Delta MQDs, or Medallion Qualification Dollars, are a key component of Delta's SkyMiles loyalty program. They represent the amount of money you spend on Delta flights or on eligible purchases with Delta partners, such as certain car rental bookings or hotel stays. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Purpose of MQDs: MQDs are used to determine your eligibility for Medallion Status within the SkyMiles program. Medallion Status offers various benefits to frequent flyers, such as complimentary upgrades, bonus miles on flights, priority check-in, and more.
How MQDs Are Calculated: MQDs are calculated based on the fare and carrier-imposed surcharges on Delta flights, as well as on flights with Delta partners when the ticket is issued by Delta (i.e., the ticket number begins with '006'). Other ancillary charges like baggage fees and seat upgrades are not included in the MQD calculation.
Relevance to Medallion Status: To achieve any level of Medallion Status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond), you need to meet certain thresholds of both MQDs and either Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) within a calendar year. MQDs thus form a crucial part of the criteria for achieving these elite statuses. Current information on obtaining Medallion Status in 2024 is here.
MQDs from Partners: In certain promotions or offers, spending on car rentals, hotel stays, and other partner services can also count towards MQDs, as with the offer you mentioned earlier. This can be a valuable way to accumulate MQDs without flying.
Understanding MQDs is crucial for those looking to maximize their benefits within the Delta SkyMiles program, especially for frequent flyers aiming for Medallion Status