As Delta prepares for another year of its modernized SkyMiles structure, the airline is taking a measured approach to elite status for 2026, balancing stability in how travelers qualify with a refreshed set of Choice Benefits aimed at offering more flexibility. Unlike past years when major changes reshaped the entire program, this update is more about refinement than overhaul, giving flyers clear expectations heading into the new qualification cycle. Delta announced these updates on December 2nd, 2025.

The core of the program remains centered on Medallion Qualification Dollars. MQDs are earned through eligible Delta and partner airline tickets, select credit card spending, and vacation packages booked through Delta Vacations. Delta has also confirmed that award travel booked using miles continues to earn MQDs, maintaining consistency with the airlines current earning structure. Delta is keeping the same thresholds in place: $5,000 MQDs for Silver, $10,000 for Gold, $15,000 for Platinum, and $28,000 for Diamond. By maintaining these targets, Delta is giving members a clear and predictable path toward earning status next year.

Year-Over-Year Change: 2025-2026

Compared to the 2025 Medallion program, Delta has confirmed the following year-over-year changes for 2026:

Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs):

  • No change. MQD thresholds, earning methods and award travel MQD eligibility remain the same as in 2025.

Giftable Medallion Status (Choice Benefits):

  • Expanded. Platinum Medallion Members can gift Silver status to more recipients than in 2025, and Diamond Medallion members gain expanded ability to gift Gold status.

Mileage Bonuses (Choice Benefits):

  • Increased. Mileage bonus options available through Choice Benefits are higher than in the prior program year.

Travel Credits (Choice Benefits)

  • Increased. Travel credit values offered as Choice Benefits are higher compared to 2025.

Delta Amex Statement Credit (Choice Benefits)

  • Reduced. The statement credit remain available, but at a lower value than in 2025.
  • Qualification Structure:
  • Unchanged. Delta continues to use a spend based MQD qualification model with no additional ways to qualify.

2026 Delta Air Lines Medallion Program Changes Graphic

Above: A graphic orginally created by Delta Air Lines show the changes from the Delta Medaillon Program from 2025 to 2026. The image has been enhanced by FlyRadius from the original. Used under the fair user provision.

Where travelers will see the most change is within the 2026 Choice Benefits, the rewards Platinum and Diamond Medallion members select after qualifying. These benefits are meant to help fliers shape their status around their travel habits, and Delta is expanding several of them in practical ways. Giftable status options are becoming more generous, with Platinum members able to extend Silver status to more recipients than before, and Diamond members will gain the same expanded ability with Gold. For families, business travelers, or those who help coordinate group trips, this greater reach gives elite status a larger impact.

Mileage bonuses tied to Choice Benefits are also increasing for both Platinum and Diamond members, offering additional flexibility for future redemptions. Travel credits available through Choice Benefits are also increasing, providing another straightforward option for using elite perks throughout the year. According to Delta, the updated Choice Benefits will take effect beginning February 1, 2026. Members who select benefits prior to that date may see certain selections adjusted mid-February where applicable, though Delta has indicated that members who chose higher statement credit amounts before the change will not see those values reduced.

One area where benefits are being reduced slightly involves the statement credit linked to eligible Delta branded American Express cards. While the credit remains available as a Choice Benefit, the adjustment means travelers may evaluate their selections more carefully rather than defaulting to the credit as their primary choice. Delta has positioned this adjustment alongside broader enhancements elsewhere in the Choice Benefits lineup.

For members approaching the year end push to qualify, Delta has also brought back its Elevate Your Status program through December 31st, 2025. The program allows eligible U.S. based SkyMiles members to make a one time MQD purchase to reach the next Medallion tier. Delta states that all proceeds from the program, minus processing fees, are directed toward funding sustainable aviation fuel initiatives.

Delta has further confirmed that MQD thresholds will remain unchanged for earning 2027 Medallion Status, providing continued predictability for members planning travel and spending during the 2026 qualification year. For those who have already secured their status, the updated Choice Benefits offer a clear picture of what those perks will look like in the year ahead.

Taken together, these updates reflect Delta’s continued focus on a simplified, spend based qualification model. Keeping the thresholds steady while adjusting the benefits tied to status gives travelers a straightforward view of how the program will operate next year. In a space where loyalty programs often see significant year-to-year changes, Delta’s 2026 Medallion update takes a more measured approach, offering consistency through simple refinements rather than major shifts.