Earn Delta Status Without Flying – Bonus MQM Opportunities

In my opinion, the best reason to achieve Delta status is that you’ll get access to complimentary upgrades to First Class when flying domestically. But earning Delta status can be difficult for many people that don’t fly every week. However, there are many opportunities to earn Delta status without flying.

You can earn Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs), one of the two ways you can earn Delta’s status (other is by flight segment number), by renting a car, staying in a hotel, or simply picking up a Starbucks coffee on a new credit card.

First of all, it is important to know what the thresholds are which will give you Medallion Benefits with Delta Status.

Delta’s 2012 Medallion Qualifying Status thresholds are as follows:

• Silver Medallion status members must earn 25,000 MQMs
• Gold Medallion status members must earn 50,000 MQMs
• Platinum Medallion status members must earn 75,000 MQMs
• Diamond Medallion status members must earn 125,000 MQMs

And don’t forget, that any MQMs over the last threshold and before the next will automatically be rolled over for next year’s elite qualifying threshold.

Earn 250 MQMs With Each Hertz Car Rental 

Hertz and Delta are (no longer) offering 250 MQMs per Hertz rental of 3 or more days. You’ll earn 250 MQMs, 250 bonus miles and 200 bonus miles per day (100 for non Medallion members). This promotion runs through November 30, 2012. The promotion requires the renter to use the CDP #165385 and PC #175512 numbers with Hertz rentals.

Earn 250 MQMs With Each Hilton Hotel Stay

When you sign up for the Hilton bonus MQM offer, book and stay 2 nights you’ll earn 250 Medallion Qualification Miles. This promotion runs through December 15, 2012. You must have Delta selected as your airline double dip partner in your HHonors profile.

Earn 10,000 MQMs After First Purchase With American Express

If you are looking for extra Delta MQMs, also consider the Delta Reserve one of many Delta Credit Cards from American Express. The card comes with 10,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles after your first purchase, complimentary SkyClub access, first bag checked for free on every flight, and 20% off in-flight food and entertainment. On top of the 10,000 MQMs, you can earn an additional 30,000 MQMs with Miles Boost after hitting spending thresholds on the card.

I applied for the Delta Reserve Card From American Express earlier this year, was approved and earned 10,000 Delta MQMs after my first purchase that then put me over the 75,000 SkyMiles Platinum Elite threshold. I’m now earning complimentary upgrades to First Class on domestic flights like the internationally lie-flat Business Class configured 767 from New York JFK to Atlanta.

• Apply for the Delta Reserve card
• Earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) upon your first purchase with the Card
• Unparalleled Miles Boost – get up to 30,000 MQMs and 30,000 Bonus Miles
• Enjoy Delta Sky Club access
• Check your first bag for free on every Delta flight
• Access to Concierge services
• Receive 20% In-Flight Savings on food and entertainment $450 annual fee
• Apply for the Delta Reserve card

Bottom Line

There are many ways to earn Delta MQMs right now without flying. If you plan to take Delta flights next year, Delta Medallion status can offer complimentary upgrades among other benefits. Make sure you take advantage of the offers that make sense to you and you could be on your way to flying in First Class.

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This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.