Bravo! Delta Extends Elite Status until 2022
In a super classy move, Delta Airlines today announced that for all Medallion Members, elite status would be extended a full year, MQM (qualifying miles) would be carried over into next year, and other benefits would be extended as well. The only thing I can say, is Bravo Delta!
Medallion Status Extended
Your current Medallion Status will automatically be extended through 2021 whether or not you requalify. In addition, all of your 2020 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) will be rolled over in 2021. If you are enrolled in Status promotions, you will also receive additional flexibility to complete those requirements.
Ticket Flexibility
Delta has also decided to be super flexible with their tickets. Most airlines allow a 12 month validity on their tickets, but Delta has driven that out to two years.
If you have buy tickets from now until May 31st, you’ll have a full year to change those tickets for no fee.
We heard your feedback that you want the value of your tickets to be secure and redeemable for a longer period, so we have extended the ability to plan, re-book and travel for up to two years. We’ve waived change fees for your trips through May 31, 2022 if you have travel booked in April or May as of April 3, 2020, or canceled travel/eCredits from flights in March, April or May 2020. You can also change new tickets purchased between March 1 and May 31, 2020, without a change fee for up to a year from the date of purchase.
Delta Sky Club Extension
If you purchased a Skyclub membership (really, people still buy these?) then you get 6 months additional for free.
Companion Certs and Credit Card Benefits
If you got a credit card companion certificate with an expiration date that’s coming up soon, expect to see it extended. If your pass expired between March 1st and June 30th, it’ll get an extension until 12/31/2020. If your pass expires between July 1st and April 1st, 2020, you’ll get an additional 6 months on top of its previous extension.
The same six-month extension applies to the $100 travel credit that comes from the American Express Delta Gold card as well.
What about MQDs?
One noticeable exception is the MQD requirement. While your MQM, qualifying miles, will roll over, it would appear that your MQD will NOT. That means that if you thought you were going to get two years to spend money to get to Diamond Status, think again.
You will still need to fly 125,000 and spend the money to get there. #Sorry
Delta Plane in Atlanta
In short, Kudos to Delta for making this step. It doesn’t cost them anything to do so, and by doing this first before any other airline, they’re going to garner a lot more loyalty with travelers.
Full Details about Delta’s efforts can be seen here on their dedicated Coronavirus page.
