Dec 31, 2018, 10:40 pm
Last edit by: Pat89339
For each request, please include the following information:
Departure Airport:
Miles Needed:
Required Spend or Budget:
Available Travel Dates:
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*:
For each response. Please quote the original request. DO NOT START A SEPARATE THREAD.
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NOTE: You will have greater chances of success if you have greater flexibility on travel dates and cost. If you need a lot of MQMs on weekends only for < 5 cpm it probably won't happen.
Other creative possibilities depending how many MQMs you need:
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*"Required Metal or Codeshares" is, approximately, asking whether you need a flight operated specifically by Delta or if partner flights are ok. If you are just looking for MQMs to hit a Medallion tier the normal way, then the answer is yes. If you are doing a status challenge, the answer is also probably yes, but read the T&C of your challenge carefully to be sure (for the regular status challenge the answer is also "yes")
NOTE: some partner flights earn MQMs at reduced rates. See this chart for more info.
Newcomers may also be interested in the FlyerTalk Glossary
Departure Airport:
Miles Needed:
Required Spend or Budget:
Available Travel Dates:
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*:
For each response. Please quote the original request. DO NOT START A SEPARATE THREAD.
----
NOTE: You will have greater chances of success if you have greater flexibility on travel dates and cost. If you need a lot of MQMs on weekends only for < 5 cpm it probably won't happen.
Other creative possibilities depending how many MQMs you need:
- signup bonuses for various DL-branded AMEX cards (usually have a spend requirement)
- if you already have planned travel, consider buying up (in advance, not at check in) for 50% MQM bonus and more flexible same-day-confirmed options which are another way to increase MQMs
- Hilton 250 MQMs per stay of 2 nights or more
- if you are close to a threshold Delta often will offer a buy-up (at exorbitant prices). 2016 thread, and speculation/anticipation thread for 2017
----
*"Required Metal or Codeshares" is, approximately, asking whether you need a flight operated specifically by Delta or if partner flights are ok. If you are just looking for MQMs to hit a Medallion tier the normal way, then the answer is yes. If you are doing a status challenge, the answer is also probably yes, but read the T&C of your challenge carefully to be sure (for the regular status challenge the answer is also "yes")
NOTE: some partner flights earn MQMs at reduced rates. See this chart for more info.
Newcomers may also be interested in the FlyerTalk Glossary
DL/Sky Team: 2019 Consolidated Mileage/Status/Challenge Runs help needed
Dec 24, 2019, 8:46 am
#1427
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: Delta
Posts: 54
Keeping Gold Past Q1
Departure Airport: JFK/LGA
Miles Needed: 9000 MQM, 3800 MQD
Required Spend or Budget: Low as possible
Available Travel Dates: Q1 (minus Jan 20-31st)
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: Codeshares preferred for MQD earnings. No MU.
This year I've used a promotion "flying seamlessly" to have delta gold for a year after 8 flights, which I achieved in April.
I'll end the year well over on spend, but just ~4000 miles short of real gold. I called up Delta to confirm that the miles I gained over FO would rollover, and figured that was my best strategy.
I have all of Q1 to make up the difference + all of the MQDs.
So, starting from 20773 MQM, I have a trip JFK-LAX-SYD-LAX-JFK on DL that is on an exception fare earning ~19500 MQM and 1950 of MQDs, a third of the way there.
I have an LGA-DTW on DL trip which will earn 1002 MQM and 315 MQDs.
That puts me at 41275 MQMs and 2265 MQDs.
I may have a business trip to London (PE on VS JFK-LHR-JFK) if it gets confirmed would put me over the line for MQMs and in a better position with MQDs. I really don't want to lose gold April first.
Miles Needed: 9000 MQM, 3800 MQD
Required Spend or Budget: Low as possible
Available Travel Dates: Q1 (minus Jan 20-31st)
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: Codeshares preferred for MQD earnings. No MU.
This year I've used a promotion "flying seamlessly" to have delta gold for a year after 8 flights, which I achieved in April.
I'll end the year well over on spend, but just ~4000 miles short of real gold. I called up Delta to confirm that the miles I gained over FO would rollover, and figured that was my best strategy.
I have all of Q1 to make up the difference + all of the MQDs.
So, starting from 20773 MQM, I have a trip JFK-LAX-SYD-LAX-JFK on DL that is on an exception fare earning ~19500 MQM and 1950 of MQDs, a third of the way there.
I have an LGA-DTW on DL trip which will earn 1002 MQM and 315 MQDs.
That puts me at 41275 MQMs and 2265 MQDs.
I may have a business trip to London (PE on VS JFK-LHR-JFK) if it gets confirmed would put me over the line for MQMs and in a better position with MQDs. I really don't want to lose gold April first.
Dec 24, 2019, 10:05 am
#1428
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL PM 1MM
Posts: 3,439
This year I've used a promotion "flying seamlessly" to have delta gold for a year after 8 flights, which I achieved in April.
I'll end the year well over on spend, but just ~4000 miles short of real gold. I called up Delta to confirm that the miles I gained over FO would rollover, and figured that was my best strategy.
I have all of Q1 to make up the difference + all of the MQDs.
Dec 24, 2019, 12:01 pm
#1429
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: Delta
Posts: 54
Huh? You are GM for 2019 (due to a special promotion) and you believe you'll get FO's rollover MQMs into 2020? I'll bet your phone call with DL is not what actually happens to you. I'd assume your 2020 rollover MQMs will follow the normal rollover MQM rules - only MQMs over the earned/gifted 2019 status will rollover to 2020. If your phone call with DL was correct, it would mean that due to rollover, your 2019 MQMs "counted twice". That can't be right.
Dec 24, 2019, 12:19 pm
#1430
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
Departure Airport: JFK/LGA
Miles Needed: 9000 MQM, 3800 MQD
Required Spend or Budget: Low as possible
Available Travel Dates: Q1 (minus Jan 20-31st)
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: Codeshares preferred for MQD earnings. No MU.
This year I've used a promotion "flying seamlessly" to have delta gold for a year after 8 flights, which I achieved in April.
I'll end the year well over on spend, but just ~4000 miles short of real gold. I called up Delta to confirm that the miles I gained over FO would rollover, and figured that was my best strategy.
I have all of Q1 to make up the difference + all of the MQDs.
So, starting from 20773 MQM, I have a trip JFK-LAX-SYD-LAX-JFK on DL that is on an exception fare earning ~19500 MQM and 1950 of MQDs, a third of the way there.
I have an LGA-DTW on DL trip which will earn 1002 MQM and 315 MQDs.
That puts me at 41275 MQMs and 2265 MQDs.
I may have a business trip to London (PE on VS JFK-LHR-JFK) if it gets confirmed would put me over the line for MQMs and in a better position with MQDs. I really don't want to lose gold April first.
Miles Needed: 9000 MQM, 3800 MQD
Required Spend or Budget: Low as possible
Available Travel Dates: Q1 (minus Jan 20-31st)
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: Codeshares preferred for MQD earnings. No MU.
This year I've used a promotion "flying seamlessly" to have delta gold for a year after 8 flights, which I achieved in April.
I'll end the year well over on spend, but just ~4000 miles short of real gold. I called up Delta to confirm that the miles I gained over FO would rollover, and figured that was my best strategy.
I have all of Q1 to make up the difference + all of the MQDs.
So, starting from 20773 MQM, I have a trip JFK-LAX-SYD-LAX-JFK on DL that is on an exception fare earning ~19500 MQM and 1950 of MQDs, a third of the way there.
I have an LGA-DTW on DL trip which will earn 1002 MQM and 315 MQDs.
That puts me at 41275 MQMs and 2265 MQDs.
I may have a business trip to London (PE on VS JFK-LHR-JFK) if it gets confirmed would put me over the line for MQMs and in a better position with MQDs. I really don't want to lose gold April first.
e.g. Jan 25 - 26, $1000, 10 hours in JNB, get back to JFK Jan. 27th, about 22,000 MQMs, $4500 MQDs, bookable on Virgin Atlantic
Last edited by canuck_traveler; Dec 24, 2019 at 12:49 pm Reason: fix booking class (Delight instead of Classic)
Dec 24, 2019, 12:38 pm
#1431
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: Delta
Posts: 54
Unfortunately right in the middle of my Sydney trip, but JNB on VS in general seems to be the way to earn tons of miles and MQDs. Hopefully they run a good deal on delight or premium for a flight that long.
Dec 24, 2019, 12:46 pm
#1432
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
Correction on that $1000 price - it is for Economy Delight not Classic - Classic is for $779, Premium is around $2200 or less depending on date chosen.
Last edited by canuck_traveler; Dec 24, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Dec 24, 2019, 10:30 pm
#1434
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 5
A bit of flying to get the almost 30,000 MQMs in a short time but here is a thought:
Dec 25 - 26, LAX-SJU, $975, about 9600 MQMs, Delta One outbound (LAX-JFK-SJU), Main cabin inbound (SJU-ATL-LAX), 7.5 hours in SJU, get back to LA early afternoon on 26th
Dec 27 - 28, LAX-JNB, $3642 (MC), about 21,000 MQMs, routing: LAX-ATL-JNB-CDG-LAX, 3.5 hours in JNB, arrive back in LA early afternoon on 29th
There are cheaper LAX-JNB ($1421) runs but they get back to LAX on Dec. 30th
You could pick all the miles in one LAX-JNB run in First for $8000+
Dec 25 - 26, LAX-SJU, $975, about 9600 MQMs, Delta One outbound (LAX-JFK-SJU), Main cabin inbound (SJU-ATL-LAX), 7.5 hours in SJU, get back to LA early afternoon on 26th
Dec 27 - 28, LAX-JNB, $3642 (MC), about 21,000 MQMs, routing: LAX-ATL-JNB-CDG-LAX, 3.5 hours in JNB, arrive back in LA early afternoon on 29th
There are cheaper LAX-JNB ($1421) runs but they get back to LAX on Dec. 30th
You could pick all the miles in one LAX-JNB run in First for $8000+
Thank you very much!
Dec 24, 2019, 10:42 pm
#1435
Join Date: Dec 2019
Programs: Skymiles
Posts: 1
I am 3400 MQMs from Diamond and need help please. 
Departure Airport: AUS
MQMs Needed: 3400
Required Spend or Budget: prefer under $600
Available Travel Dates: 12/27-31
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: ok
Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions that anyone can give...
Departure Airport: AUS
MQMs Needed: 3400
Required Spend or Budget: prefer under $600
Available Travel Dates: 12/27-31
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: ok
Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions that anyone can give...
Dec 24, 2019, 11:04 pm
#1436
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
Another option to get it all in one shot:
China Eastern, LAX-MLE, Dec 26 - 28, $4212 (Business class), about 30,500 MQMs, 27 hours in MLE, return from MLE involves a bunch of transfers within China which may be a bit stressful if you haven't travelled much within China
China Eastern, LAX-MLE, Dec 26 - 28, $4212 (Business class), about 30,500 MQMs, 27 hours in MLE, return from MLE involves a bunch of transfers within China which may be a bit stressful if you haven't travelled much within China
Dec 25, 2019, 12:21 am
#1437
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Detroit
Programs: Delta Skymiles
Posts: 2
Traveling in Asia and Just Realized I Need a Mileage Run
Hi I'm currently traveling in Asia on holiday from the US and realized I'm just short of making Platinum status but I won't be back to the US until January 2and from my vacation so I'm willing to sacrifice a day of my holiday to make a mileage run...
Departure Airport: KUL or DPS
Miles Needed: 124 miles
Required Spend or Budget: No Spend Required; $600 or less budget
Available Travel Dates: 12/26 to 12/31
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: n/a
Departure Airport: KUL or DPS
Miles Needed: 124 miles
Required Spend or Budget: No Spend Required; $600 or less budget
Available Travel Dates: 12/26 to 12/31
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: n/a
Dec 25, 2019, 12:25 am
#1438
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,539
Hi I'm currently traveling in Asia on holiday from the US and realized I'm just short of making Platinum status but I won't be back to the US until January 2and from my vacation so I'm willing to sacrifice a day of my holiday to make a mileage run...
Departure Airport: KUL or DPS
Miles Needed: 124 miles
Required Spend or Budget: No Spend Required; $600 or less budget
Available Travel Dates: 12/26 to 12/31
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: n/a
Departure Airport: KUL or DPS
Miles Needed: 124 miles
Required Spend or Budget: No Spend Required; $600 or less budget
Available Travel Dates: 12/26 to 12/31
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: n/a
Dec 25, 2019, 1:17 am
#1439
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Detroit
Programs: Delta Skymiles
Posts: 2
Delta/ Sky Team - 124 actual milea is what I am short to achieving Platinum.
Dec 25, 2019, 2:14 am
#1440
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
I am 3400 MQMs from Diamond and need help please.
Departure Airport: AUS
MQMs Needed: 3400
Required Spend or Budget: prefer under $600
Available Travel Dates: 12/27-31
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: ok
Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions that anyone can give...
Departure Airport: AUS
MQMs Needed: 3400
Required Spend or Budget: prefer under $600
Available Travel Dates: 12/27-31
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: ok
Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions that anyone can give...