A crucial deadline for Delta frequent flyers is fast approaching amid drastic changes to the airline’s loyalty program.
SkyMiles members have until December 31 to decide what to do with their defunct Delta Air Lines Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM).
MQMs had previously been used in conjunction with Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) to create Medallion Member status.
MQMs were earned per mile every time someone flew with the airline, while MQDs were earned based on the dollar amount spent with the airline and select partners.
But with program changes, MQMs were completely replaced by MQDs, changing the metric used to determine a person’s silver, gold, platinum, or diamond medallion status.
However, Delta didn’t completely pull the rug out from under passengers who were still sitting on a pile of MQMs, as the airline offers customers the option to convert those MQMs into MQDs or Skymiles.
If a customer does not manually choose what to do with their MQMs by December 31, 2024, they will automatically be converted to MQDs.
However, those converted MQDs will be of little help to customers who are not about to upgrade their medallion, as MQDs were reset to zero at the beginning of the year, according to Delta.
Delta frequent flyers can choose their conversion options in the airline app. If MQMs are not converted by the end of the year, they will automatically be converted to MQDs.
Delta made this change to its loyalty program last year, but allowed members to maintain their status and MQM throughout this year.
SkyMiles, on the other hand, do not expire and can be used to “enhance your trip,” according to Delta.
Delta made this change last year, but allowed members to maintain their status and MQM throughout this year. But MQMs will disappear completely in 2025.
This creates an urgent choice for loyal Delta travelers to make.
Although the MQD was reinstated at the beginning of the year, it could help elevate someone’s status to the next level.
But this option may not be worth it if a person doesn’t have enough MQMs to make a difference, according to Liberty Joy, a Delta pilot, who shared a tiktok explaining conversion options.
MQMs will become MQDs in a ratio of two to one.
The second course of action would be to exchange MQM for Skymiles at a ratio of 10 to one.
If someone has a large amount of MQM saved, they can extend their Medallion 2024 status for one year per 100,000 MQM.
According eye of the flyerDelta passengers can convert their MQMs through the airline’s app.
In the ‘SKYMILES’ tab, reward members can press ‘Convert Now’ to select how they will handle their MQMs.
Loyal SkyMiles members have until December 31 to roll over their Delta MQMs to the next year as status-boosting MQDs or SkyMiles.
Changes to SkyMiles rewards included reducing MQD requirements to earn elite status
There are several options available for people to decide the best way to use their MQMs based on the amount they have.
An option is offered to redeem all MQMs for MQDs, and the same option exists for SkyMiles.
But loyal members can also opt for a combination of MQD and SkyMiles.
SkyMiles changes included reducing MQD requirements to earn elite status, adding more lounge access passes for select credit cards, and adding a Rollover MQM conversion option.
Starting in February 2025, travelers will see their access to Delta Sky Clubs reduced to just six visits per year.