Last week Delta Air Lines obliterated and destroyed any and all reasons to be a blindly loyal flyer of the airline. They not just told you “we don’t want you as a Medallion member” but also told us all to GET OUT OF OUR SKY CLUBS! We get the message, loud and clear, they don’t want us flying their airline anymore and we understand and we will do as they say and avoid Delta. I thank them for making this so loud and clear as it really makes it a simple choice to just say no!
Well before this loyalty disaster I had made the choice to dump Delta medallion status as it just has not been worth it anymore. Phone support is hit or miss even as a Diamond. The Delta IT, that has never been very good, is abysmal now having destroyed an elegant and functional app with one that everyone hates – oh and don’t even get me started on phantom results. Then we have Delta flight attendants, that used to be the best in the industry, sometimes hiding vs. providing great service or treating elites like gate lice. Lastly we have the once vaunted Delta reliability descending lower and lower week after week. But wait, really lastly we have SkyPennies program with abhorrent award levels vs. any other airline.
Ya know the choice to be done is not really that hard, right?
So it is time to go so how do you maximize your yield on all that you have spent decades of loyalty saving up? Let’s look at how to game Delta to the max on the way out the door point by points.
- MQMs. I know some Delta elites who have almost 1 million MQMs or enough, under the old system, to be Diamond for years and years. Under the assumption they are done with Delta it is foolish to convert them 20:1 to MQDs next year. Sure you could maybe, even without flying, earning your MQDs to be Diamond all of 2024 and 2025 but unless you can commit to keeping MQD spend over 35k in the years to follow – just don’t. 1 million MQMs is worth half a million SkyPennies and it is, IMO, silly to say no to a $5,000 gift in points from Delta (that do not expire until you do) that you can use to buy 1st class tickets when you find them at good award levels.
- Choice Benefits. Be smart about picking them as many of the rules have changed since years gone by. Also keep in mind you may already have earned and can redeem your 2024 Choice Benefits and use them. I, for example, have not just picked RUCs for my 2024 Platinum benefit but already applied them to booked flights. After all, if you are going to be flying another airline a bunch next year why not use up all your choice benefits ASAP!
- GUC and RUCs. Delta, in one of 1000 #KeepDecending moves, changed the rule that you have to fly the certs by the medallion year’s end. That said, and back to gaming the system, most ill trained Delta reps are not aware of this change and you may be able book flights beyond the cert expiration date and clear them (when space is open today). The point being is look at all your flight choices for 2024 and book seats and clear those upgrades and get max value from this elite perk!
- Delta Amex Cards. I desperately hope you did not emotionally cancel your Delta Platinum or Reserve personal or business cards last week. Why? When the annual fee bills you get a BOGO or buy one get one free flight certificate from Delta. Once that fee bills you have 30 days to cancel the card and get the fee back. Amex will tell you the cert will go away but for years and years that has not been the case and you do NOT have to pay for the BOGO flight with a Delta Amex card to use it (you can, in fact, pay with any Amex card and anyone’s Amex card – it just has to be an Amex card to spend the BOGO cert). That said if you have a number of Delta Amex cards there is no longer any incentive to hold more than one as Delta, a credit card award company that flies a lot of jets, has been dumb enough to incentivize us to NOT hold multiple Delta Amex cards anymore – go figure?! When it does come time to dump your Delta Amex card be sure to call and ask for a live rep rather than use the automated system to cancel so you can tell them you are dumping your card(s) because of the Delta medallion and club rule changes! Oh and it is worth holding at least one card, for now, while you spend your points down to get a 15% discount on the next point.
- SkyPennies. You may have a large pile of Delta points and that may be growing to very large totals after next year when you convert your last ever MQMs to SkyPennies. The biggest mistake you can make is to burn them all in one glorious Viking bonfire in one round trip to Europe in Delta One. Please no – just no. Do things like me and find 75,000 Business class ticket to Europe and use a few extra SkyPennies to fly Delta 1st class to start your trip via Mexico. There are other options but the simplified points is Delta points don’t die until you do so take your time extracting max value from your years of loyalty. Heck even buy tickets for family at ultra cheap rates flying them coach (oh you know you don’t love them THAT much) if you need to when ultra cheap flights go on SkyPennies sale.
- Sky Pubs. The monthership leadership no longer wants anyone in their massive ultra new and modern clubs unless you are rich. Well, I am not rich but if you really want unlimited visits there are ways to creatively earn the 75k spend to get in (yes, I know, their terms are VERY specific so that this can get you canned but if they do who really cares so game on – right?)! I guess if they have 2000 seats in their clubs and 200 are the only few who visit at what point can they keep bleeding the cost to keep the clubs open when no one visits anymore (in 2025)?
- Amex Platinum Card holders. To be clear we are not talking about the Delta Platinum card but the real Amex Platinum personal and business card holders. Since you were a loyal Delta flyer you likely have Delta as your preferred choice for the yearly $200 airline credit. You will want to, as of 1 JAN 2024, select the airline you will be flying more next year and moving forward. Why not put a reminder in your phone to alert you to this on the 1st.
For me I will be Platinum for 2024 but will not use it very much as I have only one Delta flight booked past February 1st of next year and will actively look to avoid flying Delta unless I find a cheep business class ticket vs. other options. – René
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Yes … it is a sad day for Delta … I am closing in on 3 Million miles and have 400K MQMs … I have decided to become a Free agent … NO MORE LOYAL TO DELTA !!!
Me too. 3.4m miles, Diamond since the start and I have status matched to United and moved my next four flights there.
I’m pretty much doing the same thing Rene. I can ré qualify for Diamond next year if I convert to MQD but instead will use Miles and book few trips.
Not a single penny will be charged on the Reserve card (never been able to use their companion cert)
It almost feels that they are betting on this sticky business model, but it’s up to all of us to prove them wrong. Go to another program or even better become a free agent (really amazing premium products out there at a fraction of the D1 cost).
It would be great if those who are planning to part ways with delta bc of these changes organize and do that in sync. It would put some pressure in c the suite!
I’ll be on that plan of yours also.
I too am looking to slowly transition to a new airline, Platinum Medallion (Amex Plat/2 Delta Reserves). I feel like Delta is trying to rewrite the business books and act like the sole gas station in town that feels car owners will be forced to stick with them and just pony up the rest of their paychecks over to them for the priviledge of flying their airline.
I did some research and it looks like American is going to possibly be my next airline with much more reasonable prices, credit card “bumps” and plenty to worlwide coverage.
I will be cancelling my Reserves come February when up for renewal and will take advantage of my last year as Platinum before making my move.
Delta doesn’t want us – well we don’t want them!
Upon reflection is this all a slight overreaction? The old FO/GM/PM/DM is now GM/PM/DM/360. In my mind they just eliminated Silver and formally published the 360 requirements (35,000 MQD). The new PM of 18,000 MQD is similar to the old DM of 20,000 with the advantage that you can now combine flying and Amex spending. (Previously if you hit 19,000 MQD and $240,000 Amex spend you were still PM). Everything else is seeing inflation right now so why not Medallion status?
In terms of Amex SC access people can just pay IRS in Dec/24 the amount shy of $75,000 on DL Amex and get a tax refund in early 2025.
Sitting in a SC right now and I’ve noticed the higher level of service. Staff giving their name and asking to let them know if we need anything. And friendlier bartenders. The new normal I guess.
Love This positive slant on a challenging topic… Businesses big and small sometimes have to make decisions and sadly the restructuring of a program, and one as important to all of us may hurt for awhile…………….. When it comes to travel, We are very loyal to the brand that gives us the highest quality experience with the least amount of inconvenience and CLASS! I don’t know how I can put a $$ sign on these qualities. We have flown the lower tier cheaper airlines most recently and were very, very disappointed. It is as much about the journey and experience as it is the destination. The fact that Delta and American Express both OVERSOLD their signup bonus is something that we can either struggle to get through or change your preferred carrier. In SLC Delta is king and nothing else is even a close second. We will take the bruises, enjoy the “vacant” sky clubs until we cant afford to any longer.
How do you pay 75k? I tried but the IRS LIMITS how much you can pay on a cc
Hey Rene…..
One clarification question on the MQM paragraph that you have above. Unless I’m reading wrong or not understanding the Delta website correctly, it’s only the “Rollover” MQM’s that we have at the end of this year (less for whatever’s subtracted for 2024 status) that we can convert to MQD or burnable miles next year, correct? That would definitely make a big difference for many people, if it’s one vs. the other. Thanks.
@Greg – Correct. If we have earned whatever status level for 2024. In my case Platinum with MQM and Amex spend waver so my rollover will be whatever my ending total -75,000.
Rene, you helped me years ago learn all the ins and outs of being a diamond medallion and now you’re helping with pointers to benefit the most while leaving. Thank you.
One question, if my Reserve card renews each year in May and I paid the yearly fee which includes unlimited sky club access…don’t amex and Delta have to honor that until my renewal(not) next May?
@Anna – The changes to the Skyclub rule does not start until 1FEB25.
Rene, great summary of bullet-points to keep for next year. Couple of comments:
– on the rollover MQMs: for the 1M rollover example, if they convert 700K to 35K MQDs and convert the rest to RDMs (150K), the trade-off might be worth it if they value DM status at $3-4K; however, for the lowly 300-400K rollovers that might be convertible to PM, it’s probably not a great tradeoff — 200K RDMs (~$2K) vs PM status?
– for GUCs/RUCs that agents apply post-expiration (I’ve not had that), but just a caveat to folks — make sure the ticket is reissued (not just ‘confirmed’) and the certs show as ‘closed’ in the account. Otherwise the reissue desk may realize they’re past expiration close to the travel date and revoke them. (E.g., I have GUCs confirmed from over a week ago, picked seats, etc., but still show as ‘open/available’ in my account. The ticket’s will get reissued automatically at some point, but if very close to dates, I prefer to have them explicitly reissue and avoid online check-in problems etc.)
@skdelta – I am not sure Delta will allow a split of your MQMs for conversion. We are checking that.
@rene – From https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles/medallion-program/2024-program-updates, it says: “One-Time Rollover MQM Conversion: Starting early 2024, your Rollover MQMs will convert to your choice of MQDs or miles (or a combination of both)…”; also somewhere I’d read they would allow the combination in 25% increments/splits, so one could do 100%->MQD, or 75%->MQD, 25%RDM, etc., but I don’t yet see that on the Delta.com page. If you get confirmation, that would be great, thanks!
@skdelta – Missed that nugget. Will try to 100% confirm. Thank you!
It’s definitely a MQM/MQD split option in 25% blocks. So one can choose 0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25 or 100/0. It is not all or nothing.
I will be sticking with Delta. The main reason being that they do the best job of getting me from point A to point B. I’ve been burned too many times by AA and UA when I’ve tried to save a few bucks or book a non-stop instead of flying Delta with a connection. The old adage that you get what you pay for is still true and for this flyer, Delta does the best job.
As far as the loyalty program, Delta made it REALLY easy for a lot of people to have status. The $25K MQD waiver for all but DM never made sense to me. It should have been tiered. In fact, I suggested that several times in response to a few of your posts Rene, and you were silent every time. Bottom line is, Delta is free to do whatever they want. And we are free to take our money elsewhere if we so choose. Its business, not personal.
I personally will be sticking with Delta. It will mean dropping from DM to PM starting in 2026 and I’m ok with that.
Earning starts for 2025 year so unless you have a reason you’ll earn DM in 2025… you’ll drop to PM in 2025, not 2026.
David, my Reserve card spend plus my rollover MQMs will get me to DM for 2025.
Well done! Curious is Platinum will be the new Diamond… and Diamond will be closer to a 360 experience.
Agreed. Delta is not better than the Almighty but they are much better than the alternatives. I refuse to ever fly UA or AA but I have taken nonstops for 2.5 hours or less on SW which have all been fine.
Great article @rene – I’m debating on whether to push for diamond status or take a large 2:1 rollover conversion. I’d roll over about 100K MQMs if I don’t push for Diamond… or I push for Diamond and get the choice benefits. I have $3500 MQDs to go. I’m planning to be a free agent in 2024. Thoughts? I have not selected my platinum choice benefit and my Reserve card renews in Dec of this year.
SO TRUE. The FA’s HIDE in the galley on the flight so that they don’t have to provide service to First Class. I am used to no drink pre flight on domestic with Delta. I’m lucky to get 1 drink and a snack on a 3 hour flight with Delta in First Class. Then, the FA’s hide in the Galley so they do not have to do a second round. Then, they come out with black plastic garbage bags (can’t you put it on a trolley and empty it in a garbage container within it?). then, they are gone barking commands on the PA by reading from their iphones.
You see the sausage from seat 1A or 1D. I’ve learned to sit in 1D on an A 320. Then, i stare at the FA who is sitting in the jump seat when he/she should be serving and keep staring until he/she gets up to offer me a second ginger ale. Good God.
That is what the call button is for. I have had no qualms dinging that button if I want something and the FAs are ignoring the cabin. Even works in C+. 🙂
One source claimed another change: Delta and their partners will soon have some form of fare sharing. As I see it, if true this eliminates the MQD run loophole – no longer will you be able to get MQDs based on miles flown, when booking on a partner. Can anyone confirm this rumor?
Delta is keeping its current formula of distance flown and fare class — but will reduce earnings, effective 1/1/2024.
Thanks Chris, I missed your post that addressed it. It’s all pretty moot anyway, with the massive MQD hike to reach DM. It’s too bad the Delta – Virgin Atlantic relationship is such that Virgin Atlantic doesn’t do a status match. I’d like to transition to them. As a party bonus, it’s likely that Virgin Voyages will do a status match with Virgin Atlantic, when their full loyalty program rolls out (Voyages already as a match in place for the first phase of the loyalty program).
You can get a drink any time using your call button ( unless takeoff landing or turbulence )
Cheers!
Been in the Skymiles program since 2000 and always top tier (or second tier depending on travel fluctuations). According to the calculator I will drop from Diamond status down to Silver..which provides no benefit for a business traveler flying 25+ trips a year. Oh and after your first two trips you can sit outside our Skyclub and beg for crumbs as people depart. Looking for new cards to replace the AMEX (Venture looks interesting) that will provide cash back or points that can be used across hotels, airlines, etc. Two home airports with alot of airline options…looking forward to making the switch. D.E.L.T.A. Driving Every Loyal Traveler AWAY
That’s perfect…. I need it printed on a t-shirt to wear through the airport.
@Rene, please clarify: So I have the 4 RUG certs right now , can I use for an LAX flight in April ,2024? Should I call and ask ?
@LABIS – Check for open space then just ask phone rep to apply RUC yes and reissue ticket.
I’m just tried that and they told me travel needed to be completed by expiration.
@David – HUCB
I applied them to a future trip but this year (would prefer to use for a different trip). Are they able to remove them once applied?
@David – Yes – but work.
I agree with the many concerns about Delta but one thing I have not seen mentioned among the comments is the use of the valued Choice Benefits for Delta Platinum FF Regional Certificates. Last year, I used mine profitably to go round trip from SAN to SXM, paying with Main Cabin mileage and getting First Class. This year, and for next year, I have been looking for similar flights both in January and April, and I have noticed that now, you have to pay with Delta Comfort + mileage (twice as much as Main Cabin mileage) AND Delta is asking for Global Certificates (Diamond FF Choice Benefit) if you want a one stop itinerary. As for us lowly Platinum flyers and our Regional Certificates, if there are Regional Certificates allowed at all, you need to reserve a 2 stop itinerary. It is getting much harder to use the Regional Certificates to the Caribbean than it was, so that is another detriment to trying for Platinum, especially with Spending. I was thinking I could use the Main Cabin mileage to get to First like last year in December, but Delta changed it so that if Comfort + exists on your route, you need to book it to get the upgrade to First and pay more with worse routing. I am already Platinum for next year and who knows what will be for 2025 for leisure travelers. Like everyone else, I am very disappointed/sad/unhappy about the treatment of those who spend considerable $$ on Delta, but I am giving Reserve a shot and we will see where it goes. In defense of the Delta Credit Card people, during my investigation of upgrading to Reserve, I must say that the customer service people have truly been brilliant and extremely well informed as I ask extensive questions. Thank you for this great site, and I hope Delta will listen to its frequent flyers. I guess they will see in 2025 who will be left. Like many I came from the Northwest frequent flyer program, so have seen the degradation of the program but in general I have had much superior experience with Delta over AA.
Spot on!
I have 1.3M on Delta, this is my last status year as I decided to switch to AA at the beginning of 2022 due to many of the reasons that you stated… untrained agents, decline in reliability, devaluation of the SkyMiles program, lack of response to customer service enquiries. Delta is insisting that we spend MORE and get LESS. The good news is the my transition to AA has gone quite well. They offer better and more connections from my home airport at a better price. I feel I am treated better as a Platinum Pro (and soon to be Executive Platinum) than I was at Delta.
Delta is very good at smoke and mirrors. They tout the Porsche gate transfers but in all the years of Diamond, I only got one which happened to be the day that I became Diamond. A big build up then a fizzle out.
Don’t get me wrong… the FAs and pilots at Delta are generally top notch. Management has really screwed the company by overly promoting AMEX then not being able to fulfill the experience that they THEMSELVES sold.
ive been diamond member , nearly all the time, but never had a lift in the porsche, but not to be outdone, I bought my own , much better, than any of theirs , anyone wanting a lift ask me nice and I will consider it, ps that’s when my hip mends x ps I,m awaiting what am ex /delta will be offering for new year?
If I,m not mistaken, you have to be clear about switching MQM to MQD , 2.01 as they die at the end of the year, so if you switch too many , and then go over the requirement , for gold plat, diamond, they get burnt, so try to work out your spend , flights etc , then convert, or maybe we can ask delta to covert in December of next year,
Delta has given the finger to loyal customers for the sake of pure spending.
A business traveller going to Europe 4 times a year in Delta One will be diamond, Meanwhile, someone like myself that flies 130 segments a year will only make platinum.
Someone flying 4 times a year on an airline is not a loyal customer.
(Been Diamond of 6 years and typically spend 30k on tickets and 40k on the card. Cannot book hotel or cars through Delta due to corporate travel policy)
In Detroit, so not sure if I have any other option .
Am I happy about the change? No, but I’m also realistic and there is no way that I should be Diamond because I am fortunate (lucky) enough to use my Delta Reserve card for work and thus able to reach the $250k spend and with all the bonus MQMs and the carryover MQMs I have made Diamond the last few years and I’m just thankful that I’ve been able to ride this “gravy train” for as long as I have. Does it make sense that I should be Diamond when my travel for this year has been one DTW-PHX, one DTW-DXB (in Delta one $2,600 round trip), and seven DTW-RSW, and two DTW-MIA and my total MQDs for the year is $3,222 as almost all but three of my trips have been with Skymiles and I have been upgraded on ALL but three flights. I’m also fortunate to have purchased a World Club Lifetime membership from NWA so I have unlimited access with one or two guests. Just with credit card spend I should be Platinum or Gold in 2026 and if I don’t make it I can always rely on Silver for being a Million Miler. I do feel bad for the people that are the true loyalists and fly from city to city day after day as this change just sucks for them. I have also had very good experiences with the flight crews that I have been privileged to fly with as they have been top notch.
24 will be the year I transition away from delta platinum medallion too. I fly many times between atl and fll paying more to fly delta for miles now I will fly swa or spirit for a lower fare. delta [redacted] to their loyal passengers will be a business school model of what not to do.