Many travelers believe that the Delta Air Lines SkyMiles program has decreased in value over the years. However, despite some unpopular changes announced in 2023, Delta Medallion status is still extremely valuable. One of the most valuable perks available to Platinum Medallion members and higher is the Choice Benefits program. Whether you’re a newly minted elite member or a longtime Delta loyalist, here’s what you need to know about Delta Choice Benefits, including how to earn them, when to select them, and which benefits are best.
To earn Delta Choice Benefits, you must qualify for Platinum or Diamond Medallion status in a calendar year. You earn one Choice Benefit when you qualify for Platinum Medallion status and three additional Choice Benefits when you qualify for Diamond Medallion status. Delta now only uses one metric, Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), for elite qualification. The current calendar year requirements for Platinum and Diamond Medallion status are 15,000 MQDs and 28,000 MQDs, respectively. You can earn MQDs by flying on Delta and its partners, as well as through other transactions, such as vacation packages and spending on cobranded credit cards.
If you want to earn Delta Medallion status, having one or more of the premium cobranded Delta credit cards can be extremely helpful. Starting from February 1, 2024, cardholders of certain premium Delta credit cards will receive a boost of 2,500 MQDs per card toward status qualification each year.
You can select Delta Choice Benefits after you earn Platinum or Diamond Medallion status based on your activity within a calendar year. You must select your Choice Benefits by the day your status would expire if you didn’t requalify. For example, if you earned Platinum or Diamond Medallion status in 2022, you should select your Choice Benefits by January 31, 2024. Some Choice Benefits expire on a set date regardless of when you select them, so it’s best to select them as soon as you’re eligible to get the most value.
For the 2023 Medallion year, if you qualified for Platinum or Diamond Medallion status during the 2022 calendar year, you can select one Choice Benefit for Platinum status and three additional Choice Benefits for Diamond status. The options include upgrade certificates, bonus miles, Delta Sky Club benefits, Delta travel vouchers, and gifting Delta Medallion status. The best option for most members selecting 2023 Medallion year Choice Benefits now would be bonus miles, as they provide more value compared to the other options.
For the 2024 Medallion year, if you qualified for Platinum or Diamond Medallion status during the 2023 calendar year, you can select one Choice Benefit for Platinum status and three additional Choice Benefits for Diamond status. The options include upgrade certificates, bonus miles, Delta Sky Club benefits, Medallion Qualification Dollars, gifting Delta Medallion status, Delta Vacations Experience credit, Delta American Express statement credit, Delta travel vouchers, sustainable aviation fuel contribution, and Starbucks Rewards Stars.
In conclusion, although some travelers may feel that the Delta Air Lines SkyMiles program has decreased in value over the years, Delta Medallion status still offers valuable perks through the Choice Benefits program. Understanding how to earn and select these benefits can enhance your travel experience with Delta and make your elite status even more rewarding.