Sometimes there are questions as to the benefit of flying Delta. I mean, besides domestic upgrades, awesome in-flight service, outstanding entertainment options, and great planes on domestic routes (like the 777, newly configured 767 with lie-flat seats and old configured 767 with craddle seats, 747, and A330) what else is there?

Today, I confirmed the benefit for earning status with the hard way this year with Delta (as opposed to earning status without even flying Delta) in the way of a Medallion Choice Benefit.

What Is The Choice Benefit Program

Delta awards their most frequent travelers with a choice of benefits once thresholds are met for earning Medallion Qualifying Miles. Diamond members and Platinum members who fly a minimum of 14 or 8 Delta-marketed and operated flights segments will receive their choice of Choice Benefits.

Once you meet the threshold, Delta will send you an email directing you to their site to select your Choice Benefit.

Choice Benefit Selections

Choices are based on status. Platinum members get to choose one benefit while Diamond members get to choose two benefits from the table below.

There are terms and conditions specific to each benefit that you should be aware of.

1) Systemwide Upgrade Certificates – Not my preferred choice since they are hard to get use

• Platinum members receive 4 and Diamond members receive 6
• May be redeemed for the named Medallion member and up to one travel companion in the same reservation. The named member and the companion will each require a separate certificate
• Valid for a one way upgrade on Delta and certain Delta Connection® carrier operated flights
• Valid for use within or between the 50 United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Mexico on published Economy class fares booked in Y, B, M, H, Q, or K class. Valid for use between Asia, Central America, Europe, India, Australia, North America, South America, and Africa on published Economy class fares booked in Y, B, M class
• Valid on all flights operated by KLM for one-way upgrade from published Economy fares in Y, B, M, or U class to Business class
• Valid on most transatlantic flights operated by Air France for one-way upgrade from Economy when booked in Y, B, or M class to Premium Voyageur class or a one-way upgrade from Premium Voyageur when booked in S or W class to Business class
• Not valid on AF operated 747 aircraft flights; only valid on flights with the Premium Economy Cabin

2) Delta Sky Club One-Day Passes – I already get Sky Club access with Delta Reserve Credit Card

• Platinum members receive 4 and Diamond members receive 6
• Receive 4 one-day passes to the Delta Sky Club

3) Bonus Delta SkyMiles – This is always tempting because they don’t expire

• Platinum members receive 20,000 miles and Diamond members receive 25,000 miles

4) $200 Travel Retail Card – $200 with Delta or Tiffany & Co

• Mrs Weekly Flyer always falls for the Tiffany & Co and I always fall for the $200 Delta travel voucher
• Platinum and Diamond members each get one certificate

5) Gift Medallion Status – A coveted benefit friends will come out of the woodworks for

• Platinum members can gift Silver and Diamond members can gift Gold status

Detailed Terms And Conditions

As with everything, there are detailed terms and conditions which you can read below.

Bottom Line

The Medallion Choice Awards can be rewarding. I’ve done the $200 Tiffany gift card a few times, the system wide upgrade certificates and certainly the $200 travel voucher a number of times.

See Current Airline Credit Cards.

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