With two months remaining in 2026, travelers aiming for Delta Medallion status in 2027 still have time to make up a shortfall. The first step is to check current Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) totals and account for planned travel through the end of the year.
Delta has used MQDs as its sole qualification metric since 2024, replacing Medallion Qualification Miles and Medallion Qualification Segments. Eligible Delta-marketed paid flights generally earn one MQD per dollar spent on the ticket, while basic economy fares do not earn MQDs. Delta’s newer basic premium fares do.
SkyMiles members can also earn MQDs on award tickets booked in Main Cabin or above. The calculation is one MQD for every 100 miles redeemed, but the award must be booked with SkyMiles through a Delta channel. An award booked with another airline’s miles does not qualify, even if Delta operates the flight.
Some partner flights offer another route to MQDs. These earnings are based on a percentage of flight distance, with the rate depending on the airline and fare class. For example, full-economy Air France flights earn MQDs based on 20% of miles flown, while full-economy WestJet tickets earn based on 15%. Delta Vacations bookings also earn one MQD per dollar spent. Delta Stays and Delta Car Rentals no longer qualify.
Eligible Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express cardholders receive 2,500 MQDs annually and earn one additional MQD for every $20 spent. Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders also receive the annual 2,500-MQD boost, and earn one MQD for every $10 spent.
Card spending must post to the account in 2026 to count toward 2027 status. Transactions made near year-end may be credited based on the date submitted by the merchant, so a purchase made on Dec. 31 could count toward the next qualification year if its transaction date is recorded as Jan. 1.
Travelers with elite status at another airline can request a Delta Medallion Status Match Challenge. If Delta approves the request, the member receives equivalent status for three months and can complete a challenge to extend it. A separate 2025 promotion that allowed members to buy MQDs to reach the next tier has ended; the source says Delta could bring it back, but no 2026 offer is confirmed.
Existing Platinum and Diamond members can use Choice Benefits to add MQDs. In 2026, the MQD Accelerator provides 1,000 MQDs for Platinum members or 2,000 for Diamond members. The credits typically take six to eight weeks to appear, making an early selection important for anyone relying on them before year-end. Platinum members can choose one benefit and Diamond members three, with selections for 2026 benefits available through Jan. 31, 2027.
Choice Benefits can also be used to gift status: Platinum members may give Silver status to four people, while Diamond members may give Gold status to four. The article notes that the recipient would need someone eligible to make that selection.
A much more expensive option involves Delta partner Wheels Up. Members can receive Diamond status after spending $100,000 in a Wheels Up Fund during a calendar year; people without a subscription can qualify after at least $125,000 in flight spending. Those who earn status this way do not receive Choice Benefits.
Sources: The Points Guy.