year with 788k MQM +/-
12,750 MQD this year
2.6 MM.+/- (So that will make me automatically Platinum each year, starting 2.1.24 with no MQM deduction required, correct?)
If i were to not earn any more MQD this year could I use my MQM s to get 2024 DM (through "extend my status"?) What about 2025?
Thanks for any clarifications!
My stats .
Current DM. Will end year with 788k MQM +/-
12,750 MQD this year
2.6 MM.+/- (So that will make me automatically Platinum each year, starting 2.1.24 with no MQM deduction required, correct?)
If i were to not earn any more MQD this year could I use my MQM s to get 2024 DM (through "extend my status"?) What about 2025?
Thanks for any clarifications!
Last edited by resolute; Oct 22, 2023 at 9:27 pm
Oct 22, 2023 | 8:50 pm
#505
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 6,489
I am still confused by the second set of changes with regard to extend my status. And especially if I can get DM next year again with no further spend this year..
My stats .
Current DM. Will end year with 788 MQM +/-
12,750 MQD this year
2.6 MM.+/- (So that will make me automatically Platinum each year, starting 2.1.24 with no MQM deduction required, correct?)
If i were to not earn any more MQD this year could I use my MQM s to get 2024 DM (through "extend my status"?) What about 2025?
Thanks for any clarifications!
My stats .
Current DM. Will end year with 788 MQM +/-
12,750 MQD this year
2.6 MM.+/- (So that will make me automatically Platinum each year, starting 2.1.24 with no MQM deduction required, correct?)
If i were to not earn any more MQD this year could I use my MQM s to get 2024 DM (through "extend my status"?) What about 2025?
Thanks for any clarifications!
Last edited by sydneyracquelle; Oct 22, 2023 at 8:58 pm
Oct 22, 2023 | 8:56 pm
#506
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: On the run
Programs: DL 2MM/DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriot Titanium
Posts: 1,271
I am still confused by the second set of changes with regard to extend my status. And especially if I can get DM next year again with no further spend this year..
My stats .
Current DM. Will end year with 788 MQM +/-
12,750 MQD this year
2.6 MM.+/- (So that will make me automatically Platinum each year, starting 2.1.24 with no MQM deduction required, correct?)
If i were to not earn any more MQD this year could I use my MQM s to get 2024 DM (through "extend my status"?) What about 2025?
Thanks for any clarifications!
My stats .
Current DM. Will end year with 788 MQM +/-
12,750 MQD this year
2.6 MM.+/- (So that will make me automatically Platinum each year, starting 2.1.24 with no MQM deduction required, correct?)
If i were to not earn any more MQD this year could I use my MQM s to get 2024 DM (through "extend my status"?) What about 2025?
Thanks for any clarifications!
There will be a MQM deduction based on your 2023 earned status, 75k deducted for PM and 125k deducted for DM.
Oct 22, 2023 | 9:16 pm
#507
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM, 2 MM, UA Silver (thanks Marriott!), Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 328
Is there a k or zeros missing from your current 788 MQM? Based on your current ytd MQD, 2024 status would be PM and as a 2MM makes no sense to extend. Take the RDMs. Extend your status is based on your 2024 program year status as of Feb 1, 2024.
There will be a MQM deduction based on your 2023 earned status, 75k deducted for PM and 125k deducted for DM.
There will be a MQM deduction based on your 2023 earned status, 75k deducted for PM and 125k deducted for DM.
So, being DM for 23 as I am, there is no way to continue that into 24 without earning it , and having the chance to extend for a couple years after that?
Seems I may just have to cough up the extra spend (was planning on something anyway later this year, but guess I will have to pay $ instead of using a mileage ticket)
Last edited by resolute; Oct 22, 2023 at 9:28 pm
Oct 22, 2023 | 9:22 pm
#508
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM, 2 MM, UA Silver (thanks Marriott!), Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 328
Is there still a deduction if you meet that level anyway through your MM level? (If I am 2MM, why do they still deduct for plat. When I am automatically plat anyway because of my MM status- confusing..)
Oct 22, 2023 | 9:25 pm
#509
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards (SE), Virgin America Elevate, Hyatt Gold Passport (Platinum), VIA Preference
Posts: 3,642
I think Delta has learned that people buy lottery tickets for the hope.
e.g., Diamond - "Hoping" for an upgrade when there are 1-2 seats and 69 on the list
Thought process over time is as follows - telling people not to buy lottery tickets never works
September 2023 Delta - No one is getting upgraded anyway, let us shrink the upgrade lists and empty the lounges
October 2023 Delta - Everyone is an Elite now - Plase don't leave us - we are very happy to add you to the upgrade list!
e.g., Diamond - "Hoping" for an upgrade when there are 1-2 seats and 69 on the list
Thought process over time is as follows - telling people not to buy lottery tickets never works
September 2023 Delta - No one is getting upgraded anyway, let us shrink the upgrade lists and empty the lounges
October 2023 Delta - Everyone is an Elite now - Plase don't leave us - we are very happy to add you to the upgrade list!
Oct 22, 2023 | 9:26 pm
#510
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM, 2 MM, UA Silver (thanks Marriott!), Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 328
Well, just to add to the mix, I also have the 4 AMEX cards that each give 2.5 K MQD . Could I use the 10 K from those on 2.1.24 to then only have to pay 180K MQMs to still be DM on 2.1.24? Or do I have to wait until later in the year to get my AMEX MQD headstarts?