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Delta SkyMiles guide: miles and Medallion status

Rules checked September 27, 2026

SkyMiles is Delta Air Lines' program and a member of SkyTeam. Both miles and Medallion status are based on what you spend, and status is measured in Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).

At a glance

Calculate distance, miles and flight time

Earning on Delta flights

Each US dollar of eligible fare also earns one MQD. Taxes and government fees don't count.

Medallion status

Status earned during a calendar year runs for the rest of that year and the whole of the next, until the end of January the year after. Delta's co-branded American Express cards and Delta Vacations packages can also earn MQDs.

Things to watch

• Basic Economy earns nothing. Delta Main Basic tickets earn no miles and no MQDs, whatever you pay.
• Distance doesn't matter. A cheap long-haul fare earns less than an expensive short flight.
• Status is spend-heavy for occasional flyers. Gold Medallion, which brings SkyTeam Elite Plus, needs US$10,000 of Delta spending. If you fly SkyTeam mostly on cheaper fares, a distance-based SkyTeam program may get you Elite Plus more easily.

What your SkyMiles level means across SkyTeam

Reaching these levels gives you SkyTeam status, recognized by every SkyTeam airline. Levels below the first one listed carry no alliance status.

What each SkyTeam status gives you

SkyTeam Elite

• Priority check-in
• Priority baggage drop-off
• Priority seating
• Priority boarding, or boarding at your leisure
• Priority airport standby and priority waitlist
• Extra baggage allowance: 10 kg, or one more bag where the piece system applies

SkyTeam Elite Plus

• Everything in Elite
• Lounge access on international flights operated by SkyTeam airlines, with one guest
• SkyPriority recognition and priority lanes at transfer desks
• Priority baggage handling
• Fast Track lanes at security and immigration, when available
• Extra baggage allowance of 20 kg, or one more bag
• A guaranteed full-fare economy seat on sold-out long-haul flights of six hours or more, booked at least 24 hours before departure

Available priority services can vary by airport. SkyMiles may add benefits on its own airline. Source: SkyTeam: frequent flyer benefits. Checked October 5, 2026.

Who it suits

SkyMiles suits frequent Delta flyers, particularly in the US, who buy higher fares or spend on Delta's credit cards. SkyMiles don't expire, so an occasional flyer can keep a balance indefinitely.

Do your miles expire?

SkyMiles don't expire.

• Delta's program rules say miles do not expire under its mileage expiration policy.
• Miles can be lost if your account is closed or terminated, for example for breaking the program rules.
• Delta can end the SkyMiles program with six months' notice.

Rules checked October 10, 2026. Programs change their rules, so check your own account for exact expiry dates. Sources: SkyMiles program rules.