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Know what you are earning: miles versus MQDs
SkyMiles are redeemable for award travel. MQDs are a separate measure used to qualify for Medallion status; they cannot be redeemed for flights. A ticket can earn both, but the two amounts are calculated differently. Delta credits flight MQDs to the traveler named on the ticket, not necessarily the person who paid.
For travel from January 1 through December 31, 2026, Delta says the following MQD thresholds earn 2027 Medallion status. The status is valid through January 31, 2028.
| 2027 Medallion tier | MQDs required from 2026 activity |
|---|---|
| Silver | $5,000 |
| Gold | $10,000 |
| Platinum | $15,000 |
| Diamond | $28,000 |
Delta says eligible Delta-marketed flights operated by Delta or a partner generally earn $1 MQD per $1 of eligible ticket price. Government taxes and fees, along with many ancillary charges, do not count. Eligible award travel and certain Delta SkyMiles American Express cards can also contribute MQDs under their respective rules. Check the current conditions before including either route in a status plan. See Delta’s Medallion program overview and SkyMiles Program Rules.
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Earn miles by checking the fare experience
On eligible Delta-marketed fares, Delta’s current general earning guidance ties redeemable mileage to the fare experience and eligible ticket price. For general members, the published baseline is 5 miles per eligible dollar on qualifying Classic or Refundable experiences, 7 on qualifying Extra experiences, and 2 on qualifying Delta Basic experiences. Eligible ticket price includes the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, but not government-imposed taxes and fees.
Delta’s earning overview lists higher rates for Medallion members on eligible Delta-marketed travel: Silver earns 7 miles per eligible dollar, Gold 8, Platinum 9, and Diamond 11. These figures are not a universal rate for partner-marketed flights; partner earning follows the applicable partner rules.
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Delta Main Basic is a hard exclusion: Delta says those tickets earn neither SkyMiles nor MQDs. Before booking, check the fare’s current experience and exclusions rather than assuming that every ticket earns based on its total price. Delta’s earning overview and Program Rules describe the applicable terms.
Check partner-flight details before you book
Delta says members can earn with more than 20 airline partners, but the credit for a non-Delta-marketed flight depends on the applicable partner rules. A partner’s earning chart can distinguish among fare class, marketing carrier, and ticketing carrier, so the airline operating the aircraft alone may not tell you what you will earn.
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- Identify the marketing and ticketing carriers shown for the itinerary.
- Find the exact operating airline and fare class, then consult that airline’s current Delta earning chart.
- Confirm whether the ticket qualifies for redeemable miles, MQDs, or both before relying on a projected credit.
Partner terms can be specific and change over time. For example, Delta’s partner page describes a rule effective September 10, 2026 for certain Delta-ticketed, Aeromexico-marketed flights; that exception should not be applied to other carriers or tickets. Start with Delta’s airline-partner earning guidance and follow the chart for the specific carrier.
Decide whether pursuing status fits your travel
Status is most useful when the benefits matter on trips you already expect to take. Compare your expected eligible MQDs with the threshold for the tier you are considering; do not treat miles earned, total card spending, or the amount paid by someone else as interchangeable with MQDs.
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Delta SkyMiles American Express cards are one possible MQD route, but whether a card makes sense depends on current earning terms, eligible-spend exclusions, fees, and your own travel and spending. Review the current card terms and calculate the MQDs you would actually earn before applying or changing spending habits. A card is not automatically worthwhile simply because it can help with status.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Find better award options by comparing dates and cash prices
Delta recommends its flexible award calendar to find dates with lower mileage prices. Search nearby dates and, where practical, alternative routings, then compare the miles and cash required for the same trip against its cash fare. There is no single award value that applies to every itinerary: mileage prices vary by route and date, so a cents-per-mile estimate should not replace a comparison of the actual options available to you.
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Delta’s booking page says, “There are no blackout dates on any Delta Air Lines flight.” That does not mean every flight will have an award seat at a price you consider attractive. Delta’s Program Rules caution that award seats on partner-operated flights may be limited or unavailable. Check the actual itinerary and award price before transferring plans or spending miles. See Delta’s Travel with Miles page and its Program Rules.
Quick Recap
Use a practical booking checklist
- For a cash ticket: compare eligible fare experiences, the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, and any exclusions. Estimate redeemable miles separately from MQDs.
- For a partner ticket: verify the marketing carrier, ticketing carrier, fare class, and current partner chart before counting on mileage or MQD credit.
- For an award: compare the cash fare and award price for the same itinerary, then test nearby dates and routings. Include any taxes or fees in the cash you will pay.
- For a status goal: total only MQDs you expect to earn under the current rules, including any eligible card or award-travel route you have verified. Compare that total with the tier threshold before spending extra to close a gap.
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