Delta SkyMiles Medallion Status Match – How does it work? Who can sign for it? What are the benefits? Here are all the details:
In this Post
- Introduction
- SkyMiles in a Nutshell
- SkyMiles Medallion Benefits
- How does the match Work?
- Status Comparison Chart
- My own Tips for your Match
- Conclusion
Introduction
In this post, I am going to review the Delta Status Match Challenge:
Elite status is one of the most beneficial, desired and hard to achieve & maintain in the scope of loyalty programs. Even though it is a status that many frequent travelers want to achieve, being loyal to a specific airline is very difficult in many cases.
Accordingly, airlines have begun to realize that they can invent a new method to attract Elite members of other airlines – this is what is called a Status Match. Airlines give the opportunity to an Elite member of other programs to try their Elite status.
SkyMiles in a Nutshell
Today, Delta SkyMiles is one of the most beneficial programs that give you loads of benefits like unlimited complimentary upgrades, waived baggage fees, lounge access, benefits for your own choice, and more.
Delta is currently offering a simple way to qualify an Elite status, while you can take advantage of its benefits – The Medallion Status Match Challenge.
The Medallion Status Match Challenge is an offer for you to switch to Delta:
- It is available for you if you currently have elite status with another airline
- You will get the equivalent Medallion Status for three months – complimentary.
- You’ll even have the opportunity to extend your Status past three months if you successfully complete the challenge by flying a certain amount.
SkyMiles Medallion Benefits
Delta SkyMiles program offers you a variety of benefits while you do the match, and after you complete it:
- Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades for you and a travel companion
- Waived Baggage Fees
- Priority Boarding
- Preferred Seats
- Choice Benefits – a benefit you can choose among free upgrades, redeemable miles, travel voucher, and more
How does Delta SkyMiles Status Match Challenge Work?
In three simple steps, you could be on your way to enjoying Medallion Status:
1. Check your eligibility
In order to enroll in the challenge, you have to meet all of the following criteria:
- In the past three years, you have not received a Status Match
- You currently have Elite status with a qualifying airline
- You are able to present:
- Valid, current elite physical or digital membership card or credential with your name on it
- Statement showing your earned elite status with an airline
2. Enroll in the Challenge
If you met all the criteria listed above, submit your request to be enrolled in the Status Match Challenge.
Make sure that you’re ready to begin the challenge before you submit your request as your three-month complimentary Status period will begin within 24 hours after you receive your email confirmation.
3. Complete the Flying Requirements
Once your request is approved, you will be automatically enrolled in the challenge. Your complimentary Status Match will last for 3 months beginning within 24 hours after you receive your confirmation email.
At this time period, you need to complete the challenge in order to extend your status validity.
Here are the requirements for completing the challenge for each level of granted elite status:
| Silver Medallion | Gold Medallion | Platinum Medallion |
|---|---|---|
| 6,250 MQMs or 8 MQSs and $750 MQDs or complete MQD waiver | 12,500 MQMs or 15 MQSs and $1,500 MQDs or complete MQD waiver | 18,750 MQMs or 15 MQSs and $2,250 MQDs or complete MQD waiver |
Status Comparison Chart
| Delta SkyMiles Medallion Status | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada Altitude Status | Prestige 25K Elite 35K | Elite 50K | Elite 75K Elite 100K |
| Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Program | MVP | MVP Gold | MVP Gold 75K |
| All Nippon Airways Mileage Club Status | Bronze | Platinum | Diamond |
| American Airlines AAdvantage Status | Gold | Platinum | Executive Platinum Platinum Pro Concierge Key |
| Asiana Airlines Asiana Club Status | Gold | Diamond | Diamon Plus Platinum |
| British Airways Executive Club Status | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
| Copa Airlines ConnectMiles Status | Silver | Gold | Platinum Presidential Platinum |
| Japan Airlines Mileage Bank Fly On Status | Crystal | Sapphire | Premier Diamon |
| JetBlue True Blue Status | N/A | Mosaic | N/A |
| Lufthansa Miles&More Status | Frequent Traveler | N/A | Senator Hon Circle Members |
| South African Airways Voyager Status | Silver | Gold | Platinum Lifetime Platinum |
| Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards | A-List | A-List Preferred | N/A |
| United Airlines Mileage Plus Status | Premier Silver | Premier Gold | Premier Platinum Premier 1K |
My own Tips for your Match
1. Prepare your next Trip
Before you enroll in the match, make sure that you can complete the challenge (Within 90 days) in order to extend the validity of your status.
Here is a route for example that is more than 80% of the match to the Platinum Medallion status! Note that this route costs only $483.
In the route mentioned above, you can accumulate 15252 MQMs that are enough for the Gold Medallion or 80% from Platinum Medallion (as written before).
2. Maximize your Status Validity
Timing is very important for enrolling in this match. If you enroll at the right time and complete your match, you can enjoy your Elite status for up to 18 months:
- When you enroll between January-June 2020 and complete the match, your status will be valid up to January 31, 2021.
- When you enroll after July 2020, your status can be valid up to January 31, 2022 (which is 18 months of status).
Conclusion
Delta SkyMiles Medallion Status Match Challenge is quite simple to complete.
With a little effort, you can enjoy loads of benefits like free upgrades, extra baggage allowance, lounge access and more.
If you have an Elite status in a relevant airline, my recommendation is to enroll in this status match challenge and have another Elite status for your next flights.
