Delta Overhauls Medallion Status Program, Making It Harder to Earn Top Elite Tiers

Delta is overhauling how you earn Medallion status by retiring MQMs and MQSs and introducing MQDs as the sole metric based on spending.
Status thresholds are increasing significantly across all tiers, with Diamond rising to 35,000 MQDs.
Million Miler status will now be based on miles flown instead of MQMs earned. Existing balances convert 11 to new metric.
New Choice Benefits are coming for Platinum and Diamond Medallions.
While new ways to earn MQDs are introduced, credit card spending will earn fewer MQDs, making status harder for many.

thepointsguy.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/13/2023

Delta Overhauls Frequent Flyer Program, Raises Requirements for Elite Status and Lounge Access

Delta Air Lines is changing the way customers can earn elite frequent flyer status and making it harder for many American Express cardholders to access its airport lounges, as airlines raise requirements to earn status based on customer spending rather than just flights.

9/15/2023

Delta Adds New Routes Focused on Outdoor Destinations for 2024 Summer Travel Season

Delta Air Lines is expanding its route map for next summer by adding three new flights and increasing frequencies on 11 existing routes, focusing on connecting major hubs with popular summer destinations that have seen increased demand during the pandemic.

9/27/2023

Delta CEO Backtracks on Controversial SkyMiles Changes After Member Backlash

Delta CEO Ed Bastian acknowledged that the changes made to the airline's frequent flyer program, SkyMiles, "probably went too far," and that modifications will be implemented to address customer concerns.