Delta Extends a Diamond Status Match and Challenge to Other Airlines’ Elites

If you’ve ever wanted Delta Medallion® status but are an elite flyer with another airline, then this might be your chance.

There may even be a Diamond in your feature.

Delta recently announced that targeted elite flyers with Alaska, American, jetBlue, Southwest, and United can match their status to a comparable Delta tier. Their complimentary status will last through March 31, 2021.

And if they complete an accompanying status challenge, then their status is extended through January 31, 2022. REGISTER HERE.

Let’s take a look at the promotion.

Delta Status Match 2020

Certain elite status holders on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, jetBlue, Southwest Airlines or United Airlines, can enjoy Delta Medallion® status equal to at least their current tier. (Delta says matched elites will get a tier boost at Delta. That’s subjective.)

Those who are interested must enroll no later than October 31, 2020.

Here’s how the match breaks down:

Delta says the promotion is targeted. But I bet even if you sign up for SkyMiles now and register for the match, it might work.

Status Challenge

You can enjoy your new status through January 2022 if you complete a Delta-issued challenge before March 31, 2021:

• If you receive Gold Medallion® status, keep it after flying two (2) qualifying roundtrips or four (4) one-ways
• If you receive Platinum Medallion® Status, keep it after flying four (4) qualifying roundtrips or eight (8) one-ways. 
• If you receive Diamond Medallion® status, keep it after flying six (6) qualifying roundtrips or 12 one-ways.

Small But VERY Important Print

Please, please, PLEASE be aware that Basic Economy/E fares do not qualify for this status challenge.

Also exempt: “Flights that are both marketed and operated by SkyMiles Partner Airlines, Award Tickets, Basic Economy/E fare class, and promotional (including complimentary, {sic} barter, or opaque) tickets do not qualify for this offer and will not count toward the challenge.”

Plus, this is based on qualifying segments or roundtrips. Medallion® Qualification Miles — including those from Delta SkyMiles Amexes — can’t be applied to the challenge.

Simply put, stick with buying and flying Main Cabin and First Class cabin fares on Delta Air Lines. You should be fine. You can buy Comfort+ but really, meh.

Because Delta is keeping middle seats open through at least January 6, I recommend getting the cheapest Main Cabin seat possible and using your status to score an exit row or bulkhead. You might even end up upgraded to First Class.

Keep Your Eyes on Our Elite Mileage Run Page

If I see any good, cheap Delta roundtrips in Main Cabin or First Class pop up between now and March 31, I’ll post them on our Elite Mileage Run page.

Yes, you may have to take a positioning trip to complete a mileage run. But that’ll knock out two birds with one stone toward your flight requirements.

We also work with Juicy Miles, a company specializing in mileage runs and custom trips. They have a Delta expert who can probably find something good for you.