Jan 2, 2022, 1:46 am
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
Need 4000+ MQDs?
If based in a city that is served by Virgin Atlantic such as IAD, JFK, BOS, MIA, LAS, LAX, SFO one of the best options is to fly to JNB or CPT via LHR. This can be done in a weekend and you can usually earn 4-5000 MQDs for under 1300-1600. You need to select Economy Delight which is similar to regular economy but with more legroom and the possibility of earning 20% of distance as MQDs. This is the most common way to earn large chunks at a cheap price.
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
Need 4000+ MQDs?
If based in a city that is served by Virgin Atlantic such as IAD, JFK, BOS, MIA, LAS, LAX, SFO one of the best options is to fly to JNB or CPT via LHR. This can be done in a weekend and you can usually earn 4-5000 MQDs for under 1300-1600. You need to select Economy Delight which is similar to regular economy but with more legroom and the possibility of earning 20% of distance as MQDs. This is the most common way to earn large chunks at a cheap price.
DL/Sky Team: 2022 Consolidated Mileage/Status/Challenge Runs help needed
Sep 15, 2022, 12:35 pm
#436
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
Departure Airport: WAS or NYC - - WAS preferred
Mileage Needed: None
MQDs: $3,000
Budget: flexible but under $1k preferred
Dates: October - early Dec; can fly during weekday
Required Metal: No, just Delta or Delta Partner
Any suggestions would be appreciated. I saw the Virgin Atlantic flight to SA — wondering if there is something a bit closer or to Europe. Also, if I use points to purchase on Virgin Atlantic can I earn MQDs?
Mileage Needed: None
MQDs: $3,000
Budget: flexible but under $1k preferred
Dates: October - early Dec; can fly during weekday
Required Metal: No, just Delta or Delta Partner
Any suggestions would be appreciated. I saw the Virgin Atlantic flight to SA — wondering if there is something a bit closer or to Europe. Also, if I use points to purchase on Virgin Atlantic can I earn MQDs?
e.g. Nov 11 - 13, DCA-JFK-CPH-JFK-DCA, $879, about $2600 MQDs, 13,000 MQMs, 26 hours in Copenhagen, 15 hours in JFK on return, other travel dates and booking through KLM with routing through AMS available
Sep 15, 2022, 12:48 pm
#437
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
Departure Airport: MSP (could reposition if needed - ORD likely easiest/cheapest)
Mileage Needed: None
MQDs: $3,000
Budget: <$1200
Dates: No restrictions, just want quick turnaround (would prefer not to have to stay overnight at a location if possible)
Required Metal: Would prefer to book using DL as I have a ton of credit if possible (I've seen using ITA Powertools that even AF Premium Economy can get high MQDs when booking on DL)
Mileage Needed: None
MQDs: $3,000
Budget: <$1200
Dates: No restrictions, just want quick turnaround (would prefer not to have to stay overnight at a location if possible)
Required Metal: Would prefer to book using DL as I have a ton of credit if possible (I've seen using ITA Powertools that even AF Premium Economy can get high MQDs when booking on DL)
e.g. Dec 2 - 4, $1054, about $2900 MQDs, about 14,000 MQMs, 26 hours in CPH, Google flights link
Sep 15, 2022, 11:49 pm
#438
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SEA & RDM
Programs: UA - 1MM, DL Diamond, AS MVP75, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 8,036
Departure Airport: SEA or RDM
Mileage Needed: None
MQDs: $8000
Budget: ~$3k, less is always better and business class is preferred but I can use GUCs.
Dates: October - Dec; can fly during weekday but prefer a weekend
Required Metal: Delta or Delta Partner (I assume Delta partner).
Mileage Needed: None
MQDs: $8000
Budget: ~$3k, less is always better and business class is preferred but I can use GUCs.
Dates: October - Dec; can fly during weekday but prefer a weekend
Required Metal: Delta or Delta Partner (I assume Delta partner).
Sep 16, 2022, 9:11 am
#439
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Multiple locations
Programs: AAdvantage ExPlat LT Gold, BA Silver, Aegean Star Gold
Posts: 5,037
Departure Airport: SEA or RDM
Mileage Needed: None
MQDs: $8000
Budget: ~$3k, less is always better and business class is preferred but I can use GUCs.
Dates: October - Dec; can fly during weekday but prefer a weekend
Required Metal: Delta or Delta Partner (I assume Delta partner).
Mileage Needed: None
MQDs: $8000
Budget: ~$3k, less is always better and business class is preferred but I can use GUCs.
Dates: October - Dec; can fly during weekday but prefer a weekend
Required Metal: Delta or Delta Partner (I assume Delta partner).
Honestly you could perhaps do a side trip to Tijuana or other spots during those long layover in MEX to get more miles....
Google Flights
Tijuana that weekend seems very high at $502, but would give you another 1143 MQDs during that first layover. Most cities don't have a red-eye type flight to make your SCL connection.
MEX-TIJ
YVR-CAI with Air France Premium Economy earns 4161 MQDs for USD 1496. Probably can use GUC to upgrade.
Google Flights
Last edited by jfkeze; Sep 16, 2022 at 9:17 am
Sep 17, 2022, 2:24 am
#440
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New England
Programs: American Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Silver
Posts: 5,636
Departure Airport: BOS but willing to position
Miles Needed: 2766 MQDs
Required Spend or Budget: As little as possible
Available Travel Dates: First week of October, Third week of October through the end of the year, avoiding holidays unless there's a good deal/fare
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: Codeshares OK!
After booking my UIO flight, I realized that I will be well over the MQM requirement for Platinum, but the MQDs are quite attainable as well! I won't be anywhere near Diamond, but I thought, why not stretch for Diamond?
Another trip southward would be fine, although a trip across the pond would be even better.
As I am a larger passenger, I would be more comfortable in Premium Economy (Business would be even better) on any flight over a couple hours long.
Miles Needed: 2766 MQDs
Required Spend or Budget: As little as possible
Available Travel Dates: First week of October, Third week of October through the end of the year, avoiding holidays unless there's a good deal/fare
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: Codeshares OK!
After booking my UIO flight, I realized that I will be well over the MQM requirement for Platinum, but the MQDs are quite attainable as well! I won't be anywhere near Diamond, but I thought, why not stretch for Diamond?
Another trip southward would be fine, although a trip across the pond would be even better.
As I am a larger passenger, I would be more comfortable in Premium Economy (Business would be even better) on any flight over a couple hours long.
Sep 17, 2022, 7:09 am
#441
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Multiple locations
Programs: AAdvantage ExPlat LT Gold, BA Silver, Aegean Star Gold
Posts: 5,037
Departure Airport: BOS but willing to position
Miles Needed: 2766 MQDs
Required Spend or Budget: As little as possible
Available Travel Dates: First week of October, Third week of October through the end of the year, avoiding holidays unless there's a good deal/fare
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: Codeshares OK!
After booking my UIO flight, I realized that I will be well over the MQM requirement for Platinum, but the MQDs are quite attainable as well! I won't be anywhere near Diamond, but I thought, why not stretch for Diamond?
Another trip southward would be fine, although a trip across the pond would be even better.
As I am a larger passenger, I would be more comfortable in Premium Economy (Business would be even better) on any flight over a couple hours long.
Miles Needed: 2766 MQDs
Required Spend or Budget: As little as possible
Available Travel Dates: First week of October, Third week of October through the end of the year, avoiding holidays unless there's a good deal/fare
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: Codeshares OK!
After booking my UIO flight, I realized that I will be well over the MQM requirement for Platinum, but the MQDs are quite attainable as well! I won't be anywhere near Diamond, but I thought, why not stretch for Diamond?
Another trip southward would be fine, although a trip across the pond would be even better.
As I am a larger passenger, I would be more comfortable in Premium Economy (Business would be even better) on any flight over a couple hours long.
BOS-CPH-BOS
You could also position to MIA and make it an open jaw to Boston for either 2697 MQDs or 2791 MQDs, the extra MQDs perhaps from the positioning flight to MIA?
MIA-CPH-BOS
Sep 17, 2022, 7:24 am
#442
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Multiple locations
Programs: AAdvantage ExPlat LT Gold, BA Silver, Aegean Star Gold
Posts: 5,037
Departure Airport: BOS but willing to position
Miles Needed: 2766 MQDs
Required Spend or Budget: As little as possible
Available Travel Dates: First week of October, Third week of October through the end of the year, avoiding holidays unless there's a good deal/fare
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: Codeshares OK!
After booking my UIO flight, I realized that I will be well over the MQM requirement for Platinum, but the MQDs are quite attainable as well! I won't be anywhere near Diamond, but I thought, why not stretch for Diamond?
Another trip southward would be fine, although a trip across the pond would be even better.
As I am a larger passenger, I would be more comfortable in Premium Economy (Business would be even better) on any flight over a couple hours long.
Miles Needed: 2766 MQDs
Required Spend or Budget: As little as possible
Available Travel Dates: First week of October, Third week of October through the end of the year, avoiding holidays unless there's a good deal/fare
Required Metal or Codeshares okay*: Codeshares OK!
After booking my UIO flight, I realized that I will be well over the MQM requirement for Platinum, but the MQDs are quite attainable as well! I won't be anywhere near Diamond, but I thought, why not stretch for Diamond?
Another trip southward would be fine, although a trip across the pond would be even better.
As I am a larger passenger, I would be more comfortable in Premium Economy (Business would be even better) on any flight over a couple hours long.
Another alternative is a Saturday to Sunday Tijuana Run which would give you 2492 MQDs for $804. You would have some 15 hours of layovers in MEX so perhaps an airport hotel?
Google Flights
A BOS-ORD positioning flight runs around $318 with 268 MQDs or in Y+ 427 with 371 MQDs
Sep 17, 2022, 1:14 pm
#443
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 7
thanks! Going to give this a try. I really appreciate the suggestion.
How about Copenhagen? Delta operated, Virgin Atlantic marketed Premium Economy.
e.g. Nov 11 - 13, DCA-JFK-CPH-JFK-DCA, $879, about $2600 MQDs, 13,000 MQMs, 26 hours in Copenhagen, 15 hours in JFK on return, other travel dates and booking through KLM with routing through AMS available
e.g. Nov 11 - 13, DCA-JFK-CPH-JFK-DCA, $879, about $2600 MQDs, 13,000 MQMs, 26 hours in Copenhagen, 15 hours in JFK on return, other travel dates and booking through KLM with routing through AMS available
Sep 18, 2022, 5:45 pm
#444
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: New York
Programs: Delta DM, AA, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 10
MQD run out of JFK/EWR for 850 MQD needed
Looking for a low cost Skymiles MQD run out of New York JFK or EWR . Could also do MIA from Dec 15 to Dec 31. It could be a few day trip or just a run wit ha quick turn. Dates flexible.
Looking to earn min 850 MQD.
Thank you.
Looking to earn min 850 MQD.
Thank you.
Sep 19, 2022, 6:12 am
#445
Join Date: Sep 2022
Posts: 2
I'm super close to my platinum medallion match - I have to complete by Nov 23rd but I'm off work 23 of Sept – 1st of Oct would love to grab some miles. Any options? My tolerance for long haul coach is low these days so would love a nicer seat option.
Departure Airport: AUS (or any for a long haul)
Mileage Needed: 11K
MQDs: $1,100
Budget: flexible
Dates: I’m off the 23 of Sept – 1st of Oct but need to complete before Nov 23rd
Required Metal: No, just Delta or Delta Partner
Departure Airport: AUS (or any for a long haul)
Mileage Needed: 11K
MQDs: $1,100
Budget: flexible
Dates: I’m off the 23 of Sept – 1st of Oct but need to complete before Nov 23rd
Required Metal: No, just Delta or Delta Partner
Sep 19, 2022, 9:11 am
#446
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: RDU
Posts: 713
Copenhagen is close to what you need. Delta operated Premium Select. KLM marketed
e.g. Dec 2 - 4, $1054, about $2900 MQDs, about 14,000 MQMs, 26 hours in CPH, Google flights link
e.g. Dec 2 - 4, $1054, about $2900 MQDs, about 14,000 MQMs, 26 hours in CPH, Google flights link
BOS-CPH Friday thru Sunday Y+ sold by KLM for $930 gives either 2426 MQDs or 2614 MQDs, because I cant remember if the MQDs are also off the 500 Mile minimum... if Not, then its the first one...
BOS-CPH-BOS
You could also position to MIA and make it an open jaw to Boston for either 2697 MQDs or 2791 MQDs, the extra MQDs perhaps from the positioning flight to MIA?
MIA-CPH-BOS
BOS-CPH-BOS
You could also position to MIA and make it an open jaw to Boston for either 2697 MQDs or 2791 MQDs, the extra MQDs perhaps from the positioning flight to MIA?
MIA-CPH-BOS
Sep 19, 2022, 8:13 pm
#447
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: New York
Programs: Delta DM, AA, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 10
Skymiles - 850 MQD needed from JFK/EWR/MIA -
Looking for an MQD for at least 850 MQD. travel dates flexible weekday or weekend. Prefer just a quick turn but open to a stay.
JFK/EWR/MIA preferred.
JFK/EWR/MIA preferred.
Sep 19, 2022, 9:59 pm
#448
Join Date: Sep 2022
Programs: Delta Sky Miles
Posts: 2
Need 10k Sky Miles for Platinum out of MSP
Departure Airport: MSP
Mileage Needed: 10K
MQDs: N/A
Budget: Under $1500 if possible
Dates: Has to be Fri-Mon flight, open dates: 10/28-10/31, 12/9-12/12, 12/16-12/19
Required Metal: DL or partner
THANK YOU SO MUCH
Mileage Needed: 10K
MQDs: N/A
Budget: Under $1500 if possible
Dates: Has to be Fri-Mon flight, open dates: 10/28-10/31, 12/9-12/12, 12/16-12/19
Required Metal: DL or partner
THANK YOU SO MUCH
Sep 20, 2022, 4:16 am
#449
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
Sorry about a side question - is it certain that KLM marketed flights in "A" (premium economy) earn the same as AF marketed flights in "A", i.e. 30% MQD and 150% MQM? The DL website still lists KL "A" as discount economy with much lower earnings. In the past, this has made me skittish about booking KL "A".
Sep 20, 2022, 4:31 am
#450
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
e.g. Nov. 5, JFK-MCO-JFK, $948 (First), $854 MQDs, 2832 MQMs
