How much do you need to spend to get diamond medallion Delta?

How much do you need to spend to get diamond medallion Delta?

To achieve Diamond Medallion status with Delta Airlines, you need to fulfill certain spending requirements. The exact amount you need to spend can vary depending on various factors such as your travel patterns and loyalty to the airline. However, based on general guidelines, you would typically need to spend at least $15,000 to $20,000 on eligible flights and airline-related purchases within a calendar year.

Reaching Diamond Medallion status comes with a range of exclusive benefits, including complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, waived fees, and superior customer service. It is the highest level of elite status offered by Delta, reserved for their most loyal and frequent flyers. Achieving this status signifies a significant commitment to the airline and its services.

FAQs about Diamond Medallion Status

1. How can I track my progress towards achieving Diamond Medallion status?

To track your progress towards Diamond Medallion status, you can use Delta’s Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) tracker on their website or mobile app. It provides a detailed overview of your MQMs earned, spending levels, and remaining requirements for each status tier.

2. Are there any shortcut options or promotions to reach Diamond Medallion status quicker?

Delta occasionally offers promotions or bonus earning opportunities that can enable you to reach Diamond Medallion status faster. These promotions may include double or triple MQM earning on select flights or targeted offers based on your past travel history. Keeping an eye on Delta’s promotions and subscribing to their email newsletters can help you seize these opportunities.

3. Is it possible to earn Diamond Medallion status without actually spending the required amount?

While spending on eligible flights and related purchases is the primary way to earn Diamond Medallion status, Delta also offers Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) waivers for certain circumstances. For example, if you spend $25,000 or more on a Delta-branded American Express card in a calendar year, you can receive a waiver for the MQD requirement. Other exceptions may also apply to reach the spending threshold without actually spending the full amount.

4. Can I combine spending from multiple Delta SkyMiles accounts to reach the required amount?

Unfortunately, Delta does not allow the combining of spending from multiple SkyMiles accounts to reach the spending requirements for Medallion status. Each account is treated individually, and you must meet the spending thresholds on a single SkyMiles account to achieve the desired status level.

5. Do only eligible flights count towards the spending requirements for Diamond Medallion status?

No, eligible flights are not the only transactions that contribute towards the required spending for Diamond Medallion status. Other eligible purchases, such as seat upgrades, Sky Club memberships, baggage fees, in-flight purchases, and Delta Vacation packages, also count towards the spending requirements. Be sure to review Delta’s guidelines for eligible purchases to make the most of your spending.

6. Are taxes and fees included in the spending requirement calculations?

Taxes and fees associated with your flights and eligible purchases are not included in the spending requirement calculations for Diamond Medallion status. Only the base fare and additional fees directly related to eligible transactions contribute towards meeting the spending thresholds.

7. If I achieve Diamond Medallion status, do I need to maintain the spending levels every year?

Once you achieve Diamond Medallion status, you are required to maintain the spending levels annually to retain the status for the following calendar year. Delta evaluates your spending and flight activity on a yearly basis to determine your eligibility for the various Medallion tiers. Failure to meet the spending requirements would result in a downgrade to a lower status level.

8. Are there any benefits for secondary cardholders on Delta-branded American Express cards?

Yes, secondary cardholders on Delta-branded American Express cards can enjoy some benefits, but these do not contribute towards earning Medallion status. Benefits may include access to priority boarding, discounted Delta Sky Club access, and free checked bags. However, only the primary cardholder’s spending is counted towards achieving Medallion status.

9. Can I earn MQMs and MQDs by flying with Delta’s partner airlines?

Yes, flying with Delta’s partner airlines can earn you MQMs and MQDs, which contribute towards Medallion status. However, it’s essential to check the partner airline’s earning chart to understand how the miles and dollars will be credited to your Delta SkyMiles account. Some partner airlines may offer reduced earning rates compared to flying on Delta-operated flights.

10. Can I use miles or rewards to cover the spending requirements for Diamond Medallion status?

No, award travel mileage or rewards cannot be used to cover the spending requirements for Diamond Medallion status. Miles or rewards are redeemed separately for free flights or upgrades and do not count towards the spending thresholds for elite status.

11. When does Diamond Medallion status expire?

Diamond Medallion status is valid for one calendar year from the date it is earned. For example, if you achieve Diamond Medallion status in June 2022, it will remain active until December 31, 2022. To maintain the status beyond that, you need to meet the required spending thresholds for the next calendar year.

12. Can I gift or transfer my Diamond Medallion status to someone else?

No, Diamond Medallion status is non-transferable. It is tied to the individual account holder based on their qualifying activity and cannot be gifted or transferred to another person. However, you can use your status to extend certain benefits to travel companions on eligible flights, such as complimentary upgrades or priority boarding.