Delta Air Lines is implementing new changes to how customers can earn elite frequent flyer status and access the carrier’s airport lounges. These changes reflect the evolving landscape of luxury travel in the air industry.

Starting from January 1, customers will now earn Delta Medallion status solely based on their spending, rather than a combination of dollars spent with the carrier and flights. This new model is similar to the one adopted by American Airlines earlier this year.

As customer spending at the airline and on co-branded credit cards has increased, major airlines have been increasing the requirements to earn elite status. This surge in high-paying customers has led to a rise in the number of perks associated with elite status, such as early boarding, upgrades to first class, and lounge access.

Dwight James, Delta’s senior vice president of customer engagement and loyalty, stated that the aim is to provide customers with the opportunity to receive status through activities beyond just air travel.

Under the new system, Delta customers will earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $1 spent on Delta flights, car rentals, hotels, and vacation packages booked through the airline. However, the ratio is not 1:1 for dollars spent through co-branded American Express cards. Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express card members earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $10 spent on the card, while Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Card Members earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $20 spent.

The new status requirements for Delta are as follows:

• Silver Medallion – 6,000 MQDs
• Gold Medallion – 12,000 MQDs
• Platinum Medallion – 18,000 MQDs
• Diamond Medallion – 35,000 MQDs

Delta is addressing overcrowding concerns at its popular Sky Club airport lounges by implementing new access restrictions for certain American Express credit cards. These changes have been made in collaboration with American Express.

Starting from February 1, 2025, American Express Platinum and Platinum Business cardholders will be limited to six visits per year, unless they spend $75,000 on the card within a calendar year. Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders will be allowed ten Sky Club visits per year, which they can exceed by spending $75,000 in a year.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express cards will no longer grant club access, but customers can still enter by purchasing a club membership or if they have elite status with Delta that allows them to select a club membership as a perk.

Delta has previously taken measures to address overcrowding at its clubs, such as prohibiting employees from using them when flying standby with company travel privileges. Prices for club memberships for regular customers have also been increased.

Delta, along with its competitors, is working to build larger and more modern lounges to accommodate its customers. United Airlines, for example, recently opened a 35,000 square-foot club at its hub in Denver International Airport, which is the largest in its network.