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Like most airlines, Delta has four Medallion status tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. However, unlike other domestic carriers, the airline requires 125,000 miles flown to achieve Diamond Medallion versus the typical 100,000 miles required for top-tier status.
With such a high mileage requirement for Diamond, many Delta fliers top out at Platinum. But is flying the extra mileage worth the benefits? In this article, I’ll discuss the benefits of Delta Diamond status and assess whether or not they’re worth it.
As always, the value of these benefits are subjective. If you fly Delta frequently, you’ll get much more value out of these benefits than the occasional Delta flier who achieves Diamond through credit card spend (more on that later).
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Earning Delta SkyMiles Rewards
Why Delta Diamond is Worth It
First off, let’s take a look at why Delta Diamond status is worth it. This list assumes that you’re a frequent flier that will take advantage of these benefits on a regular basis.
Complimentary Upgrades
Diamond Medallion members get unlimited space available domestic upgrades that clear up to five days before your flight. This is Delta’s highest upgrade priority, so Diamond Medallion members can expect to spend a good portion of their time in First Class.
Related: Amex Increases Bonuses to All-Time High on Delta SkyMiles Cards
Improved Airport Experience
You’ll fly with Sky Priority benefits every time you’re on a Delta flight. This means priority boarding, dedicated security lanes, expedited baggage, and speedier security lanes. This can be a huge time saver when traveling on peak dates.
Additionally, Delta Diamond Medallion comes with complimentary CLEAR security access. This is a third-party airport security service that expedites your security service by letting you access a dedicated security lane without an ID check—just scan your fingerprints at a CLEAR machine.
Once past security, Delta Diamond Medallion members can access SkyTeam lounges. This is because of the included SkyTeam Elite Plus status which includes lounge access when traveling on a SkyTeam carrier. However, Delta SkyClubs can only be accessed when flying internationally.
Choice Benefits
Upon qualification for Delta Diamond Medallion, you can choose a Choice Benefits gift. You get one per year and can choose from the following:
- Delta Sky Club Membership
- Global & Regional Upgrade Certificates
- Two Global Entry Application Vouchers
- Gift Gold Medallion Status
- 25,000 bonus miles for yourself, a friend, or a SkyWish charity
- A $200 Delta travel gift card
- A $200 Tiffany & Co. gift card
I would value the global upgrades the highest, but choose whichever you’ll get the most use out of.
Comort+ at Booking
Delta Diamond Medallion comes with complimentary upgrades to Comfort+ after booking. This is Delta’s pseudo-Premium Economy product that is flown domestically and internationally. This product includes more legroom, complimentary alcoholic beverages,
Waived Fees
Delta Diamond Medallion members get waived change fees for award travel, same-day changes, same-day standby, and a free checked bag.
Increased SkyMiles Earning
Delta Diamond Medallion members earn 11 points per dollar spent on Delta tickets. This can add up quickly depending on how often you fly on paid First class tickets.
Related: What Else Can I Buy With Delta Miles?
Why Delta Diamond isn’t Worth It
But Delta Diamond Medallion status looks great on paper, there are a few downsides to the status tier. I’ll cover them below.
No Upgrades on E Fare Tickets
Basic Economy—or, tickets booked in the E fare bucket—are ineligible for Comfort+ or First Class upgrades. Keep this in mind when booking your next economy flight.
$250,000 Amex Spend Requirement
American Express offers a Medallion Qualifying Dollar waiver to American Express Delta Platinum cardholders. This waiver is $25,000 in purchases on the card for Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medallion status, but a whopping $250,000 for Diamond Medallion. That’s a lot of spend.
High Mileage Requirement
Top tier status on American and United Airlines only require 100,000 premier qualifying miles to qualify for their top tier status level. Delta requires an additional 25,000 for similar benefits.
Is Diamond Right For You
As you can see, Delta Diamond Medallion is the top tier Delta status for a reason. It offers a slew of benefits that make flying a more enjoyable experience. However, its tough qualification requirements make it hard for most to achieve through regular flying.
What do you think about Delta Diamond status?
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Delta® Reserve for Business
- Annual Fee: $450 fee
- Foreign Fees: No
- Card Type: Travel
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- Earn 40,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs after you spend $3,000 in purchases with your new Card in the first 3 months.†
- Earn 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and 15,000 bonus miles after you reach $30,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in the calendar year.
- Earn 2 Miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
- Settle into your seat sooner with Priority Boarding and enjoy 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases in the form of a statement credit.
- Pay no foreign transaction fees when you spend overseas.‡
- Complimentary Delta Sky Club® Access.‡
- Terms and limitations apply
- See Rates & Fees
Delta® Reserve for Business
- Annual Fee: $450 fee
- Foreign Fees: No
- Card Type: Travel
| FTG Review | Reward Breakdown | Points Breakdown |
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Breakdown
Earn (pt.)
Spend
3 months
0
$3,000
Per dollar on eligible purchases with Delta Purchases
2.00
$1
All Purchases
1.00
$1
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