Here's How to Earn Delta Status Match

Airlines offer status match challenges as a way to give frequent flyers on other airlines a taste of what they can have if they make a permanent switch.

Using the Delta status match challenge may or may not convince you that what it offers is better than what you're currently getting. But it can give you the opportunity to try something new and get some elite benefits on another airline for at least a short period.

Here's how Delta status match works and what you need to do to earn long-term status with Delta.

What is Delta status match?

Delta Air Lines offers what it calls the Medallion Status Match Challenge. With it, you can receive complimentary elite status with the airline for three months, with the option to extend it past that initial period if you complete some requirements.

To qualify, you must have elite status with another airline. The level of status you receive with Delta depends on the status level you have with a qualifying airline.

The list of qualifying airlines includes:

If you have elite status with an airline that's not listed but you still meet all the other requirements, you may still be able to get approved, so submit the request anyway.

How to get your status matched

If you have elite status with another airline and you have a Delta flight coming up, requesting a Delta status match is likely worthwhile, even if you're not sure you'll extend it beyond the promotional three-month period. Here are the steps to take.

1. Make sure you're eligible

You have to meet three basic requirements to be eligible for a Delta status match challenge:

• You haven't received a status match or complimentary Medallion status in the past three years unless you received the complimentary Medallion status through your Million Miler status.
• You have elite status with a qualifying airline, and you earned it through that airline's standard requirements — complimentary status and status earned through a promotion don't count.
• You can provide an elite status credential from another airline, such as a membership card, and a rewards statement showing your elite status level.

2. Submit your request

If you meet all three of Delta's requirements, you can submit a request for a Delta status match challenge through the airline's website. You'll need to provide your name, email address, SkyMiles number (you can enroll if you're not already a member), and company name, if applicable. You'll also share the name of the other airline and your current status.

Next, you'll upload both of the required supporting documents directly in the application and then submit it for approval. Delta will typically review your request within five business days, but the process can take up to two weeks.

3. Work to make your status last

Once your request is approved, you will be automatically enrolled in the challenge and matched to Platinum, Gold, or Silver Medallion Status based on your current elite status with another airline. Your complimentary Status Match will last for 3 months beginning within 24 hours after you receive your enrollment confirmation email

To keep your Delta Elite status after the promotional period, you'll need to earn a set amount of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).

Here's how those requirements break down based on your status level during the Delta status match challenge:

You have to meet these requirements during the three-month promotional period. You can earn MQDs on flights operated by Delta and Delta Connection, as well as with select airline partners.

How Delta credit cards can help

Some Delta credit cards offer MQDs when you meet certain spending requirements. With your eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, you can earn even more MQDs:

• You can earn $1 MQD for each $20 of purchases on your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum Business American Express Card
• You can earn $1 MQD for each $10 of purchases on your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card

Also, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum, Platinum Business, Reserve, and Reserve Business American Express Card Members will also receive what's called an MQD Headstart: $2,500 MQDs per eligible card type for the current Medallion Qualification Year.

Keep in mind that Delta credit cards come with a host of other benefits that make them some of the best airline credit card options for Delta flyers. These include waived baggage fees, priority boarding, inflight discounts, and the ability to rack up Delta SkyMiles with your everyday spending.

The bottom line

The Delta status match challenge can be a great way to get to know a new airline and the benefits it offers, like which Delta boarding zones you qualify for.

You don't need to commit to extending the status beyond the challenge period but try to take a Delta flight early on during those three months to get an idea of whether it's worth pursuing based on your travel habits. If you are a Delta fan, it also makes sense to explore the best travel credit cards to earn perks from the carrier. 

If you do decide to extend your status, make sure to keep track of your progress with each of the requirements so you don't miss your chance.

Great Welcome Offer and Continuing Rewards

Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card

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Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card

Learn How to Apply

See rates and fees | Terms Apply

Current Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, $150 per year thereafter

Rewards Rate

2X miles on qualifying Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S supermarkets; and 1X miles per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Up to $300 in potential annual statement credits
• Eligible for 15% off reward redemptions
• First checked bag free and priority boarding

Drawbacks

• Has an annual fee after the first year
• Lack of flexibility with rewards
• No path to elite status

Card Details

• Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months
• 2X miles on qualifying Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S supermarkets; and 1X miles per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
• Terms apply

Author Details

Ben Luthi

Ben is a personal finance and travel writer who loves helping people achieve their money goals. Along with writing for FinanceBuzz, his work has also been featured on U.S. News, NerdWallet, Experian, Credit Karma, and more.