UMVA has learned that Delta Air Lines has revived a valuable opportunity for its loyal SkyMiles members to earn a boost toward elite status.
The airline is once again offering a path to accumulate Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) through spending on select travel extras, providing a welcome alternative for members to work towards their desired status level.
According to information obtained by UMVA, SkyMiles members can now earn 1 MQD per base dollar spent on hotel bookings, vacation rentals, and car rentals booked through Delta's Travel Extras portal, with travel dates set to take place by December 15, provided the booking is made by July 20.
This promotion allows members to earn MQDs on hotel stays and vacation rentals booked through Delta's travel portal, in addition to the redeemable SkyMiles they would normally earn for every dollar spent at most hotels booked through the Travel Extras portal.
For instance, a two-night stay at the Moxy Minneapolis Downtown could yield 250 MQDs and 500 SkyMiles, worth approximately $6.
Participants also earn 1 MQD per dollar spent on base car rental rates for every completed rental booking, although charges like taxes, one-way rental fees, fuel services, and tolls are excluded.
When booking cars through Delta's portal, members can earn bonus SkyMiles with rental car partners, and if they hold elite status with Delta, they can earn additional miles per dollar spent on qualifying rentals.
For example, booking a Hertz rental car at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport through Delta's portal could result in 113 MQDs and 456 SkyMiles, worth approximately $5.47.
To qualify, members must ensure their name appears on the credit card used to pay, as Delta will not credit MQDs if the names do not match.
After traveling, it may take up to eight weeks to receive the MQDs, and cardholders with a Delta cobranded card can earn up to $250 Delta Stays statement credits annually when purchasing prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays.
This promotion offers another avenue for Delta SkyMiles members to earn MQDs and work towards elite status without flying, providing a valuable tool for those seeking to requalify or upgrade their status.
However, members should be aware that booking via Delta Stays means they won't earn hotel points or nights for status, and they may have to deal with a third-party booking service if issues arise.
