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When is the best time to status match to Delta Air Lines (<-LINK) you ask? That would be TODAY because successful requests will end up having status this year, all of next year, that is, 2019, and it will not end until the last day of January 2020. Nice right? But who can match?
Back “in the day” Delta limited who could try to match. Today they publish a much longer list on the match page and even have a “*” that says if you have status with an airline not listed you still may be able to match with Delta (i.e. submit and they will let you know).
I have been calling this a “match” but it really is a challenge and Delta uses both words (not sure how it can be both – to me it is either a “match” or it is a challenge – this is a challenge)! Also, in the current format you must not only earn levels or MQMs (what other airlines call EQMs) or MQSs, that is, qualifying segments, plus a number of MQDs, that is, qualifying dollars, to complete your challenge for your status.
I encourage you to read all the “Frequently Asked Questions” drop down bits as Delta has done a good job answering what in the past have been common questions. One thing that has changed from the past years is you no longer get Platinum Medallion Choice Benefits selection from these challenges. You must really earn the status via flying and spending levels to get that perk of status.
OK that is all great but once I have been accepted by Delta, what qualifies and works for the challenge? What is Delta not telling us on this page we should know? Just a few “ProTips” I have for you.
First up Delta treats all MQMs the same from everywhere. Thus if you get a Delta Amex Platinum or Reserve card(s) and spend $25,000/$30,000+ on it you will have (without flying) earned from the new card bonus offer and spend bonus for each respective card and be MQD exempt at any of the match levels.
Next tip if you do not want to mega spend on Delta co-branded cards is to consider partner flying. Follow my mileage run tab here on the blog and find deals like this one in business class with Delta Partners and in as little as 1 trip for Gold or 2 trips for Platinum you can have the challenge numbers completed.
So there you are. Sick of bad service from the people you interact with at your old airline? I can promise you Delta folks will be a breath of fresh air. Are you fed up with IROPS at your old airline and canceled flights? Delta is an “on time machine” and just about never ever cancels a flight! My only warning is don’t look too close at SkyMiles because that is the one thing you will hate (a lot). Welcome to Delta! – René
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Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
It’s musical chairs time again. Only UAL flyers are likely better off on Delta. My 3MM and Diamond Status is off to Southwest. I’ll still be Platinum next year and “Lifetime” Gold after that.