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I expected Delta Air Lines to raise the Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) thresholds to qualify for 2027 SkyMiles Medallion elite status.
I’m delighted to tell you that I was wrong!
A Delta spokesperson confirmed to me today that MQD levels are staying put for the 2027 year:
- Silver: $5,000
- Gold: $10,000
- Platinum: $15,000
- Diamond: $28,000
(There’s also a post on Delta News Hub about it.) Fall is usually when Delta announces any changes to its SkyMiles program, so this news comes a little earlier than we thought. (Perhaps the big news last week about Alaska and Hawaiian’s new Atmos program inspired Delta to announce something this early. Or not.) I thought we’d at least creep toward the numbers Delta announced in October 2023 — and then modified after the proverbial pitchforks came out.
Hats off to Delta for keeping things where they are for now. The pessimist in me, though, wonders what kind of a jump we’ll see next year. (Prove me wrong again, Delta!)
We’re still expecting some kind of news about a new Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card. Maybe we’ll see that before the year’s end.
Final Approach
Breathe easier, Medallions (except the Thin The Herd! bunch. Rough news for you, I know). Delta is not raising MQD levels for 2027 status.
The earning period for 2027 Medallion status starts on January 1, 2026.
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Happy to see the thresholds remain. Does that indicate this “new, super-duper” card is coming? Maybe…
“Thin the herd bunch”?? I try to follow Delta developments closely but please define that.
There are people —- usually Diamonds who travel on their employers’ dimes —- who want the Medallion membership slashed. They don’t like when people can get status through credit card spending or flying partner airlines. The fewer “gamers” interfering with their upgrades (and lives, in general), the better.
GO=ood news for now.. Till the next big change…
DL Diamond here (since 2017, secured through 2026).
I’m grateful for the stable tier thresholds as it allows me to maximize my final Diamond year before transitioning my business elsewhere.
Currently splitting travel 30% DL / 60% UA / 10% AS/AA, and while United has frequent operational challenges, I’m planning to pursue 1K status there. The DL threshold stability gives me predictability for 2026 planning.
I’ll leverage my remaining Diamond benefits this coming year, probably only flying DL on benefit redemptions (BOGO and RUCs) then likely downgrade my SkyMiles cards (Reserve and Platinum) in 2027. The inconsistent DeltaOne experience (I’ve given up on GUCs), the history of SkyMiles program changes/walkbacks, and general leadership greed, have driven my decision to move airline loyalty going forward.
Something that may change my strategy is that “possible” ultra premium DL AMEX card. I’m not holding my breath. In any case, those AMEX DL cards already in my wallet will be getting demotions.
Bottom line: thankful for one more stable year to extract value before making my own changes.
How are you enjoying your UA travels, Cory? I see you mentioned “frequent operational challenges” but are you happier there overall than with DL?
Hi Chris,
Based on 30+ UA segments in 2025, I’ve observed key differences between carriers:
Operations: UA experiences more frequent but minor issues (fuel sensors, overfueling, temperature delays) resolved within 1-2 hours. DL has fewer incidents but more severe disruptions—including unexplained maintenance delays (resulting in my being rebooked for a flight 12+ hours later) while the same aircraft departed for other destinations shortly after (2 hours).
Technology: UA significantly outperforms with superior app functionality. Also, the app provides access to reasonable upgrade pricing ($90-200 vs. DL’s $600+ for domestic first).
Hard Product: UA’s domestic seats show inconsistency but are improving through refurbishments. UA’s row 1 bulkhead seats offer generous legroom compared to cramped DL (especially A220) configurations. Personal preference favors UA’s 321-Neo interior design.
Service: Both carriers deliver similar proportions of excellent, adequate, and poor cabin experiences. DL maintains better meal variety.
Ground Experience: DL provides more consistent service with a “mediocre” baseline, while UA ranges from excellent to abysmal, though both have comparable numbers of outstanding agents.
Overall assessment: UA’s operational hiccups are manageable and technology advantages significant, while DL offers more predictable ground service but concerning operational transparency issues.
Great breakdown — thanks, Cory!
At your service, and thanks to you and Rene for this blog. Even if If I do check out from DL, I’ll still hang around here.