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We hoped there’d be at least a glimmer of hope when Delta Air Lines announced massive changes to its SkyMiles program last week.
Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) will be the only metric that counts toward earning elite status on the Atlanta-based carrier, starting January 1, 2024 (for the 2025 SkyMiles year).
Delta said that trips purchased through its Delta Vacations travel portal will earn $1 MQD for each $1 spent on a vacation booking (excluding taxes, fees, etc..).
Well, we thought at least we could earn MQD for buying cruises. (Not that many of us will pursue Delta Medallion status next year anyway, but…)
Now, believe it or not, cruises aren’t actually part of Delta Vacations. Delta has a separate third-party company for booking seaborne adventures. It’s creatively named “Delta Cruises.”
But we wondered if cruises would somehow become part of Delta Vacations — or if Delta Cruises would award MQD for trips booked through them?
A Delta spokesperson confirmed that cruise purchases would not earn the $1 MQD to $1 spent feature. They won’t earn anything special.
If you really want somehow to earn MQD as part of a cruise booking, buy your airfare and port city hotel through Delta Vacations. (But you won’t earn elite benefits or points on your hotel booking). Also, charge the purchase to one of these cards:
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
With the Reserve cards, you can earn $1 MQD for each eligible $10 you spend on your respective card.
It’s a little steeper with the Platinums. To earn $1 MQD, you must spend $20 on a respective card.
We think you’re much better off spending money on a cash-back card or general travel rewards card — and then using those rewards toward a Delta purchase (again, if you’re chasing MQD).
Time to Set Sail?
Cruise bookings made through Delta Cruises will not earn MQD — unless you charge the purchase to one of four Delta Amex cards. But even then, that’s because the booking is considered “normal” spending — nothing special.
You’re better off booking through your preferred way. Use your Delta Amex card if you want — or not. – Chris
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Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
I figured this would be the case. I only booked one cruise through Delta Cruises and it did not work out well. I would put up with it if it earned MQD but, if not, never again. Thanks for digging into this.
@LeeLiam – I don’t ever see booking ANYTHING via Delta vacations at this point. Agree had it been an MQD earner then maybe.
For what it’s worth, AA DOES award loyalty points that count towards status on cruise bookings.
@Michael- Num num num!