Delta's Big Changes: What They Mean for Your Sky Club Visits and Elite Status!
Hey travel besties!
If you are a Delta Airlines girlie, then then buckle up because I have some essential news you need to be tuned into. Delta is introducing significant changes to its Sky Club access and how you earn that coveted Medallion elite status.
Let's get into it!
1. Sky Club Access for Amex Cardholders: No More Unlimited Access
Date of Change: Feb. 1, 2025
If you proudly flash your The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card at the Delta Sky Club entrance, prepare for some alterations.
Current Perk: These cards get you unlimited access to the Delta Sky Club airport lounges within three hours of your Delta Air Lines departure.
The New Deal:
Delta Reserve and Delta Business Reserve ($550 annual fee) cardholders will have access capped at 10 Sky Club visits per year. But spend $75,000 within a year, and you're back to unlimited access.
Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum ($695 annual fee) cardholders will only have six visits per year. Yet again, spending $75,000 on the card within a calendar year will unlock unlimited access and guest entry at American Express Centurion Lounges.
Why the Change? Overcrowding has been a common sight in Delta's airport lounges. Though this move might help alleviate that, it's a significant shift for Amex's premium cardholders.
2. A Total Overhaul of Delta’s Elite Status
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, Delta is simplifying the way Medallion elite status is earned, and for some, it might be a bit of a tough pill to swallow.
Out with the Old: Traditionally, elite status depended on a mix of Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs), Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQM), and Medallion Qualifying Segments (MQS). There was even an MQD waiver with certain spending on Delta credit cards.
In with the New: Delta will only consider the MQD, and the benchmarks are set higher than before! The MQD waiver offered by some Delta cards? That's history!
Status Requirements:
Silver Medallion: $6,000 MQD
Gold Medallion: $12,000 MQD
Platinum Medallion: $18,000 MQD
Diamond Medallion: $35,000 MQD
On the brighter side, Delta will introduce new avenues to earn MQD, such as:
Delta Reserve and Delta Business Reserve Cards: $1 MQD for every $10 spent
Delta Platinum and Delta Business Platinum Cards: $1 MQD for every $20 spent
Car Rentals, Hotels, and Delta Vacation packages booked through Delta: $1 MQD per $1 spent
3. Delta Million Miler Status Updates
From now on, you'll earn Million Miler Status based on miles flown on Delta and its partners. It's a shift from the previous method of total MQM earned, which considered premium cabin bonuses. However, Million Milers can look forward to a higher upgrade priority.
Final Thoughts
Delta's changes mark a significant shift for frequent flyers. While these changes might mean fewer crowded lounges, they could also lead to the “I ONLY fly Delta“- girlies to reconsidering their airline preferences. If you're one of the many affected by these changes, it might be time to reassess how loyal you want to be to Delta and adapt your travel preferences.
Safe travels!
