After some thought and promising to make changes “based on customer feedback,” the Atlanta-based carrier announced a new set of changes for SkyMiles flyers, including new loyalty thresholds and changed bonuses for credit card holders.

 

Earning Status Doesn’t Change, But Bonuses and Opportunities to Earn Medallion Qualifying Dollars Increases

As with other loyalty programs, the way flyers will earn status in 2024 won’t change: Tier level will be based purely on spending. However, the carrier is allowing more pathways for flyers to get status.

 

The primary way remains through flying: Travelers will earn $1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar per $1 spent on Delta and partner flights. Those who hold the Delta SkyMiles Platinum, Platinum Business, Reserve, or Reserve Business American Express cards will also get a boost on earning MQDs.

 

With the personal or business versions of the Reserve card, flyers will earn $1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card. On both versions of the Platinum card, flyers get $1 MQD for every $20 spent with the card. Holders of both cards will get a $2,500 MQD headstart in February 2024.

 

In terms of earning Medallion status, flyers can earn Silver Medallion after $5,000 MQDs, or Gold with $10,000 MQDs. Platinum is available to those who earn $15,000 MQDs, while Diamond Medallion is only available to those earning $28,000 MQDs.

 

Once flyers earn higher status levels, they will find new Choice Benefit options to select. Flyers can select an MQD accelerator of $1,000 at Platinum and $2,000 at Diamond, while Diamond flyers can choose a Delta SkyClub individual membership for two Choice Benefit selections. Another option is earning bonus miles or taking a travel voucher. Platinum members can receive a one-time bonus of 30,000 miles for their account or to gift elsewhere, while Diamond members can receive a perk of 35,000 miles. If elites want to select a voucher for future travel, Platinum members can get a $300 voucher, while Diamonds can select a $350 voucher.

 

Flyers will have an opportunity to select how they want to convert their Medallion Qualifying Miles from 2023, as they will no longer be a qualifying factor. Flyers can convert them to SkyMiles, Medallion Qualifying Dollars, or a combination of both. Starting in 2024, flyers will not get any rollover dollars unless they have a card headstart or a Choice Benefit accelerator.

Access to Sky Lounges will also tighten starting on January 1, 2024. Reserve card members will receive 15 day visits per year, defined as “all access to the Sky Club within a 24-hour period after your first check-in at any Delta Sky Club” at the departure, transfer, and landing airport. Those who hold The Platinum Card from American Express will be limited to 10 day visits, while those holding the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card or flying on a basic economy ticket won’t be able to visit the Sky Club.

 

How do you feel about the NEW New SkyMiles changes? Share your thoughts on the FlyerTalk Forums. 

Source: frugal travel guy