Full Answer
What are the benefits of working with Delta?
Pledges & Certifications
- Veteran Hiring Commitment Committed to helping America's military veterans find work
- Pay Equality Pledge Committed to paying equitably for equal work & experience
- Social Responsibility Pledge Formal programs or foundation to give back to communities
- Diversity Commitment Has programs that support a diverse and inclusive workforce
What are the benefits of a Delta American Express card?
- Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card (no annual fee).1
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card ($0 annual fee for first year, then $99).2
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ($250 annual fee).3
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($550 annual fee).4
Can I buy MQMs on Delta?
You can now buy MQMs from Delta through its Elevate Your Status program, but the prices are exorbitant – up to a dollar per MQM. This should only be a last resort if you know you won’t be flying enough before the end of the year and the extra MQMs will put lucrative benefits like global upgrades within reach.
What are the benefits of Delta platinum?
There are a lot of benefits to Platinum Medallion, including:
- A Choice Benefit that can be miles, regional upgrades, gifting Silver status, a travel voucher, or Tiffany & Co. gift card
- Unlimited complimentary upgrades
- Waived baggage fees
- Same-day change fees waived
- Same-day standby fees waived
- SkyPriority
- Exclusive CLEAR pricing
- VIP phone line
- Priority waitlisting
- SkyTeam Elite Plus
Which is the best choice benefit on Delta?
What Is the Best Delta Platinum Choice Benefit?Silver status comes with a bunch of benefits, including potential upgrades, priority check-in and priority boarding. ... Delta Platinum Choice Benefits get you at least $200 in value, but if you choose your benefit well, it can be worth a lot more.More items...•
How do you select Delta choice benefits?
Members who reach Diamond or Platinum Medallion Status are immediately eligible to select Choice Benefits. Centurion Card Members who are awarded complimentary Platinum Medallion Status must fly a minimum of eight Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) after Status is awarded to be eligible for Choice Benefits.
Which is better diamond or platinum on Delta?
Platinum Medallion Status: 75,000 MQMs OR 100 Medallion Qualifying Segments AND $9,000 in spending on Delta or partner flights. Diamond Medallion Status: 125,000 MQMs OR 140 Medallion Qualifying Segments AND $15,000 in spending on Delta or partner flights.
What is the best Delta status?
What Is Delta 360° Status? Delta 360° status is a tier above and beyond the Diamond Medallion tier, which is Delta's traditionally highest Medallion level. By comparison, both United and American, the 2 biggest other legacy carriers in the U.S., have invitation-only programs, too.
Is Gold status on Delta worth it?
Gold Medallion Status is, of course, better when it comes to upgrades – but not by much. You'll get more upgrades to Comfort Plus than with Silver status, and they clear 72 hours in advance. But getting into First Class is still hard to come by with even Gold status, though you may get a few upgrades.
How do you maximize platinum status on Delta?
It is considered an upper-tier status level, which includes a variety of perks and benefits for those that travel more than 75,000 miles a year. To earn Platinum, you must fly 75,000 miles a year, or 100 segments, and then also spend $9,000 annually, or participate in a waiver through spend on a co-branded credit card.
What is Delta Elite Plus?
SkyTeam Elite Plus Member: Includes all Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion Members and a guest. Itinerary must include same-day international Travel on a SkyTeam flight.
Can I get into Delta Sky Club with silver medallion?
Being a Silver Medallion does not grant you access to any lounge. To get access to Delta Sky Clubs or partner airline lounges you will have to be a Gold Medallion or above flying on international itineraries. If you are a SkyTeam Elite Plus member, you will have access to Sky Clubs on international itineraries.
What is Delta's Comfort Plus?
In addition to up to 3” of extra legroom, Delta Comfort+ seating offers dedicated overhead bin space just for your items. With Delta Comfort+, you can stretch out, settle in and enjoy the ride. Fly in comfort with an upgraded experience.
Can I buy Delta Diamond status?
Delta Sky Club Individual Membership normally can be purchased outright, or you can get it using the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. If you don't want to pay for it through another channel, this is certainly a great way to get it for free.
What percent of Delta flyers are diamond?
02% of their flyers. But by flying at least an order of magnitude more than everybody else, we use up 2-3% of their seat miles. So on any given plane you'd expect an average of 0-9 Diamonds, to a first approximation. What's the status you want against those other 8 people that you think Delta can economically offer?
What are the Delta tiers?
Delta has four tiers of elite status: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. You can earn status by flying and spending enough within a single calendar year, and once earned you'll keep it through the following calendar year. So if you earn Gold status in July 2022, you'll keep it through the end of 2023.
How many benefits does Delta offer for Diamond Medallion?
Diamond Medallion choices. (Photo by Darren Murph / The Points Guy) Delta allows its Diamond Medallion members to choose three benefits for each flying year (in addition to one Platinum choice), with six total options.
What are Delta's top two levels of elite status?
In our tier-by-tier evaluation of Delta’s Medallion status program, it’s clear that the top two levels — Platinum and Diamond — are in a class of their own.
How many miles can you earn on Delta in 2021?
Plus, in 2021 you can earn even more bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) to help you reach Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
What plane is Delta One Suites on?
Delta One Suites aboard an Airbus A350. (Photo by Zach Honig / The Points Guy)
How many layers of selections do diamond medallions get?
An interesting wrinkle to Choice Benefits is that Diamond Medallions effectively get two layers of selections. Not only do they earn an added three selections for hitting Diamond, but they retain the ability to make a single selection for their time as a Platinum.
Does Delta have global upgrade certificates?
Upgrade Certificates: If you’re looking for outsized value, you’ve found it. Delta allows its Diamonds to choose one batch of upgrade certificates, selecting either four Global Upgrade Certificates, eight Regional Upgrade Certificates or two GUCs + four RUCs. Hitting Diamond is the only way to secure Global Upgrade Certificates, which can be worth thousands. I used all four of mine a few years ago to upgrade myself and my wife on a round-trip economy fare from Atlanta (ATL) to Johannesburg (JNB). The feeling of paying $1,388 per person for a round-trip economy ticket from the United States to South Africa, and then confirming seats in business class for free before hanging up the phone, remains one of the best I’ve ever felt in over a decade of booking seats on Delta. Of course, you’ll need to call and play around with dates to find availability, but those willing to roll the dice can waitlist and hope for an upgrade either leading up to departure or at the gate.
Does Delta offer a Platinum upgrade?
Delta provides its high-tier elite members with a variety of options after qualifying (or requalifying) for status, but our advice is simple: Those who hit Platinum and/or Diamond Medallion should always look to select Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates before even considering the other options. These unique upgrade tools aren’t available via any other avenue and provide exceptional value if you have a flexible schedule and can book economy flights and confirm a RUC/GUC upgrade right away.
Delta Platinum Choice Benefits
Once Medallion members immediately reach Delta Platinum status, they can select one benefit from the following Choice Benefits below.
Delta Diamond Choice Benefits
Diamond status holders can select up to three Choice Benefits from the following options below:
Delta Choice Benefits Deadline
For the 2022 Medallion year, members who can qualify for Platinum or Medallion status will have until January 31, 2023 to select their Choice Benefit/s. The same schedule will apply for the 2023 Medallion year as stated by Delta.
Which Delta Choice Benefits Should You Pick?
Picking the right Delta Choice Benefit all depends on preference, travel goals, and budget. Value-wise, upgrade certificates are the clear-cut choice since they are worth thousands of dollars but that would also mean that you’d have to take a flight (which costs a lot of money or miles) to be able to use them.
Bottomline
Choice Benefits have huge differences in terms of value but that’s why they’re called “Choice Benefits” in the first place because you have the freedom to choose which benefit fits your needs.
How much is Delta Platinum Choice Benefits worth?
Delta Platinum Choice Benefits get you at least $200 in value, but if you choose your benefit well, it can be worth a lot more. Opt for the four upgrade certificates if you know you will take at least that many flights over the next year. If deciding between miles or vouchers, the miles have potential for more value.
What Delta card gives you free miles?
Almost any Delta card, including the free ones, like the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, make you eligible for the Pay with Miles perk. This perk allows you to redeem 5,000 miles for $50 toward a flight, making it easy to mix cash and miles.
How much does Silver Medallion save?
A Silver Medallion member could save not only $30 for their first bag, but also the first bag for up to eight travel companions . Nerdy tip: If you choose this benefit, give it to someone who doesn't travel with you frequently, since your travel companions already enjoy your Platinum elite benefits.
Does Delta guarantee availability?
These certificates do not guarantee availability. Check with Delta when you book a ticket to see where upgrades are available or to ask to be placed on the waitlist. If a seat opens, you will be moved into it. Delta advises that you could clear from the waitlist at the gate, so the wait may be a nail-biter.
Can you upgrade to Delta One?
You can even use it to upgrade to the premium Delta One class ; normally flown on international flights, the option does exist on a few domestic routes. The upgrades can be used on any tickets except basic economy or award tickets.
How long is Delta travel voucher valid?
Delta Travel Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. If you have an email address in your profile, within 48 hours, you will be sent an email containing redemption details of your voucher including all of the terms and conditions for Delta Travel Voucher use.
How many guests can you have with Delta Sky Club?
You receive unlimited access to Delta Sky Club locations for up to two guests per visit when traveling with the eligible Card Member. When you select the Sky Club Guest Pass as a Choice Benefit, it will terminate and replace any existing Delta Sky Club Individual Membership (s) in favor of this benefit.
When are the benefits for the 2021 Medallion year?
CHOICE BENEFITS SELECTION DEADLINES: 2021 Medallion Year: You may select one benefit when you qualify for Platinum Medallion Status; you may select three benefits when you qualify for Diamond Medallion Status. Select by January 31, 2022.
When to select 2022 medallion?
Select by January 31, 2022. 2022 Medallion Year: You may select one benefit when you qualify for Platinum Medallion Status; you may select three benefits when you qualify for Diamond Medallion Status. Select by January 31, 2023. Learn more about how the Medallion year works.
Can you use a regional upgrade certificate on Delta?
Regional Upgrades: On Delta flights, one-way Regional Upgrade Certificates can be used for yourself and/or multiple companions on all paid, published Main Cabin and Delta Comfort+ fares, except on Basic Economy. They can also be used on Award Travel tickets and Miles + cash tickets on Delta-operated flights, Pay with Miles tickets, Companion Certificates and tickets booked as a part of a Delta Vacations® package. You can use these certificates on the same routes as Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, including all flights with First Class and the domestic Delta One experience.
Can you override a Diamond Medallion membership?
All Diamond Medallion Members who currently have an existing Delta Sky Club membership and already have access with a credit card will have the option to override your existing Delta Sky Club Individual Membership by replacing it with the Delta Sky Club Guest Pass.
What are the benefits of Delta?
Here’s what it takes to reach the top two tiers and unlock those Delta Choice Benefits: 1 Platinum Medallion Status: 75,000 MQMs OR 100 Medallion Qualifying Segments AND $9,000 in spending on Delta or partner flights 2 Diamond Medallion Status: 125,000 MQMs OR 140 Medallion Qualifying Segments AND $15,000 in spending on Delta or partner flights
How many upgrades does Delta have?
Delta Diamond Medallions can choose between three sets of upgrade certificates that can immediately vault you from economy up to the front of the cabin. You can choose between four Global Upgrade Certificates (for international flights), eight Regional Upgrade Certificates, or a mix of two global upgrades and four regional upgrades. You have a full year to use these certificates once they’re issued.
How much does a Skymiles gift get?
While SkyMiles typically won’t get you outsized value, these sales mean you could get at least $300 or more in value out of a 20,000-SkyMiles gift.
Can you double up with Delta Medallion?
If you travel frequently with a friend, spouse, or partner, your Diamond status will trump their new Gold status. Delta Medallion members can secure upgrades for themselves and one companion booked on the same reservation. Your companion will get all your other perks too, like priority check-in and boarding. So in these cases, it won’t make sense to double up with status.
Can you get into Delta Sky Club for free?
You and two guests can get into the Delta Sky Club for free each time you’re flying Delta. And while that’s great, it’s not worth wasting two – yes, Delta requires two of your Choice Benefits for this one – of your selections on this if you’ve already got Delta Sky Club access. Go for the Guest Pass instead.
Do you need to fly Delta on a day?
Just as with those cards, you need to be flying Delta that day in order to get in.
Do you need to earn status to get Delta Choice?
Before you get your pick of Delta Choice Benefits, you need to earn status, obviously. And it takes a lot of flying to earn Platinum or Diamond Medallion Status.
How many times can you use the Choice Benefit?
This Choice Benefit can be selected up to three times , for a total of 75,000 SkyMiles.
How long are platinum medallions good for?
The interesting thing is that these are good for one year from the date that they are requested. So you could, theoretically, have qualified for Platinum Medallion in February of 2017, which is good through the end of 2018. You could wait until the expiration date (January 31st, 2019) to request these certificates, and then you have a whole year to use them – so until January 31st, 2020.
Do Diamond Medallions have upgrade certificates?
Diamond Medallions have the option of choosing upgrade certificates in one of three forms:
Do Diamond Medallions have Sky Club?
Once upon a time (like last year), Diamond Medallions received two Choice Benefits, and automatic Sky Club membership. In early 2017, they revised this policy by revoking automatic Sky Club membership, and instead adding various membership levels to be selected as a third Choice Benefit.
Does the lottery upgrade have to clear?
The caveat, of course, is that the upgrade has to clear – and typically it involves being added to a waitlist, rather than clearing automatically. I’ve heard plenty of mixed reviews, but depending on the route, the probability can range from “of course” to “better buy a lottery ticket.”
Is Choice Benefits equal to the date of selection?
That said, not all benefits are of equal value, and the timelines vary for each selection. For example, certain Choice Benefits are good for the calendar year, while others are good for one year from the date of selection.
Does OMAAT offer referral bonuses?
In the interest of full disclosure, OMAAT earns a referral bonus for anyone that’s approved through some of the below links. These are the best publicly available offers (terms apply) that we have found for each product or service. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, hotel chain, or product manufacturer/service provider, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Please check out our advertiser policy for further details about our partners, and thanks for your support!
How many Choice Benefits does a Diamond member get?
If you make it to Diamond Medallion, you’ll pass Platinum Medallion along the way. So Diamond members effectively receive a total of four Choice Benefits.
How many Choice Benefits per Medallion Year?
Platinum members get one Choice Benefit per Medallion Year, while Diamond members receive three Choice Benefits per Medallion Year. Diamond Medallions also get more options to choose from:
What is the difference between platinum and diamond medallions?
Platinum Medallions can choose Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUCs), while Diamond Medallions have the added options of Global Upgrade Certificates (GUCs) and a mix of both regional and global.
What airlines use Global Upgrade Certificates?
One noteworthy GUC feature is that you can use them on partner flights operated by Aeromexico, Air France (only to Premium Economy), KLM , Korean Air and Virgin Atlantic.
Can you use a regional upgrade certificate on Delta?
Regional Upgrade Certificates can be used on paid published Main Cabin and Delta Comfort+ fares (except Basic Economy) on the same routes as Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, including all flights in First Class and Delta One.
Can you fly with Diamond Medallions on the same day?
For a Choice Benefit, Diamond Medallions can select the Sky Club Individual Membership which lets you access Delta lounges for free. That is , only if you’re flying with Delta on the same day. Note: With this membership, you can bring up to two guests per visit at $39 each.
Does Delta offer Skymiles?
If you regularly fly with Delta Airlines, you should consider being a part of their loyalty program, Skymiles. Delta Skymiles, offers Medallion elite status where you’ll enjoy upgrades, waived change fees, a VIP customer service line and much more. Check out our in-depth analysis of Medallion elite status and learn how the tiers go above and beyond!
How much does Delta Miles cost?
Nerdy tip: NerdWallet values Delta miles at 1.3 cents each. This is a baseline value, drawn from real-world data on hundreds of economy routes, not a maximized value. In other words, you should aim for award redemptions that offer 1.3 cents or more in value from your Delta miles.
How many miles per dollar for Delta?
3 miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta, and on eligible hotel purchases.
How many MQMs do you get on Delta Skymiles?
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Earn 15,000 MQMs after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, up to four times per year.
When does Delta Skymiles expire?
Offer expires 11/10/2021. Terms Apply.
Does Delta have a free checked bag?
Free checked bags, early boarding privileges and access to Delta's airport lounges can make your trip a lot more pleasant. The Delta cards that charge annual fees offer these benefits in some form. The $0-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card doesn't.
Does Delta offer in-flight credit?
All Delta cards offer the same 20% statement credit for such in-flight purchases as food, alcoholic beverages and audio headsets on Delta-operated flights. In-flight wireless Internet access is excluded. Terms apply.
Do Delta miles count toward frequent flyer?
The miles earned from spending on airline credit cards can be redeemed for free flights, but they don't typically count toward gaining elite status in the airline's frequent-flyer program. In general, you earn elite status only by flying on the airline, and progress toward that status is measured using a separate points system. In Delta's case, you earn "Medallion Qualification Miles," or MQMs, when you fly.
