A crucial deadline is quickly approaching for Delta’s frequent flyers amid drastic changes to the airline’s loyalty program.
SkyMiles members have until December 31 to decide what to do with their defunct Delta Air Lines Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs).
MQMs had previously been used in conjunction with Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) to build status as a Medallion Member.
MQMs were earned by mile each time someone flew with the airline, while MQDs were earned based on the dollar amount spent with the airline and with select partners.
But with the program changes MQMs, were fully replaced by MQDs, changing the metric used to determine a person’s silver, gold, platinum or diamond medallion status.
However, Delta did not completely pull the rug out from underneath passengers who were still sitting on a stash of MQMs, as the airline is offering customers the option of converting those MQMs to MQDs or to Skymiles.
If a customer does not manually choose what to do with their MQMs by December 31, 2024, they will automatically convert to MQDs.
However, those converted MQDs will be of little help to customers who are not on the cusp of upgrading their medallion, since MQDs reset to zero at the start of the year, according to Delta.
SkyMiles, on the other hand, do not expire and can be used to ‘elevate your travel,’ according to Delta.
Delta made this change last year, but allowed members to keep their status and MQMs throughout this year. But MQMs will be completely gone by 2025.
This creates a time-sensitive choice to be made by loyal Delta flyers.
Even though MQD’s reset at the start of the year, they could help bump up someone’s status to the next tier.
But this option may not be worth it if a person does not have enough MQMs for it to make a difference, according to Delta flyer Liberty Joy, who shared a TikTok explaining the conversion choices.
MQMs will shift to MQDs at a two to one ratio.
The second course of action would be to exchange MQMs for Skymiles at a 10 to one ratio.
If someone has a large amount of MQMs saved up, they can extend their 2024 Medallion Status for one year for every 100,000 MQMs.
According to Eye of the Flyer, Delta passengers can convert their MQMs through the airline’s app.
Under the ‘SKYMILES’ tab, reward members can press ‘Convert Now’ to select how they will handle their MQMs.
There are various options available for people to decide the best way to use their MQMs based on the amount they have.
One choice offers for all MQM to be exchanged for MQDs, and the same option exists for SkyMiles.
But loyalty members can also opt for a mix of MQDs and SkyMiles.
The SkyMiles changes included lowering the MQD requirements for earning elite status, adding more lounge access passes for select credit cards, and adding a Rollover MQM conversion option.
Starting in February, 2025, travelers will have their access to Delta Sky Clubs cut to as little as six visits a year.
