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We have answers to a couple more questions readers asked about the Delta SkyMiles 2025 changes.
(But after yesterday’s news, who knows how long this will stand.)
Will Delta SkyMiles Award Travel Still Earn MQD?
We’ve seen conflicting answers to this question. Someone posted on Reddit (I think?) that a Delta rep told them award travel will no longer earn MQD until the grand SkyMiles 2025 structure.
A Delta spokesperson confirmed to us that YES — award travel will continue to earn MQD.
MQD are calculated based on miles redeemed for a trip divided by 100. This is valid on Delta-marketed flights only.
Unlimited Sky Club Visits?
Starting in 2025, Delta Air Lines will limit the amount of Sky Club airport lounge visits for certain American Express cards.
- Delta SkyMiles® American Express Reserve Cardholders (personal or business)
- 10 Sky Club visits per Medallion year
- Spend $75,000 during a calendar year and receive unlimited club visits for the rest of that Medallion year and all of the following Medallion year
- The above changes take effect February 1, 2025
- American Express Platinum (personal or business)
- Six (6) Sky Club visits per Medallion year
- Spend $75,000 during a calendar year and receive unlimited club visits for the rest of that Medallion year and all of the following Medallion year
- The above changes take effect January 1, 2025
We’ve already addressed that paid authorized users of those products are entitled to their respective cards’ lounge visits. But how can they receive unlimited lounge visits?
Our Delta spokesperson confirmed that if a primary cardholder reaches that $75,000 spending threshold, then YES — the paid authorized users are also entitled to unlimited Sky Club visits for the rest of that Medallion year and all of the following Medallion year.
Keep in mind some Sky Club visit rules take effect sooner: January 1, 2024:
- Delta SkyMiles® American Express Platinum Cardholders (personal or business)
- No Sky Club access, even for the current $50 entrance fee
- No access for anyone on a Basic Economy fare, even if they have a qualifying Amex card
So that’s some good news for some?
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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.
Question: If you’re a SkyTeam Elite Plus from a partner program (FlyingBlue in my case) will I no longer be able to access SkyClub on basic economy when flying internationally or connecting to a domestic US flight on the same day?
Delta says “any cabin.”
Does one get 16 visits for having both cards? Or 2x if they have personal and business cards?
Each card has its own allotment. That said, I plan to unlink my Platinum Cards from my wallet until my Reserve Card’s visits are exhausted. I don’t trust the Delta IT enough; I don’t want multiple visits deducted for a single entry, know what I mean?
Meaningless.
I think I read that the authorized user benefit when the primary hits 75k is only for the reserve card. Not the axp.
The Delta spokesperson told me it was for the AXP, too. Then again, I think we’ll get more clarification when the “modifications” are announced.
Idiotic commentary about “conflicting information” between some [redacted] on Reddit (maybe) and an actual Delta spokesperson are why this site is near the bottom of the pile for people that want to read real travel rewards info.
Sick burn, Nate.
After several updates about the changes in Delta’s FF program, I remain as confused as I was at the time of the initial announcement. I suggest Delta state the program changes clearly, concisely, and simply. As a diamond medallion member who is also a million miler, I would appreciate such a worded and presented approach
Is Basic Economy different from Main Cabin?
@Victor – The price and perks are but seat is the same.
You don’t earn MQM, MQD, MQS, or SkyMiles on Basic, either.
yes , basic , you don’t get bags , unless higher tier, nor can you change upgrade, so don’t go there , sometimes if its a flight you don’t need to change need upgrade , go one way, then go for Econ on way back, myself id paid extra , best fare for kids
This change has already cost Delta three round trip flts. Two United one American. I have stopped using my AMX CARD FOR PURCHASES. So much for being loyal.
If these changes have you rethinking your $550 Amex Reserve card, be sure to call them and let them know that you won’t be keeping the card. I had a very interesting call with an Amex rep who said they’re hearing from tons of customers. Pressure on the Delta Amex relationship might be fruitful.
I told Amex Reserve that 10 visits as a card holder in using first class domestic could turn out to be half in lounges if you are flying connecting flights. The mere fact that for the most part domestically to save money they have crammed in more seats over the years into what used to be a normal plane, couple that with self absorbed /irate modern day travelers, less inflight perks,using smaller planes domestically, over booking seats, flying domestic ( first class especially)has become a kin to less than a greyhound bus at high ticket prices. And the lounges are allowed 3 hrs prior to your flight for the main card holder. I think like many restaurants you should have a reservation and be charged if you don’t show up. The card costs the same yet the perks are being downgraded. You cant even purchase a lounge membership ( comperable to Amexs fee)anymore either as I checked when this all hit the air waves. The fact you are holding a Delta R card with streamlined benefits( and only 2 companion passes a yr ? ) is pretty hard to swallow. I dont think that the other competing co branded cards have such restrictions on their lounges
Will award tickets earn MQM towards million miler status?
MQM will no long be tracked as of 1/1/2024. My guess is no.
The actual miles flown (“butt in the seat miles”) will count towards your Million Miler Status regardless of how you paid for the ticket (money or award ticket). But as Chris said, the MQM category will be gone. It’s separate.
Wait, so even with an American Express Platinum (regular, not Delta branded) you can’t visit the club if you’re flying Basic Economy that day???
Nope.
Hey Chris———
You have not said a word about Sky Club access for holders of Lifetime Sky Club card holders issued at the time of Delta’s purchase of and “merger” with Western Airlines for persons that were lifetime members of Western’s Crown Room Club?! Such cards have been held by myself and my wife since the Western/Delta merger some 20 years ago.
Jim Engwall, Santa Barbara
Is that your way of asking me to find something out?
You really want to feel screwed – be a paid lifetime member of the SkyClub and be told you cannot use the lounge either due to capacity, or the fact you are traveling on a “free” ticket. I’m sorry, I paid for my membership, and now you tell me I can’t come in!
Two other AmEx issues need to be confronted – perhaps you can help.
Anyone that cancels a DL AmEx as their primary account (renewal was due and obviously not worth renewing based on MQM/MQD changes), immediately lose both their current MQD Waiver *and* the 15% mileage discount on award tickets.
Even if you’ve already passed $25k threshold in your individual AmEx spend, you will not be able to achieve a next Gold/Plat/DIA MQM level towards next year without earning the full MQD level in actual dollars. There are NO written rules regarding this issue and DL has been unresponsive to support requests.
Even if you are a paid additional cardmember DL AmEx Reserve card in your DL Wallet as your Primary Payment method, you lose the functionality to obtain award tickets with the 15% AmEx discount. Again, NO written rules regarding this issue and DL has been unresponsive to support requests.