What are Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs)?

Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) are the dollar amount spent on eligible Delta flights that counts toward Medallion status. You earn 1 MQD per $1 of eligible spend on Delta-marketed cash tickets (base fare + carrier-imposed surcharges, excluding government taxes and fees).

How do Basic Economy tickets affect MQD earning?

Basic Economy tickets on Delta earn 0 MQDs, regardless of the ticket price. This is a Delta policy to encourage passengers to book higher fare classes.

How do award tickets earn MQDs?

Award tickets booked through Delta channels earn MQDs at a rate of 1 MQD per 100 miles redeemed. For example, a 25,000-mile award ticket would earn 250 MQDs.

How do partner airline flights earn MQDs?

Partner/exception flights (non-Delta marketed) earn MQDs based on flight distance and fare class. The percentage ranges from 5% (X/V class) to 40% (J class). For example, a 2,500-mile flight in Y class would earn 500 MQDs (2,500 × 20%).

What are the Medallion status thresholds?

Delta Medallion status requires: Silver ($5,000 MQDs), Gold ($10,000 MQDs), Platinum ($15,000 MQDs), and Diamond ($28,000 MQDs). Status is valid from the day earned until January 31 of the following year.

How do Delta credit cards affect MQD earning?

Delta cards provide MQD boosts: Reserve cards earn 1 MQD per $10 spent, Platinum cards earn 1 MQD per $20 spent. Additionally, eligible cardholders can receive a $2,500 MQD Headstart bonus per card type (up to 4 total per year).

Is Milesmate affiliated with Delta Air Lines or the SkyMiles® program and where does the data come from?

No. Milesmate is an independent resource. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Delta Air Lines or the SkyMiles® program. Earning rules and policies are compiled from publicly available program pages and official sources. Each airline page includes a source note and a last updated date for transparency.

Delta MQD Calculator

Calculate your Delta SkyMiles® Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) for Medallion status using our unofficial calculator tools.

Last updated: January 2026 | Current rules

How MQDs Work

Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) determine your path to Delta Medallion status: Silver ($5,000), Gold ($10,000), Platinum ($15,000), or Diamond ($28,000).

Delta flights: Earn 1 MQD per dollar of base fare (excluding taxes). Basic Economy earns 0 MQDs.

Partner flights: Earn MQDs based on distance × fare class percentage (5%–40% depending on class).

SkyMiles MQD Earning Calculator

Calculate your Delta SkyMiles Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) earnings across Delta and SkyTeam member airlines

Flight Details

Enter your flight information to calculate MQDs

From

Award Ticket?

Basic Economy?

Eligible Ticket Price (USD)

Eligible = base fare + carrier-imposed surcharges; exclude government taxes/fees

MQD Results

Your calculated Medallion Qualification Dollars

350 MQDs

from Flight

Status Progress

No Status

No StatusSilver

$4,650 MQDs to Silver

Medallion Status Thresholds

Silver$5,000

Gold$10,000

Platinum$15,000

Diamond$28,000

Status valid from day earned until January 31 of the following year.

Calculation Applied

Delta cash ticket: $350.00 eligible spend = 350 MQDs

SkyMiles vs Cash Calculator

Compare booking with SkyMiles versus cash to determine the best value for your next flight.

Enter details

Cash price (USD)

Award price (points)

points

Award taxes & fees (USD)

Delta point value: 1.4¢/point

Travel Tip

Compare Value Before Booking

Always compare the miles/points cost vs cash price before making award bookings, especially during sales.

USE POINTS

POINTS vs CASH

Just now

1.72¢

Implied value

0.5¢1.0¢1.4¢2.0¢3.0¢

$285.60

Break-even cash

+$64.40

You save

Cash fare:$350.00

Award option:20,000 + $5.60

Point value:1.4¢

Calculations are estimates and may change without notice. Milesmate is an independent tool. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Calculations are estimates and may change without notice. MilesMate.io is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Delta Air Lines or the SkyMiles® program. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Last updated: January 2026 | Rules verified against official Delta Air Lines program