Delta SkyMiles Program Changes Next Year

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Delta Air Lines announced that the SkyMiles Program will undergo several changes beginning January 1, 2023. Delta will be increasing Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) requirements in addition to adding new Choice Benefits for Platinum and Diamond Medallion members.

Additionally, SkyMiles members will be able to redeem SkyMiles for checked baggage, and Platinum and Diamond Medallions will be able to apply Regional and Global upgrades using self-service tools such as delta.com

a white airplane on a runway

Here’s a recap of the Delta SkyMiles Changes:

I) Increased Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) requirements:

For the first time since 2015, we’re increasing Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) requirements to achieve 2024 Medallion Status for Diamond, Platinum and Gold Members. Requirements for Silver Medallion Members will remain the same, and there are no changes to MQD waivers, Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM), or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQS) amounts.

The updated MQD requirements will be:

  • Diamond: $15,000 to $20,000
  • Platinum: $9,000 to $12,000
  • Gold: $6,000 to $8,000
  • Silver: $3,000 (no change)

a row of seats in an airplane

II) New Premium Choice Benefits

The best rewards are the ones that mean the most to you. That’s why we’re excited to introduce new 2024 Medallion Status Choice Benefits for Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members—getting you closer to dream destinations, next year’s Medallion Status and more.

Platinum Medallion New Choice Benefits:
  • Gift Silver Medallion Status to 2 Members
  • $250 Sustainable Aviation Fuel Contribution
  • $400 Delta Vacations Experience (flight + hotel)*
  • $500 MQD Boost towards next Medallion Qualification Year
  • $250 Delta Travel Voucher
  • $200 American Express Statement Credit on Basic Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Cards, or Basic Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Cards

Diamond Medallion New Choice Benefits:

  • Gift Gold Medallion Status to 2 Members
  • $250 Sustainable Aviation Fuel Contribution
  • $500 Delta Vacations Experience (flight + hotel)*
  • $1,000 MQD Boost towards next Medallion Qualification Year
  • $250 Delta Travel Voucher
  • $500 American Express Statement Credit on Basic Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Cards, or Basic Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Cards

III) Upgrade Certificate Service at Your Fingertips

One of the most requested services from our Members is on the way. Soon, Diamond and Platinum Medallions who select Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates as their Choice Benefit will be more in control of their travel. By early 2023, a new self-service tool will be available to enable a more seamless journey, allowing you to request Upgrade Certificates with just a few clicks.

a room with chairs and tables

Cover Checked Baggage Fees with Miles

You already use your miles for flights, upgrades and more—but now, miles can go even further. We’re happy to share with you here first that the miles you’ve earned can now be used as currency to pay for checked bags. This exciting benefit has already rolled out at select airports and, by early 2023, will be available in most airport kiosks and online on delta.com and the Fly Delta app.

Earlier this year, Delta announced that SkyMiles Members to Earn Status on Award Travel, a change initially implemented during the pandemic that is staying permanently.

What are you thoughts on the latest Delta SkyMiles changes? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or suggestions expressed on this site are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed.

About Points, Miles & Martinis

Here at Points, Miles and Martinis, we love all things travel. We focus on topics relating to travel including destinations, airline, hotel, car rental and credit card reward programs. Our goal is to help people travel better. - See more at our About Us page.

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