Delta Medallion: Upgrade to Platinum status?
 

Question for FF Gurus,
Is it worth trying to for the Delta Platinum status by end of the month?

My constraint: Given my work schedule, I cannot do a mileage run.

I have nearly 39K on my Delta Amex platinum. Not sure what I should spend another $10/11 K on?

Any other options to get 1-2 K Delta MQM miles?

Ps: I did write to Delta to see if they would do a courtesy upgrade to Platinum status. No go!

------------------------ Response from Delta ------------------------

Dear Mr. Frequent Flier
Thank you for contacting Delta Air Lines.
We appreciate your interest in reaching Platinum status for the 2011 year. Unfortunately with the addition of rollover MQMs from last year and periodical MQM building promotions offered throughout the year, we must respectfully decline your request. Please know that we very much value your medallion loyalty and we look forward to serving you in the future.
Sincerely,
XXX
Medallion Desk
www.delta.com

------------------------ My Email Message to Delta ------------------------

Greetings,

I am a proud sky miles member. I have about 72500 MQM and a Gold Status.
I have a trip planned on Delta to travel from Chicago to Houston in December.

With the current MQM’s for the year and my calculation of the number of miles on the new trip I may still be a bit short of the coveted Platinum status. Please let me know if you would be willing to provide a courtesy upgrade to Platinum status prior to the proposed trip.

Regards
Frequent Flier

there is a promo giving mqm's for charity donations....the link is posted in some mr discussion dl threads....2500 for $250 donation iirc...sorry i don't have it..

Made the donation
 

Thanks clacko. I just made a $250 donation. Hope the miles post in time to get the PM

agreed about the donations.. link

AND
not to miss out on the potential for rollover,
You are at 11k short of the 50k needed for the 2nd bonus on the Delta Amex

If you spend 11k in 3 weeks, you will get 11k miles, 10k bonus miles & 10k MQMs
Value = 210$ + at least 300$ for the MQMs = 500$ min

Take out a 10k home equity loan for 3 months = 10k at 3% x 3/12 = 75$ cost
Go to officialpayments.com and pay the 10k for your taxes.
It does not all have to be federal, it can be your real estate taxes, your state taxes, estimated taxes etc etc even if an overpayment.
You will spend 235$ in fees and 75$ in loans fees= 310$ for 510$ value back.

Good luck

It is not worth paying taxes for the miles or points, but just like a Mileage run when you are close but short of a real useful target like 1k/PM/EXP, it is worth paying the fees for taxes. Usually a very bad idea, esp for DL, getting miles at 2.4c each is NOT a good idea.