Delta SkyMiles targets Southwest Rapid Rewards elites with a new status match

Delta Air Traces is the most recent provider to make the most of Southwest Airlines’ overhaul. For the Southwest Rapid Rewards prospects who aren’t thrilled with the latest modifications, Delta’s SkyMiles program has launched a limited-time standing match provide only for Southwest elite members, providing A-Checklist and A-Checklist Most well-liked members a brief match to Gold Medallion and Platinum Medallion standing, respectively. That is a tier greater than you may usually match to with Southwest elite status.

That is just like the American Airlines AAdvantage status match offer for Southwest elite members that is nonetheless accessible.

For those who’re on the lookout for extra “luv” out of your airline, here is how one can make the most of Delta SkyMiles’ beneficiant standing match provide.

Associated: Complete guide to airline status matches and challenges in 2025

Southwest elite members can fast-track their technique to Delta standing

Southwest is among the qualifying airways in Delta’s Medallion standing match problem. Usually, A-Checklist standing will get you a match to Delta’s lowest elite tier, Medallion Silver, whereas A-Checklist Most well-liked will match to Gold Medallion.

However for a restricted time, Delta is providing Southwest elite members a lift. For those who get authorised for a standing match between now and Sept. 30, you may flip your Southwest A-Checklist standing into Gold Medallion standing and A-Checklist Most well-liked into Platinum Medallion.

To use for Delta’s standing match, head to this page and submit proof of your present standing. To be eligible for this standing match, it’s essential to have earned your standing (versus getting it via a promotion).

It’s essential to even have been enrolled in SkyMiles for no less than 30 days previous to enrolling within the standing match provide. And it’s essential to have flown on no less than one Delta-marketed flight on a fare class greater than fundamental financial system throughout the final three years as a SkyMiles member.

As soon as authorised for Delta’s standing match, you will obtain complimentary Medallion standing for 90 days, beginning inside 24 hours after you obtain your enrollment affirmation e-mail. You may then lengthen your Delta standing by incomes the required variety of Medallion Qualification {Dollars} in the course of the 90-day complimentary interval:

• Silver: 1,250 MQDs
• Gold: 2,500 MQDs
• Platinum: 3,750 MQDs

Though there are numerous methods to earn Delta MQDs, not all rely towards this standing match. MQDs earned on Delta-operated flights and eligible SkyMiles associate flights will apply towards this standing match, in addition to MQDs earned via Delta cobranded cards, such because the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Platinum cardholders earn 1 MQD for each $20 spent, and Reserve cardholders earn 1 MQD for each $10 spent.

Moreover, in keeping with a Delta consultant, “MQDs earned via the MQD Headstart profit from an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Specific Card will rely in direction of MQDs for this standing match provide, if the eligible card is acquired and MQDs deposited throughout this restricted time provide interval.” That is solely the case for the provide for Southwest elite members, not for these matching standing from some other program.

For those who full the above necessities inside your 90-day complimentary standing interval, you can be awarded the relevant standing tier via Jan. 31, 2027. That is over a yr of priceless Medallion standing for a fraction of the same old MQDs required. For example, Delta usually requires SkyMiles members to earn 10,000 MQDs and 15,000 MQDs to earn Gold and Platinum Medallion standing, respectively.

These statuses include critical perks, like complimentary seat upgrades, free checked bags and SkyTeam lounge entry. Take a look at our information for a breakdown of the benefits and perks of Delta Medallion status.

Delta’s standing match provide is ongoing via the tip of the yr, however the promotional provide for Southwest elite members ends Sept. 30. Earlier than making use of, take into account your journey plans for 2025 and time your standing match utility to offer your self the very best likelihood of incomes the required MQDs to increase your standing.

Associated: Delta Sky Club access now more restrictive: How to visit the lounge with credit cards, elite status and more

Backside line

Delta SkyMiles’ standing match provide makes it simple to modify your loyalty from one other airline, and Southwest elite members can get a better standing tier once they enroll by Sept. 30.

Nonetheless, if Delta is not the very best airline for you, you may take into account AAdvantage’s related provide that is open via June 30. Or, maintain your eyes peeled for extra standing match presents geared towards Southwest elite members — different airways might soar on the bandwagon.