Delta Airlines Skymiles Elite Status

Delta’s elite program looks quite similar to the programs offered by Northwest and Continental – a three tiered Silver/Gold/Platinum program that can be reached by flying 25,000, 50,000 and 75,000 miles. Beginning in 2009, you can reach Elite status through segments (30/60/100). If you somehow find yourself with 1 million miles flown over your lifetime, you’ll be rewarded with lifetime silver status (2 million gets you Gold, 4 million gets Platinum).

As with Continental, the primary benefit is unlimited free upgrades on domestic flights. And since Delta only flies 2-class aircraft, you’ll be getting the best seat on the plane. However, they do not have reciprocal benefits with Continental.  They now have reciprocal benefits with Northwest and Alaska (if you’re Gold or Platinum). Even so, they do offer a 25% mileage bonus for Silver members and a 100% bonus for Gold and Platinum members, in-line with Continental’s OnePass.

How to Get Elite Status Without Flying: Delta and American Express jointly offer the Delta Amex Reserve card (click here for details) that offers Medallion Qualifying Miles (in other words, miles that count toward Elite Status). You’ll earn 10,000 Elite miles when you sign up, 15,000 Elite miles when you charge $30,000 in a year, and 15,000 additional Elite miles when you charge $60,000 in a year. Plus, you can combine cards from family members to reach those thresholds. The catch? The card is $450 a year, which is actually reasonable since it includes Crown Room access.

In addition, American Express Centurion card holders ($2,500) get Gold status automatically.

Mileage Expiration

Delta has a pretty miserable expiration policy, as miles will be deleted if you don’t have any activity within a 12 month period. As with all airlines, any activity will keep those miles available, so if you find that you aren’t flying wit Delta during a given year, send yourself some flowers and get the miles to keep the account alive.

Learn More About Delta Airlines Skymiles

Delta Airlines Skymiles Overview
Delta Airlines Hubs and Routes
Delta Airlines Earning and Using Miles
Delta Airlines Skymiles Elite Status
Delta Airlines Skymiles Elite Status Matching