The Ultimate Guide to Delta Airlines Medallion Status 2024

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Everything you need to know about earning Delta Airlines Status.
Timeline
0:00 Start Here
0:22 Delta Medallion Status Overview
4:24 Shortcut to Delta Status Benefits
7:12 Upgrade Certificates
10:39 How to Earn Status
12:42 How to Spend Your Way to Delta Status
14:37 Is Delta Status Worth It?
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[@AskSebbyBusiness]

💳 Sebby's Business Card Picks: www.asksebby.com/business

[@drec4722]

What about if I get the delta platinum and the delta reserve how much do I have to spend to get gold ?

[@drec4722]

I’m playing on getting them or considering American Airlines what will be better ? I do fly only 1 time to Europe and one or two time to Orlando.

[@sergeyk1724]

Thank you for the video Sebby 💎. It will be great to use some examples and compare other airlines statuses and perks. But an informative vid as always, keep going 👍

[@ninamorena]

Thanks for this breakdown. I’m in Atlanta and I get status with travel and the reserve card. It’s been worth it in such a crowded hub.

[@johnoverton8438]

💎 Great video Sebby. We are strategizing our future Delta status as it is our airline of choice and our airport lounge of choice as well along with Centurion. As much as I thought I had it figured out, didn't realize that I could stack multiple reserves to get closer to status. Well done.

[@fjkulwin]

Always enjoy the content. Just started with Delta after some other disappointing domestic airline experiences. Opened the Amex Delta Gold Business Card. SUB was 80K Sky Miles after 6K spend so I thought that was an easy start .💎 Thanks Sebby!

[@dangervybz7522]

💎 Seb said “THAT’S NOT ME BABYYY” on that Delta 360 deal 😂 perfect timing on this video for me lol thank you! 🙌🏿

[@AskSebbyBusiness]

Haha, will not be me unless a company is flying me out every other week 😂

[@karenmyrie6215]

💎 Thx Sebby

[@cproducer]

I'm liking your videos after reading numerous online reviews. What I can't wrap my head around is how to factor in the Platinum's 2X miles for restaurants and supermarkets. If the card is used exclusively for those charges how to you calculate the difference you gain(if any) over 1X for the Reserve?

[@angelestapuro4547]

just the video i was looking for, im starting to travel a lot for buisness with some delta flights coming up soon!

[@AskSebbyBusiness]

Glad it's helpful! :)

[@cableguy447]

💎 thank you. Your the best, I have a Reserve, Platinum and Gold, should , I’m happy getting Silver status so should I get rid of my gold card? It’s not helping on the head start

[@Ibetala]

💎 thanks!

[@magicalday4431]

💎 I fly out of DTW, the overwhelming majority of our flight choices are Delta. I just lost silver status and I’m trying to get back to it. I’m considering trying some non chain hotels through Delta stays and to get the credit through the delta platinum card

[@Travelscreditcards]

Just redeemed 2xRCUs to fly First Class to East to West coast. Confirmed seats. Platinum status here. 🎉🎉🎉

[@johnoverton8438]

💎 Ok, quick question for you Sebby, In the example of having two Business Reserve cards, and two personnel reserve cards, that would only work for one person right?? My player two has her own Delta skymiles number and as such if she got one of each reserve cards, they would not combine with mine?? Or would she try and get the cards using my Skymiles #??? Just a clarification as I get plenty of value out of the new Delta refresh and plan on shooting for Gold, maybe platinum.

[@aznandyroo]

💎 I've had Delta Silver for a few years while based out of ATL. I would sometimes be #150 on the upgrade list 🤪but picking bulkhead/exit row seats anytime in econ alone has been worth it to me. The other levels sound great but...I don't have the spend or will to do MQD runs lol

[@krajacic21]

How do you view where you are on the upgrade list?

[@lyonchung9711]

Would you recommend stacking the four cards for Delta Gold Status?

[@ericevans8]

💎❤ I run a two card set up. Personal Delta Platinum and Delta Reserve (I have a second Reserve also for the 1st Class companion certificate). I spend over $75k a year. I fly through Atlanta but home airport is Augusta. I’m Platinum Medallion and get upgraded regularly. Love the benefits. I’m keeping my cards. High AF but effectively I have positive value.

[@karlwaage1823]

💎 I have the personal Reserve card. Living in Denver (Delta only has about 10 destinations from DIA) and having Gold status + Reserve card gets me upgrades regularly. I only shoot for Gold status. I’ll never fly enough or spend enough to make better than that.

[@BasicStrategyLLC]

Hello, with Gold Medal and Amex Reserve, have you ever been upgraded internationally? If so, any strategy to share? Thanks.

[@SheriseMarie]

💎 I have delta silver status and it’s worth it. I flew my way to silver status. I agree gold would be more of the sweet spot. It’s easy to get gold it you fly two international trips a year and book your vacation packages through delta as it all counts towards spend. I’m thinking about getting the delta platinum card for added help towards higher status. Oh and I’ve never been charged the $75 change flight fee. I just changed my flights in early April 2024 and had $0 fee. 🤷🏽‍♀️ 9 out of 10 times I also get bumped to first class even during peak flying times. YMMV but I love life as a silver medallion 😂

[@pscfbxx]

💎hi sebby, been silver the past 2 years, the platinum delta card is clutch, love the 3x on hotels also while earning as many mqd per $20 spend

[@luxuryFean]

Do you suggest platinum delta or reserve seb

[@ArnoldWinters]

MQD’s are not mileage qualified dollars, as you said. MQD’s are Medallion Qualified Dollars.

[@marcelbrown3359]

What’s a good strategy to reach gold status

[@redveat123]

When spending on Amex travel for delta I didn’t get the 1 for 1 MQD, do I need to book directly with Delta?

[@mcr754]

ty sebby. i have EP with AA. going for diamond with delta, after watching this video. (lots of business spend).........btw, a few weeks ago i got the BA gold executive status match with my delta temporary platinum status. again, earning EP status with AA via biz and personal AA cards, and AA flights. this year changing strategy to AA EP status via card spend, going to use my BA freq flyer number for all my AA flights to qualify for the tier points. Delta will be mixture of flights and card spend.

[@AskSebbyBusiness]

We're in the same boat :) Delta for spend and will probably finish the BA challenge to keep OW for another year.

[@andernature]

💎 Thank you for this video, I always wanted to know how to gain status, and what status on Delta can get me.

[@AskSebbyBusiness]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ericevans8]

@@AskSebbyBusiness 💎 did you say in the video that if you are Diamond Medallion you get both the Diamond Medallion benefits and the Platinum Medallion benefits?

[@roybrown503]

So I already have the Amex Platinum and If I add the Delta Business Reserve the way I understand it, I will automatically have Silver Status, Two annual domestic companion certificates (one economy and one 1st class on card anniversaries) Access to the Delta and Centurion lounges (limited number and limited guest passes) free bags and other credits and benefits. The annual fee for both totals $1,000 - Mmm. I can probably break even on companion tickets since my wife and I would travel together and enjoy comfort plus and 1st class and the lounge access which I used to pay for with the platinum is now not accessible. So thinking about it. Thanks for the video, great information. 💎

[@jyk000]

The Amex Plat does not give MQDs? Youd need to get another Delta card to get Silver Status

[@leehooks4957]

💎 we justachieved diamond. We are very happy about it. Thanks for your insight! Question, so our goal is to use a GUC to get to Delta one. Do we book main cabin, automatically take our upgrade to comfort plus, use GUC to get to premium select and hope and pray they upgrade us further to delta one on day of flight? Is this the best way to do it without breaking the bank? Thanks

[@myqueen9696]

This free luggage is a bit confusing and hope someone can explain to me. I recently travelled on delta overseas. Ticket came with 2 50lb luggage which was standard. I used my Amex delta platinum card which offered 1 free checked luggage of 50lbs. I had 3 luggages of 50lbs each. Now I had the 2 free that was standard for my international travel. When I asked to use the free luggage that Amex platinum card offered for my third luggage , the delta representative said no. She said I already had the 2 free so the Amex card offer doesn’t apply. I had to pay $200 for the third one eventually.

[@Lawrence_McKnight]

❤ I like the stacking of cards. Now, does the credits on the cards stack? Ride shares, Resy, Delta Stays? Or they are used separately only? 💎

[@AskSebbyBusiness]

Use them separately, but you can pay with multiple cards like at a Resy restaurant.

[@lewis20002000]

I needed this break down as I am looking at getting all 4 cards for gold with the option to get Platinum with the $50K spend.

[@b_Loopy]

I don’t get it… why get 4 cards? Wouldn’t that mean 4x the annual fee?

[@lewis20002000]

@@b_Loopy Yes, that would be the opportunity cost of Delta Gold and getting within striking distance of Platinum WITHOUT flying. If one is willing to manage and structure one's NORMAL dinning and travel spend within those credits you can mitigate that cost($2000/yr) for Delta status. However, that means giving up 4 out of 5 amex slots, I can live with most amex credit cards expect the Aspire and BBP.

[@Newton240sx]

​@b_Loopy yes but the amount of money he would have to spend to hit gold will be significantly more than the 2k he will spend on the 4 cards that also cancel out when you use companion certificates

[@lewis20002000]

@@Newton240sx Exactly, and recently I learned an easier way to use the resy credit from SledgeIncTeam. I will get rid of a few other Amex monthly credit cards to concentrate on the Delta cards/credits.

[@luxuryFean]

Does anyone know how long I have to wait after receiving delta plat bonus before applying for the reserve? To receive that bonus as well?

[@christopherahn8510]

Let’s goooooooooo thumbs up to help with the algorithm 😂

[@AskSebbyBusiness]

:)

[@rayfengli]

💎❤thanks for the video. Just got my silver and it’s basically not possible to get upgraded to first. Comfort plus maybe. Can you do a video for low tier status like silver gold, what’s the best way to get the upgrade? No KZbinr is covering this fully.

[@AskSebbyBusiness]

Upgrades are based on availability. If you're in Delta hub, chances are going to be very low. Same with full flights.

[@mastrkents]

I had Silver last year. I logged 15 flight segments, 2 where I was upgraded to 1st, and 6 that I was upgraded to C+. I'm not tall, so C+ isn't a huge deal to me (alcohol is nice though), but being able to pick the "preferred seat" on 7 segements that I was not upgraded, meant a fair amount to me. I do want to caveat though, that I flew HNL-JFK/JFK-HNL 3 times last year, and none of them were upgraded, and both flights that I was upgraded to 1st, were on regional (E175) flights. Still good, but they were both less than 3 hours long. edit: for math, 8/15 > 50%

[@funny2thag]

I live near LAX and originally from CVG, both major Delta hubs and I have been upgraded to C+ nearly every time as Silver or Gold since 2021. It’s nice but I’ve also been upgraded to first on short haul connecting flights. Between the two I’ve done, Gold is quite nice bc it enables Sky Priority check-in which saves time and more convenient when checking luggage.

[@mastrkents]

@@funny2thag that's awesome to hear! I made Gold this year, looking forward to see how much of a difference it makes! It's kinda interesting, I fly out of HNL which is not a Delta hub, but... for whatever reason it seems like people PAY for D1 (or maybe there's some Virgin partner thing that I need to figure out) on the flights from LAX/DTW/MSP/JFK/ATL to HNL...

[@funny2thag]

@@mastrkents if HNL isn’t a huge Delta hub maybe you’ll be able to be upgraded to D1 a few times.

[@thejokerspeaks]

1. I had Platinum Status for 3 years, it was ok. Regional Upgrades were misleading at times, so status didn't make sense as light flyers. 2. Upgraded to the Delta Biz Reserve, treating it as a sock drawer for the companion pass and other credits. Earning miles with Alaska now. 3. No status unless I'm on the edge of silver. 💎

[@ericevans8]

💎 @AskSebbyBusiness did you say in the video that if you are Diamond Medallion you get both the Diamond Medallion benefits and the Platinum Medallion benefits?

[@j.r.1426]

💎 figured you can only get status on spending on flights only 💎💎

[@mastrkents]

11:43 can confirm, does not stack (have 2 consumer Platinum) 💎

[@evertonmuirhead6953]

None! Keeping my gold status until end of year. Got a 70k bonus points to keep the Reserve Card essentially not paying the annual fee with a $3k spend on the card within 3 months

[@SolidLiquidFox]

💎 Delta is definitely going for a higher income demographic. Pay to play can't fake it anymore 😅

[@ProgramadorSagaz]

💎

[@davemelander1140]

💎 Any thoughts on the Fast Track to Medallion Status program from Delta? This gives business travelers 6 months to qualify for a higher tier. If you fly for business, this might be the easiest way to status!

[@dmang0]

💎- does the complimentary upgrade apply only for one person in the party or everyone in the party?

[@AskSebbyBusiness]

Same reservation (and also non-basic economy) should be fine (only 1 person though). "A Medallion Member and one traveling companion may both enjoy a Complimentary Upgrade when traveling on Delta and Delta Connection carriers, as long as that companion is a General SkyMiles Member, Medallion Member, or partner airline elite member*, and traveling on the same flight in the same reservation. Companion upgrades are available for travel on paid tickets, Award Tickets, Miles + Cash tickets, Pay with Miles tickets and Companion Certificates." More here: www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles/medallion-program/medallion-upgrades

[@KoryKubacki]

I have a Sapphire Reserve, which I love for the point flexibility. Would you add a Delta Reserve or Delta Platinum?

[@Jon-rz2nn]

I have Sapphire Reserve also and considering Delta Reserve for the lounge access.

[@ReelDeckGaming]

What is the difference between the 50 lb baggage limit and the 70k limit? How does one get the other 20 lbs lol

[@KenzieScarlett]

Does anyone know if the $1 MQD when you spend $10 applies to everything or just flights? For example if I bought a TV for $500 would I get $50 worth of MQDs or does that not count? Does it have to be used on flights to get the MQDs?

[@AskSebbyBusiness]

Everything :) That's how a lot of business owners spend their way towards status.

[@hemantoberoi]

I have never understood the levels with Delta or united and I’m never gonna spend that much money in which I am looking for a free upgrade to from Coast to Coast. I’d rather get transferable currency and get my seat I want. #JustMyThought

[@jamesjenkins5759]

how does this play out if you're not at a hub? i'm based out of Birmingham (BHM)...

[@DevilCruz13]

You’re basically at the hub. I’m in Montgomery and all MGM and BHM Delta flights go through ATL….with the exception of the ones that go to LGA from BHM. I have platinum status right now and just got the Delta Amex Reserve in hopes that it will help break the tie to upgrade to first. I always get Comfort + upgrades 99% of the time. Most of my upgrades to first come on my return flights. Especially if I’m returning from San Diego or SFO.

[@zyzzuschrist3410]

WSebby

[@charleswheat3251]

If I get silver status next month, is it only good for this year or good for next year as well?

[@johnwoodham3263]

It is valid until January 31, 2026

[@scottbunch8294]

Then you have to start over completely?

[@johnwoodham3263]

@@scottbunch8294 Of course.

[@scottbunch8294]

@@johnwoodham3263 everybody starts back at zero? No medallion at all?

[@johnwoodham3263]

@@scottbunch8294 Not really sure what you are asking. You need to requalify every year.

[@JacksonWelch]

Delta rep told me they do NOT stack with the same family of card. (Personal and business) So delta plat and biz delta plat only gives $2500 MQD

[@AwesomeIam12345]

The terms and conditions say otherwise. Each card type eg platinum, business platinum, reserve, business reserve will each grant 2,500 MQDs for a total maximum MQDs received of 10,000 if you had one of each card. Having multiple of the same card, eg 3 delta platinums would not give you 7,500 points, only 2,500 since it is per card type not per card.

[@AskSebbyBusiness]

Terms for context: "If I have multiple eligible Cards, can I receive MQD Headstart multiple times? YES - with certain limits. Regardless of the number of Eligible Cards a SkyMiles Member may hold, each SkyMiles Member may only receive one $2,500 MQD deposit per Eligible Card type each Medallion Qualification Year and is limited to a maximum of four deposits across all Eligible Cards each Medallion Qualification Year (for $10,000 MQDs total)." www.americanexpress.com/en-us/credit-cards/credit-intel/mqd-headstart-and-boost/#:~:text=Regardless%20of%20the%20number%20of,(for%20%2410%2C000%20MQDs%20total). Max of 1 x $2,500 per eligible card type (business and personal being separate). Max of $10,000 MQDs which lines up with it.

[@HockeyJock]

@@AskSebbyBusinessbut also important to note that the current status challenge specifically excludes card-given MQDs as eligible MQDs for the status challenge

[@IanMaschal]

Never listen to a delta rep 😂😂

[@jimmyjames6492]

💎💎💎

[@living1980]

💎💎

[@MapleJokerRofl]

My boss recently hit 1 million flown miles.. He's been Diamond for idk how long already... me here with my 10k miles lol

[@IanMaschal]

💎Mr Sebby, do you think you could help me get one of my Amex referrals used by someone so I can get 10x on restaurants?

[@darkwoodmovies]

I can't believe you're supposed to spend $5k just for Silver. That doesn't sound reasonable at all! Before, 2 international flights and a few cross-country domestic flights in economy got me close to Gold. Now that wouldn't even get me Silver, which is absolutely bonkers.

[@AskSebbyBusiness]

Agreed! I liked the old system better (especially for deal seekers). You could get Platinum with 6-8 international flights and the MQD waiver. I think the best bet might be to stack a few cards? But you need to be able to use the credits.

[@jkpfmt]

$2,000 in AF for instant gold is OP, no...?

[@AskSebbyBusiness]

I think it's solid, but depends on how you value it. Also, a ton of credits to help offset the $2,000 in annual fees. If you eat out, Uber, etc. probably closer to maybe $0 to $500.

[@jkpfmt]

@AskSebbyBusiness thanks for the response. Trying to figure out its value! Partner and I are looking to fly SFO-JFK 3-4x per year and would try to get upgrades whenever we can. Does going for Gold status even help at all, given the route? Would be eastbound Saturday night red eyes where the upgrades would matter most.

[@AskSebbyBusiness]

If you're not flying during holidays, then I think you have pretty good odds. Thanksgiving / July 4th, etc. you're out of luck even with Diamond. Traveling Saturday night red eyes are literally our secret sauce to super high upgrade odds :) Last flight we did back there were still a bunch of seats in Delta One that were empty (basically means EVERYONE with status got the upgrade, even Silvers). My game plan would be to try it for a year (and get the intro bonuses as well!) and re-evaluate in Year 2.

[@jkpfmt]

@AskSebbyBusiness appreciate the response, Sebby! Yup, we would fly off peak / non holiday mostly. Are you referring to the westbound leg? I think our main leg needing upgrade is Saturday night RE eastbound. With return evening/night westbound but not a RE. Given your information, what do you think about just doing 2x Delta cards to get Silver only, as us scoring an upgrade probably depends more on luck of there not having status whales on our flight and therefore Silver vs Gold not making a big difference? Tentative play Me: keep CSR, CFU, add Delta personal cards (plat + reserve) Player 2: Costco visa, random non AF cashback cards, add BILT +/- CIP Allows for nice lounge coverage, remain in Chase ecosystem for Hyatt redemption, Delta for SFO-JFK quarterly flights, and we keep travel and insurance benefits from CSR. Thanks!

[@lagunist1078]

Or... this sounds crazy... just fly. I have no trouble with hitting Plat or Diamond without a card. With the new requirements it will be easier. I'll be Diamond every year, no problem. I say we jack it back up to the originally proposed 36k (I think it was). Put Silver at 8k Gold at 15k and Plat at 25k.

[@bbui949]

Your videos can be so useful but I have a really hard time following the way you speak. Your intonations and tempo makes it really bad for me to understand you. It’s probably just me.

[@MatthewMann-qx3on]

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