Delta changes SkyMiles program to reward big spenders, restricts lounge access

Major changes are coming to the way Delta Air Lines SkyMiles members earn status starting in 2024 for flying in 2025.

The airline will soon emphasize dollars spent – not miles flown – in calculating member rewards, according to an update posted to the airline's website. 

Starting Jan. 1, Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) will be the only metric that counts when it comes to earning elite frequent flyer status with Delta.

Here’s a breakdown by status tier of what it takes to earn status in 2025.

• Silver Medallion - $6,000 MQDs
• Gold Medallion - $12,000 MQDs
• Platinum Medallion - $18,000 MQDs
• Diamond Medallion - $35,000 MQDs

This comes after raising all tiers but silver as of January for the first time since 2015.

MQDs will still be earned at a rate of one for every $1 of spending on flights operated by Delta and its partners, but they’ll also be earned at the same rate for other things booked directly through Delta, such as car rentals, hotels and vacation packages.

Additionally, some Delta credit card spending will be MQD eligible, though the rates will vary by card.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express cardholders will earn one MQD for every $10 in spending, while SkyMiles Platinum and SkyMiles Platinum Business cardholders will earn one MQD for every $20 in purchases.

“Delta is on a multi-year journey to transform our SkyMiles Program by building a portfolio of options for customers to grow their membership with Delta beginning as soon as they join the program,” said Dwight James, S.V.P. of Customer Engagement and Loyalty and CEO of Delta Vacations. “Our Members will earn status the way they want to – not only along their travel journey, but also in their everyday lives.”

New lounge restrictions

Delta is also updating its Delta Sky Club access guidelines for some American Express Card Members as part of efforts to preserve the premium experience in lounges.

Starting Feb. 1, 2025, Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Card Members will receive 10 Club visits per Program year.

The Platinum Card and the Business Platinum Card from American Express Card Members will receive six Club visits per Program year.

These members can earn unlimited Club access after spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their eligible Card in a calendar year and will have unlimited Club access for both the remainder of the current program year (which ends on January 31) and for the next full program year. 

Spend tracking begins Jan. 1, 2024, for the 2025 Medallion year, Delta says. 

Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Card Members and those customers traveling in Basic Economy, regardless of card type, will no longer be eligible for Club access, the company says.

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