Delta SkyMiles Status Match Discussion

[kangarooflyer88]

So, is this status match sort of 'standing, no foreseeable end in sight' (the offer, not the status, of course)? Or has it come-and-gone in the period since 2018? I expect so; if so, how often/long do the match offers run for?

That is correct, my understanding is they have been running this status match promotion for quite some time, and I anticipate we'll see it continuing in July (with those qualifying for the status match having status through Jan 2025)

I plan to have some LATAM flights in December and this would be ideal to get Preferente and access to the excellent LA International lounge at SCL. But of course I won't be able to apply until October to have the status for 3 months - no way would I retain it.

It is possible to book the flights now and then do the status match later - as you indicated sometime in October or November. Indeed, this is what I did when I booked those KL flights last year in March. I waited until July 1 (when the new status match program year begins) applied for the match, was approved and then added my DL frequent flyer number to the KL reservation (those flights took off in late July).

One thing to keep in mind is I think you need to earn the requisite MQMs before the end of calendar year. If you earn less than the requisite number, DL will consider whether you qualify for a lower "prize" like Medallion Gold or Silver.

Hmmm ... as an aside, I just tried a dummy DL booking SCL-MVD-SCL to see if there is a DL codeshare available on the scheduled LA flight and got this message; no Delta OR Partners on that sector? (Before you check - yes, LA run flights those days)

View attachment 329776

Is there any reason why you would want to book the flight as a DL codeshare? I mean at the end of the day you'll earn MQMs with flights booked directly with LA (and indeed at the generous core partner rate) and remember MQD does not apply since you are not a US resident (I think).

Delta is a very unique frequent flyer program. It is one of the few programs I am aware of that does not require its members to set foot on the airline to earn frequent flyer status (i.e. there's no 4 minimum segments with DL as is the case with QF or UA for instance) and is now the last US legacy carrier to not have a minimum spend requirement for overseas members.

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks muchly for all that.

we'll see it continuing in July (with those qualifying for the status match having status through Jan 2025)

I think the matched status only lasts for 3 months, doesn't it, unless you meet the challenge? Starting from when they grant it.

Medallion Status Match Challenge | Delta Air Lines

If you currently have elite status with another airline, Delta will give you the equivalent Medallion Status for three months – complimentary.

www.delta.com

It is possible to book the flights now and then do the status match later -

Definitely. Wouldn't wait till 3 months out to book.

One thing to keep in mind is I think you need to earn the requisite MQMs before the end of calendar year. If you earn less than the requisite number, DL will consider whether you qualify for a lower "prize" like Medallion Gold or Silver.

No hope or intention to keep the DL status. I'm afraid I intend to abuse their generosity just to get some benefits on my Sth American trip in December, although as justinbrett pointed out, it looks like Gold and above QFFers get LATAM lounge access anyway. From my previous flying with LATAM in Sth America however, status-linked priority boarding is definitely worth having!

Is there any reason why you would want to book the flight as a DL codeshare?

No, I was just playing around

 

[elanshin]

Hey just wondering if anyone knows how MQM works with ML or MU for Delta.

Need to go to China and thought i might as well status match and see how much i can get from the trips there.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Unsure what airline ML is but for MU (China Eastern), it is considered a core partner for Delta Airlines in terms of MQM accrual. In particular, most fares, including deep discount economy fares will attract 100% MQM. Further details can be found here:

Earning Miles With Airline Partners | Delta Air Lines

Each time you fly with Delta's 20+ trusted airline partners anywhere in the world, you earn miles.

www.delta.com

 

[elanshin]

Unsure what airline ML is but for MU (China Eastern), it is considered a core partner for Delta Airlines in terms of MQM accrual. In particular, most fares, including deep discount economy fares will attract 100% MQM. Further details can be found here:

Earning Miles With Airline Partners | Delta Air Lines

Each time you fly with Delta's 20+ trusted airline partners anywhere in the world, you earn miles.

www.delta.com

Sorry typo MF (Xiamen)

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Sorry typo MF (Xiamen)

As you can see Xiamen is considered a non-core partner, meaning you will earn MQMs but not at the most favourable rate as China Eastern. For instance, Deep Discount Economy (fare codes N, Q, V) only earn 25% MQM of distance flown. Ideally, you'd like to fly China Eastern in either Premium Economy (W) or Business (C,D,Q,I) as that will attract 150% MQM of distance flown with a full fare business and First class attracting 200% MQM.

Your best bet will be looking at the various airline partners on that list I linked to, and looking at the tables which show you what MQMs you will earn based on the fare class.

-RooFlyer88

 

[elanshin]

As you can see Xiamen is considered a non-core partner, meaning you will earn MQMs but not at the most favourable rate as China Eastern. For instance, Deep Discount Economy (fare codes N, Q, V) only earn 25% MQM of distance flown. Ideally, you'd like to fly China Eastern in either Premium Economy (W) or Business (C,D,Q,I) as that will attract 150% MQM of distance flown with a full fare business and First class attracting 200% MQM.

Your best bet will be looking at the various airline partners on that list I linked to, and looking at the tables which show you what MQMs you will earn based on the fare class.

-RooFlyer88

Cheers for that. Given timing and all - I'll hopefully be able to match to gold Delta ( can't get QFP in time). Now to wiggle my schedule around to hit 12500 MQM via MU. I'm at calculating at ~11900 on direct for my routing of SYD <> SHA <> TYO. Seeing if I can't get a Y or PE on one leg. Don't want to add a domestic chinese detour due to 144 hour transit visa rule.

 

[elanshin]

With regards to the status match and delta needing the activity statement, did you guys send in the whole statement or just screenshot showing some SC earning.

 

[AFF Editor]

Delta has relaunched this status match offer with some new rules and a new timeline for keeping your status.

Details here:

Delta Status Match Challenge Unlocks SkyTeam Benefits

The Delta SkyMiles Medallion Status Match Challenge offers a little-known shortcut to elite status on Delta Air Lines. These status benefits extend to

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[elanshin]

Just a note, the loophole with China Eastern earning DL F class with premium economy is being closed.

Would've been a relatively easy full qualification (not even status match qualification) flying MU P class previously. One trip to EU from SYD would've hit Gold and nearly Plat.