Something bandied about in our blog’s Comments section are people’s various opinions of the Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Medallion program — and its value for them.
Some people feel they still get great returns for whatever status they hold. Others are fed up with fewer upgrades and various changes to the program.
Routes, flight frequencies, and a host of other factors make this so subjective. A Diamond Medallion living in New York City might have different experiences and feelings than a Diamond from Omaha. One person might love being Diamond; the other may kick the tires on other airlines.
Everyone’s travel preferences, goals, and budget are unique. I say that all the time and it certainly applies here.
Trigger warning: this blog post addresses First World subjects and luxuries such as airline travel, the ability to spend money, and loyalty program elite status. If you’re here to remind us that there are bigger problems in the world, we already know. (In fact, firefighting planes and helicopters are whizzing past my house as I write this — because a catastrophic fire is raging about seven miles from me. I get it.) So, if your goal is to try and shame people for having status, please instead visit a blog about being a social justice, curing cancer, or something along those lines.
It Started on a Silver Plate…
At first, I just wanted Delta Silver Medallion status. All I needed was the ability to select exit row seats. I didn’t care much about upgrades. Better customer service is always appreciated, of course. But I didn’t see myself going much beyond Silver. I enjoyed First Class upgrades every so often.
Well, then I hit Gold status. I didn’t plan on it but a couple of work trips put me over the hump. I noticed significantly better customer service than I was as a Silver — and that was saying something. I was upgraded to First Class somewhat regularly, loved the Sky Priority perks, SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
Because of frequent travel and credit card spending, I hit Platinum. Then Diamond, which was awesome. I sat in First Class for almost every flight — except trips between New York-Kennedy and Los Angeles. Even then, Regional Upgrade Certificates barely got me anything. Medallion reps and other employees made magic happen at some critical times.
When my daughter turned two years old, my wife and I decided to have the same Medallion status to have separate bookings and still be eligible for upgrades. (Our daughter is on my wife’s confirmation numbers. I’m solo.) So, we’re both Platinum.
Up until a couple of years ago, we were upgraded very frequently. We love the ability to book Comfort+ seats soon after booking.
But our experience hasn’t been so impressive during the past several years. We accept that we’ll rarely be upgraded — because upgrade lists for our flights are usually dozens of people long. We enjoy the occasional upgrades on short flights. But for flights where it upgrades are truly great — such as longer hops — it’s almost a lost cause. I think of a lot of longtime Delta Medallion service people who took early retirement during the COVID pandemic. Sure, there are still are a few great reps out there. But the attitudes and abilities to help just aren’t what they used to be.
And some readers will know why I call Regional Upgrade Certificates “fool gold.”
To me, the now (very) infrequent upgrades and meh experience with customer service make me think that Platinum is maybe the “minimum” status for people to enjoy their regular Delta travels. Is it really down to Diamond and maybe Platinum for worthwhile experiences? Is Platinum the new Gold — or even Silver?
If I traveled by myself, Gold or (heaven forbid) Silver would probably be fine. Again, I love the exit rows. But because my daughter isn’t yet old enough to sit in exit rows, that does me no good. So, here we are. (Although, we might downgrade from Platinum and pay for comfortable seats — even on different carriers if it’s cheaper.)
Keep in mind I’m based in Los Angeles — a Delta hub. It’s nothing like Minneapolis-St. Paul, St. Lake City, or Atlanta. But unless I’m flying from LAX to San Jose on a Wednesday morning, I won’t get my hopes up about upgrades.
But it might be different for you!
So, please use the Comments section to tell us what you think about the current Medallion experience. If you love it and have zero complaints, say so! Or if your Delta elite status travels are less than impressive, tell us! But I’d love to hear why — and where you travel (if you’re comfortable telling us).
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Having been DM for over 12 years I can truly say it is not the same! It is like being GM or less! We are like the 8 th in line to board and of course in Zone 2 now. We have tsyally been demoted . Even the GA’s ( esp in Atl)say DM really means nothing . Alter all of the 5-10 MQM people are done not sure what will happen then! As I was writing this a pop up said they is a 4 th LA fire now! Be safe Chris and family!
I will repeat my mantra: What benefit does tier status provide that a premium cabin ticket does not?
Certainly, someone can enumerate this or that. But, to me, tier status in so many programs offers too little juice for the squeeze. In the absence of significant demonstrable value, no thanks. Given one’s own circumstances, each person owes it to oneself to critically examine value. My sense is that in Rene’s recent decision, he was doing exactly that.
I haven’t checked the rules recently, but the ability to SDC made GM a very useful minimum tier. Even now, while purchasing J, I’ve often found SDC useful since the J I wanted might be $$$$ but as long as a seat is available, you can SDC to it (revenue or award ticket). And in the flights I’m flexible with, the difference in J fares might easily be 3-4X between flights.
The ability to ABC then XYZ to allow EFG unless you HJK….that’s all I read from your post. Perhaps try using more words next next
Or perhaps try politely asking what those terms mean.
SDC = Same Day Confirmed change
GM = Gold Medallion
J = Business class fare
$ = money
M . . . O . . . U . . . S . . . E
I’m a contingency planner by nature and I guess I’ve been lucky.
I’ve been Platinum for a lot of years now and have always enjoyed the quicker ability to get a human on the phone and how polite check-ins are. BUT, the true perks I get are always flying Delta 1, not really my Platinum status. I do fly other European carriers a few times a year and the Elite Plus is helpful, I guess. But again, it now seems where you sit is more important that the tag they send you each year (is it even every year now? I don’t think I got them 2 years in a row). I have 2 co-branded cards, which really help rack up the miles, but meh on status now.
I have flow 4.7 million miles on Delta . I have been a diamond medallion member ever since diamond became available. I have been very loyal to Delta.
It is of little value to me any longer . I recently changed a flight . I took a leg from Vegas to SLC in coach . I didn’t even get to board in Zone 1.
I do appreciate the Diamond medallion line .
The final straw for me was purchasing two business class tickets to and from Johannesburg. The cost was $14,700 per ticket! I can fly Qatar or Emirates for less than half that price .
I am loyal to myself from now on.
I only travel domestic for work but enough to have reached DM, AA Platinum and SWA A-List Preferred Companion at different times in the past. I will say that the best times of all those loyalty programs are long gone and that the effort to obtain and maintain status is not longer worth it. Now I just book based on convenience and price.
Given these changes, what do you think the best use of the Platinum Benefit Choice is? Using on RUCs almost seems to be a waste now.
If you want status, the MQD deposit is good. The Amex credit can save you some money. The SkyMiles deposits aren’t bad, either (because they don’t expire, vs the travel credit that does).
I just got Diamond this year and I’m curious if it’s worth going for it. I live in Minneapolis and when flying other airlines, flying Delta is worth a premium for the flight experience. With that being said both Platinum and Diamond give automatic upgrades to comfort. While traveling on Aeromexico I was upgraded last year after achieving Diamond but nothing on my Delta flights. Based on the early returns I agree with the author that spending to get double Platinum might be better for a family than shooting for Diamond. I’m seeing first class upgrades close to flight time for $150 or less and depending on the length of the flight I’m buying it and not waiting for a free upgrade.
Delta left us Diamond’s behind. Time to leave Delta behind. I have directed our +$600k travel budget to be used with airlines other than Delta and have ordered the Skymiles Amx Cards cancelled.
As bad as it is Delta is still better than any other airline.
I have been a DM for quite awhile, as well as a 2mm. I have questioned maintaining my loyalty to Delta with all the FF changes; however, I still see value. Of course, my ultimate goal is to hit 3mm for lifetime DM status. What I have noticed this past year, is less acknowledgment of my status by Delta employees. Coming our of Covid, I remember receiving handwritten cards thanking me for my loyalty, and the flight attendants’ thanking me on every flight. Lately, seldom do I get thanked for staying loyal to Delta. When a few issues have occurred during my travel, customer service has been lacking. With that being said, I do take advantage of upgrades (although there are far less), companion fares, upgrade certs (becoming more difficult to use). I fly out of LAS, SLC, and ATL frequently. Delta has the best connections and flights for my schedule. The few times I flew a different airline, it was awful. I hope Delta’s leadership will change their course soon back to being more grateful for the travelers who stay loyal.
To me, it’s just not a game worth playing anymore. You’re absolutely correct that Covid took a lot of good people out of this industry – and I work in it so I would know! The caliber of folks entering this industry now is generally abysmal; the Gen Z mentality is very much alive and the vast majority couldn’t be bothered to give a f*** about a f***, so yes, customer service has been on a steep decline. I spend thousands of dollars of my own money on DL tickets and this last time I was on a flight from JFK-LAS a month ago, this imbecile flight attendant refused to give me a can of Diet Coke! Then went on to tell me to my face that, “You’re not entitled to a can…” with his NY Diva attitude.
I’ve also lived in LA for a long while and finally moved away. In the higher-net-worth markets like LA, SFO, NYC, etc., or ultra busy like ATL, these upgrades are beyond useless.
I am retired and spending down miles. I flew enough (4MM) while working to achieve Lifetime Diamond Status. My spouse, also retired, is Lifetime Platinum (2MM) but we won’t start spending down her miles until mine are expended. Upgrades are rare except on the NYC-BUF flights we take often, and even then not invariable. We have the requisite cards for Club access and the (appreciated) 15% discount for redemptions. It is what it is. We have noticed everything that others have commented on re: degraded customer service.
My travel agent just told me I made Diamond Status and she seemed excited about it but doesn’t seem like it means much.
All airlines are basically the same now. I have been loyal to Delta for 10+ years and the service has degraded over time as well as upgrades. I have been platinum for 5 years now and never get upgraded to 1st class unless it is a rare circumstance (1-2 times a year previously 15+).
Delta benefits: CC for lounge, TVs in seatbacks
I don’t see any other benefits.
I have dipped my toe in the water and am now trying Alaska and AA.
Amex since 1988, over 1.5m miles Delta. Diamond. My family Love Delta and max Diamond every yr via Amex and points..
90% free upgrades and Global certs to travel.
We are in Ujited SF hub but Delta and Qatar the best
I find no benefit to medallion status except for having the phone number for platinum and diamond members. Upgrades are unavailable and even if they were available I want my seat chosen by me, I don’t use their drink coupons, my luggage flies free due to my ticket, and I board early right behind the wheel chair folks as I need extra time. My solution is to buy first or business class tickets. Living in Seattle makes Delta and Alaska an easy choice but I purchase from any airline based on schedule, seating arrangement and price. My platinum status comes from flying international flights and not credit cards.
I just closed out 2024 chasing and achieving gold status after two years of platinum.
Upgrades in the last year only happened on half full red eye flights.
Status inflation is over and so is Delta’s covid panic. Either one flies with them a lot or otherwise it does not work. AMEX cards are only valuable towards the 15% redemption of miles discount. Once the balance on those is drained then probably makes sense to drop down to a gold or blue AMEX card, unless you fly a LOT!
I have only been a pleasure traveler who flys DELTA for my vacations over 30 years. I have PLATINUM Status, but the only benefit is the ability to sit in COMFORT + from time to time. I travel to NY frequently, so PM gets me nothing. I need to purchase the seat if I want better than main because the upgrade list is so long.
Internationally, PM is only useful for elite status to get priority bag check. I have decided to purchase business class tickets on other airlines from now on for better service at a better price. Delta 1 is too expensive in comparison. I am also considering cancelling my Delta PLATINUM Card’ my AMEX platinum gets me into the lounges and CENTURION , so it is not worth it. I won’t spend enough to reach DIAMOND, so why bother
For the writer of the column, some idea of years would be nice.
Gold Medallion, Elite Plus, it the minimum when flying internationally. But having said that, when overseas, the Delta banner does say Silvers can use the Sky Priority lane (in very small letters!)
And i do like the SkyTeam partners.
I’ve been some kind of Medallion since 1989, when they had the Pan Am promo going on (5 T-Atl segments for Silver).
Before 2000, just being a FO was great. I got upgraded to 1st, 75% of the time, PLUS on I got upgraded on T-Alt almost 50 % of the time [this depended on load obviously and most importantly, the gate Agent.)
I was only Silver all those years, except for one, in which I was Gold.
2000’s came along, the merger with NWO, The joint deal with KLM, life even as a Silver was still pretty good.
The big change, the devaluation, took place as Delta computeriszed everything and took the power of the gate agent and seemingly the phone representatives away.
By 2005?? everything was controlled by the Algorithm, Delta IT, bless them, until 3 years ago, 2022, I was still get heart stopping notifications on on the Delta App saying my flight was boarding for flights that I had cancelled just after booking, months earlier.
Since almost all my flying was on my dime, MQD was terrible for me. In the early 2010’s I even fell out of Medallion for only the first time since 1989.
But by 2015 i learned how to game the system better, so I flew Business on non Delta metal, which boosted me to Gold and even Platinum (though for only one year).
What’s changed in the last 10 years: far fewer upgrades, none to Business, telephone representatives who understand the system less than I do ( even after they spend 20 minutes to consult a “supervisor”).
But who is better?
Delta in almost 40 years has never lost a bag (I check ALL the time). In the last 8 years no matter where my end destination is, Europe, Asia or Conus, my checked bags always appear within 15 minutes. (except Air France).
I haven’t missed a connection in ages.
And the flight attendants are pretty much always nice ( though with a 40″? aisle width, maybe the flight attendants should have a maximum width also?? I am so tired of being whacked as they walk by. Just saying.)
I finally got my Million Miler this past summer and Delta gave me the nicest gift (backpack) ever.
I really like it as well as the Gold status.
So I will keep flying for the most part no matter what, until I die, but I had a good trip.
Thanks Delta
I’m 83 years old. I have over 2 million flight miles with Delta.
We are not flying as much anymore but I have been upgraded to Platinum permanently due to my status.
We are always treated well especially at the Sky Clubs.Yes upgrades are rare,but we are treated well and I am usually recognized and thanked for being a 2 million miler. We fly Delta when we are able.
I live in Atlanta and with JetBlue and SW pulling out I’m stuck on Delta again. I just buy FC tickets at this point because as Diamond I get upgraded to Comfort+ 40% of the time. Status means nothing to me anymore.
I fly regularly for work and I’m not loyal to anyone, never have. You’re just pumping money into nowhere and wasting time because the loyalty programs are useless junk. Buy your way out with credit cards? Another sucker’s game. The system is rigged for the credit card companies and airlines but if you want to chase the dream to nowhere, have at it. Maybe you’ll win in Vegas too, those odds don’t favor the house, do they? What about the the lottery? Those odds are better at 1 in 300 million. As far as which zone I board? Who cares, I pack everything in an expandable backpack that fits under my seat. I can get on last for all I care. I leave the rat race to the rats.
I have been gold for 3 years and have never been upgraded. The only perk is using the sky priority lane for baggage check in. Besides that I have not seen a single benefit from gold.
I guess for me I’m not sure what the advantage is other than Sky Priority when checking a bag (which I rarely do). I have consistently been Hold and may hilarious for once when they credit my MQD head start points. I purchase FC tickets so upgrading is a moot point.