Delta SkyMiles Status Match Discussion

[Danger]

I assume there's no soft landing on this (i.e. you match to a particular tier, don't meet the challenge requirements and so fall to one tier below), correct?

 

[harls]

I assume there's no soft landing on this (i.e. you match to a particular tier, don't meet the challenge requirements and so fall to one tier below), correct?

Seems like it is soft landing. I was matched to Gold back in Jan 2019 for 3 months but haven’t flown enough to maintain gold as per the challenge and now I’m silver.

 

[Danger]

Seems like it is soft landing. I was matched to Gold back in Jan 2019 for 3 months but haven’t flown enough to maintain gold as per the challenge and now I’m silver.

Wow. Very interesting.

 

[nightelves]

Wow so it might be worthwhile to get a status challenge for Platinum seeing as there a chance for a soft landing to gold. Can someone confirm if this is the case?

 

[Silvia]

Hi all, a very quick question
If I get status match or challenge, would I be able to use the Delta Sky Club if I'm flying in a Sky team flight in economy (Aeromexico to be more precise from LAX-MEX but economy).

Not sure if the benefits would apply if I get the status challenge.

Thanks

 

[Mattg]

Hi all, a very quick question
If I get status match or challenge, would I be able to use the Delta Sky Club if I'm flying in a Sky team flight in economy (Aeromexico to be more precise from LAX-MEX but economy).

Not sure if the benefits would apply if I get the status challenge.

Thanks

I believe you would receive lounge access.

During the DL status challenge period you can receive benefits on Aeromexico. However, the question is whether Delta/SkyTeam status gives you access to the lounge on a LAX-MEX itinerary. Most US airlines (i.e. AA & UA) don't give you lounge access on "domestic" itineraries, which also includes flights within the USA, Canada and Mexico. (Yes, their definition of "domestic" is very loose.) However, with Delta they do include Mexico City as an eligible destination. With Delta status you just don't get lounge access when flying to "Caribbean" destinations.

 

[Danger]

In addition to the question about US-Mexico potentially being considered domestic. note that SkyTeam does not provide lounge access on any domestic itinerary, anywhere in the world, as an elite benefit.

 

[jase05]

In addition to the question about US-Mexico potentially being considered domestic. note that SkyTeam does not provide lounge access on any domestic itinerary, anywhere in the world, as an elite benefit.

Sounding like hopefully that will change in the not too distant future.
Will be excellent if it does eventuate

 

[Silvia]

I got lounge access last September in LAX when I flew with Aeromexico in J, but wasn't specifically sure if I would be able to access the lounge in Y as a status match. I'll report once I give this a go!

 

[theoracle30]

Has anyone had recent experience using the Delta 90 days status match to Gold Medallion for VA flights, in terms of lounge access and priority?

 

[serfty]

@bl5965 I don't believe anything has changed since @Danger 's post #47

 

[theoracle30]

@bl5965 I don't believe anything has changed since @Danger 's post #47

Ahh interesting.

In addition to the question about US-Mexico potentially being considered domestic. note that SkyTeam does not provide lounge access on any domestic itinerary, anywhere in the world, as an elite benefit.

Let's say the itinerary is PER-MEL-HKG in Y, but with Delta Medallion Gold.

I know benefits aren't guaranteed on partner airlines with the trial status match, but assuming they are honoured, does that still mean no access in the PER VA Lounge before the domestic sector?

 

[jase05]

@bl5965 I don't believe anything has changed since @Danger 's post #47

But that is SkyTeam rules yes?
DL status members from Gold onwards get lounge access at all VA Dom lounges.
I’m not sure that VA honour it for the 90 day status period though.

 

[serfty]

International Partner & SkyTeam® Benefits | Delta Air Lines

Delta offers partnerships with global airlines. Through these partnerships, your Medallion Status is recognized and rewarded globally.

www.delta.com

 

[Mattg]

International Partner & SkyTeam® Benefits | Delta Air Lines

Delta offers partnerships with global airlines. Through these partnerships, your Medallion Status is recognized and rewarded globally.

www.delta.com

Interesting clause under "Virgin Australia":

(2) Lounge access is available with a same-day boarding pass for international travel. Please click here for more information.

At least you should have lounge access ahead of a VA domestic flight if connecting on the same day to an international flight, as is the case per SkyTeam rules. This does limit the value of Delta status significantly for many Australians though, IMHO, if true.

 

[serfty]

Delta Sky Club® Access | Delta Air Lines

Learn more about accessing a Delta Sky Club at the airport and the number of guests allowed. Review FAQs about Delta airport lounge visits.

www.delta.com

Mexico (the country) is considered international.

 

[jase05]

Interesting clause under "Virgin Australia":



At least you should have lounge access ahead of a VA domestic flight if connecting on the same day to an international flight, as is the case per SkyTeam rules. This does limit the value of Delta status significantly for many Australians though, IMHO.

Have the domestic rules changed recently?
We had friends from the US visit about 8 months ago and both are DL Platinums which equates to VA Gold. They spent 7 weeks in Australia and flew VA Dom close to a dozen times and were granted lounge access every time. Before they travelled over here they contacted DL and were told that DL and VA have a reciprocal lounge agreement that includes domestic flights.

 

[Mattg]

Have the domestic rules changed recently?
We had friends from the US visit about 8 months ago and both are DL Platinums which equates to VA Gold. They spent 7 weeks in Australia and flew VA Dom close to a dozen times and were granted lounge access every time. Before they travelled over here they contacted DL and were told that DL and VA have a reciprocal lounge agreement that includes domestic flights.

That was also my understanding, so I was quite surprised to see the wording on the Delta website. But doing some research, the wording seems to have been there for at least 2 years (maybe longer).

As far as I can tell, Delta has a reciprocal arrangement with VA and with SkyMiles status, in practice, you should get Virgin lounge access when flying VA domestic. Despite what Delta's website says. And any SkyTeam rules are not relevant as VA is not in SkyTeam.

 

[Cryptarcadian]

The rules are confusing, and I don't think it's clear even on the Delta website. (I was just looking up access to DL lounges using VA status, but came across a lot of the relevant pages anyway!)

On thing to note is that while the rules did change this year, as far as I can tell it only affects anyone purchasing Delta Sky Club memberships (as opposed to earning it from Medallion status):

As of January 1, 2019, Delta Sky Club Members no longer have access to Air France, KLM Crown or Virgin Australia lounges.

(From their general access rule page: Delta Sky Club® Access: Delta Air Lines)

 

[Silvia]

FYI - Recently applied and got approved within a business day. No added questions, just sent my most recent activity statement for the month and proof of status.
Very handy as I'm doing a few domestic flights with AM in a couple of months.