Do You Earn MQMs On Award Flights Booked With Miles? Delta's Policy Explained [Updated On: September 2025]

Yes, SkyMiles Members earn MQMs on flights booked with miles. You receive 1 MQM for every mile flown on Main Cabin and Comfort+ tickets. For Delta One, you earn 1.5 MQMs. You can also earn MQDs on Delta Award Travel tickets operated by Delta partners when booked directly. Check your pending MQDs after booking, as they may take time to appear.

The distinction is important for frequent flyers. Earning elite status often relies on accumulating a certain number of MQMs within a calendar year. Therefore, members should be mindful of their booking choices when aiming for status qualification. While award flights provide valuable travel opportunities, they fall short in helping members increase their MQM count.

In contrast, travelers will earn MQMs when flying on revenue tickets. This difference can impact travel strategies significantly. For anyone looking to maximize their earning potential, understanding Delta’s policy is essential.

Next, we will explore alternative methods for earning MQMs, highlighting strategies that can complement award travel and enhance the path to elite status.

Table of Contents

What Are MQMs and Why Are They Important for Delta Travelers?

MQMs, or Medallion Qualification Miles, are a type of travel mile that Delta Air Lines awards to its frequent flyers. They are crucial for qualifying for various Medallion status levels, which offer numerous benefits, including upgrades and priority boarding.

Key points about MQMs and their importance for Delta travelers include:

Eligibility criteria for earning MQMs.
Impact of MQMs on Medallion status.
Benefits of achieving higher Medallion status.
Differences between MQMs and other miles.
Consideration of MQMs in travel planning.

Understanding these key points allows travelers to maximize their benefits while flying with Delta.

Eligibility Criteria for Earning MQMs:
Eligibility criteria for earning MQMs involve flying on Delta or its partner airlines. Travelers earn 1 MQM for each mile flown. However, certain fare classes may not earn MQMs, so travelers should review fare rules before booking.
Impact of MQMs on Medallion Status:
The impact of MQMs on Medallion status is significant. Delta requires a specific number of MQMs to reach Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion levels. Each level offers distinct privileges, such as increased baggage allowances and eligibility for complimentary upgrades.
Benefits of Achieving Higher Medallion Status:
Benefits of achieving higher Medallion status include enhanced travel experiences. These benefits comprise priority boarding, access to premium seating, and exclusive customer service. Delta’s Medallion members can gain access to lounges, which adds convenience and comfort during travel.
Differences Between MQMs and Other Miles:
Differences between MQMs and other miles, such as redeemable miles, are important to understand. MQMs determine status, while redeemable miles are used for free flights and upgrades. Travelers should focus on both types to optimize their flying experience.
Consideration of MQMs in Travel Planning:
Consideration of MQMs in travel planning is vital for frequent flyers. Travelers aiming for higher Medallion status should strategically plan routes and select flights that maximize MQMs. For instance, flying longer distances or choosing certain fare classes can accelerate MQM accumulation.

Understanding MQMs helps Delta travelers make informed decisions, enhancing their travel experience and maximizing the benefits of membership.

Do You Earn MQMs on Award Flights Booked with Miles According to Delta’s Policy?

No, you do not earn MQMs on award flights booked with miles according to Delta’s policy.

Delta Air Lines does not provide Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) for flights that are purchased using frequent flyer miles. MQMs are used to determine eligibility for elite status within Delta’s SkyMiles program. They can only be earned on paid flights, which contribute to qualification for Medallion status. When redeeming miles for award travel, no additional MQMs are awarded, as these are specifically tied to monetary fare purchases, not mileage redemptions.

What Are Delta’s Official Guidelines on MQM Accrual?

Delta’s official guidelines on MQM accrual state that members earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) based on the distance flown and the fare class purchased.

Distance flown contributes to MQM accumulation.
Fare class impacts the total MQMs earned.
MQMs can be earned on Delta-operated flights and select partner flights.
Award flights booked with miles do not earn MQMs.
MQMs are valid for Medallion status qualification for the year.

To delve deeper into these points, we will examine each aspect of MQM accrual in detail.

Distance Flown:
Delta’s guidelines specify that MQMs are credited based on the actual distance flown. For most flights, one MQM is earned for each mile traveled. This means that a flight from New York to Los Angeles, which is approximately 2,450 miles, will yield about 2,450 MQMs.
Fare Class Impact:
The fare class of the purchased ticket determines the MQMs earned. Higher fare classes, such as First Class or Business Class, often provide bonus MQMs. For example, purchasing a Business Class ticket might earn a passenger 150% of the miles flown, while Economy Class might earn 100%. This encourages customers to opt for more expensive tickets for better benefits.
Earning on Partner Flights:
MQMs can be earned on Delta-operated flights and select partner airlines. Passengers must input their SkyMiles number at the time of booking or check-in. Delta specifies which partner airlines qualify for MQMs. For example, flying with a partner like Air France allows the accumulation of MQMs, provided the flight is booked through Delta.
Award Flights and MQMs:
Delta’s policy states that members do not earn MQMs on award flights booked with miles. This means if a traveler uses their accumulated miles to book a ticket, no additional MQMs will be accrued for that flight. This point has been a source of frustration among frequent flyers hoping to maintain or elevate their Medallion status.
Validity of MQMs:
MQMs are valid for the calendar year in which they are accrued. Members must reach a certain threshold of MQMs to qualify for Medallion status, which provides additional travel perks. For example, a member must accumulate at least 25,000 MQMs within a year to achieve Silver Medallion status.

These guidelines help Delta maintain a structured reward system, catering to both frequent and occasional travelers while promoting loyalty to the airline.

Are There Specific Situations Where Earning MQMs on Award Flights Is Different?

Yes, earning Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) on award flights is different from earning them on paid flights. Delta Air Lines does not award MQMs on flights booked with miles. This policy can significantly impact travelers aiming for elite status, as they must rely on paid travel to accumulate these crucial miles.

When comparing paid flights versus award flights, the key difference lies in how MQMs are accrued. On paid flights, travelers earn MQMs based on the ticket price, the fare class, and the flight distance. For example, a paid first-class ticket may earn more MQMs than a discounted coach fare. Conversely, award flights booked with frequent flyer miles do not provide MQMs, regardless of the fare class or flight distance, inhibiting travelers from earning status credits on those bookings.

The absence of MQMs on award flights can be advantageous for travelers who consistently fly paid tickets, as they are fully rewarded for their ticket purchases. This encourages loyalty to the airline and leads to a more predictable path toward elite status. Elite members often receive benefits like upgrades, lounge access, and priority boarding, which enhance their travel experience.

However, the drawback of this policy is that it may discourage some travelers from using their hard-earned miles for award flights. For frequent flyers focusing on achieving or maintaining elite status, the inability to earn MQMs on award tickets can be frustrating. Studies show that only 20% of travelers redeem their miles for award flights, primarily due to this limitation (FlyerTalk, 2023).

Travelers seeking elite status should consider purchasing paid tickets for flights if accumulating MQMs is a priority. Alternatively, they could utilize award flights judiciously for leisure travel while balancing paid flights for business or status purposes. Additionally, keeping an eye out for promotions that may offer bonus MQMs on specific paid flights can enhance status earning potential.

What Types of Award Flights Impact MQM Earnings?

Award flights can impact MQM earnings depending on various factors, particularly the fare class and the airline’s specific policies.

Tickets booked through mileage programs.
Revenue fare classes applicable to award tickets.
Partner airline flights contributing to MQM.
Promotional and discounted award tickets.

The interaction of these factors shapes how MQM earnings accumulate on award flights.

Tickets Booked Through Mileage Programs:
Tickets booked through mileage programs may influence MQM (Medallion Qualification Miles) earnings. Delta Air Lines typically awards MQMs for purchased revenue tickets but generally does not assign MQMs for non-revenue tickets, which include most award flights. For example, if a ticket is booked using Delta SkyMiles, it typically does not earn MQMs.
Revenue Fare Classes Applicable to Award Tickets:
Revenue fare classes can affect MQM earnings on award tickets. Delta defines specific fare classes that earn MQMs on purchased tickets. However, once tickets are redeemed using miles, they revert to non-revenue status, earning no MQMs. Understanding this distinction is crucial for maximizing the benefits of loyalty programs.
Partner Airline Flights Contributing to MQM:
Flights operated by partner airlines may also impact MQM earnings. Some partner airlines allow MQMs to be earned on their award flights when booked through the main airline’s frequent flyer program. These rules vary by airline and type of partnership, thus reviewing specific terms is essential.
Promotional and Discounted Award Tickets:
Promotional and discounted award tickets may not offer MQMs. Airlines often impose restrictions on lower-tier award tickets, which may not yield any Medallion Qualification Miles. This limitation can affect long-term status qualification and should be considered when booking flights.

Understanding these categories helps maximize MQM accumulation through strategic flight planning and booking choices.

How Can You Best Maximize Your MQM Accrual When Traveling with Delta?

You can best maximize your MQM (Medallion Qualification Miles) accrual when traveling with Delta by choosing higher fare classes, flying long-haul routes, and utilizing Delta’s partnerships and promotions.

To elaborate on these key points:

Choose Higher Fare Classes: Higher fare classes, such as First Class or Business Class, often earn more MQMs compared to Basic Economy. For example, flights booked in premium fare classes can sometimes earn 150% or more of the actual flight miles. This means if you fly 1,000 miles, you could earn up to 1,500 MQMs depending on the fare class.
Fly Long-Haul Routes: Longer flights generally yield a higher number of MQMs. A flight that covers 2,500 miles will earn you more MQMs than a shorter 500-mile flight, regardless of the fare class. For instance, a round-trip long-haul flight could substantially increase your MQM balance due to the cumulative distance.
Utilize Delta’s Partnerships: Delta partners with various airlines through the SkyTeam alliance. When you fly on a partner airline and credit your miles to your Delta SkyMiles account, you can still earn MQMs based on the distance flown and the class of service booked. For instance, a flight on a partner airline like KLM or Air France could contribute to your MQMs based on the fare class selected.
Participate in Promotions: Delta frequently offers promotions that can enhance your MQM earning potential. By keeping an eye on these promotions or participating in targeted offers, you can earn bonus MQMs that count towards your Medallion status. For example, a promotion offering double MQMs during a specific travel period can significantly boost your accrual.

By applying these strategies, you can efficiently increase your MQM accumulation and enhance your chances of achieving or maintaining Medallion status with Delta.

What Strategies Can Help You Increase Your MQMs on Delta Flights?

To increase your MQMs (Medallion Qualification Miles) on Delta flights, consider various strategies. These strategies can enhance your travel experience while maximizing your MQMs efficiently.

Fly on Delta and its partners
Choose higher fare classes
Utilize credit card partnerships
Leverage promotions and bonuses
Book longer flights or connections
Maintain Medallion Status

To transition to detailed explanations, understanding these strategies further can help you make informed decisions while planning your travel.

Flying on Delta and Its Partners: Increasing your MQMs can occur by flying on Delta Air Lines or its airline partners. Delta’s Medallion Qualification Miles are earned based on the miles flown, and purchasing a ticket directly from Delta usually offers the highest accrual rates. Delta’s partners include airlines within the SkyTeam alliance as well as select carriers outside of it.
Choosing Higher Fare Classes: Opting for higher fare classes significantly boosts your MQMs. Fare classes such as First Class or Business Class typically earn more MQMs per mile flown compared to lower classes like Economy. According to Delta’s earning structure, purchasing a higher fare class can sometimes result in earning up to 3 times the MQMs for the same distance traveled.
Utilizing Credit Card Partnerships: Delta offers co-branded credit cards that can help increase your MQMs through bonus offers and spending rewards. For example, the Delta SkyMiles American Express card can contribute additional MQMs each year depending on your spending. Cardholders may earn MQMs for reaching specific spending thresholds on their card.
Leverage Promotions and Bonuses: Delta frequently runs promotions that offer bonus MQMs. Keeping an eye on these promotions during your travel periods can result in significant MQM increases. For instance, a recent campaign offered double MQMs for flights booked during a specific month, providing an excellent opportunity for frequent flyers.
Booking Longer Flights or Connections: Longer flights yield more MQMs. It may be beneficial to select itineraries that include longer routes or connections. A multi-stop journey may result in more total miles and thus more MQMs compared to a direct flight.
Maintaining Medallion Status: Holding onto Medallion Status offers several benefits, including earning MQMs on every flight, regardless of fare. The higher your Medallion Status, the more MQMs you earn on Delta flights. Retaining this status can be worthwhile due to the increased earning potential and additional perks provided to loyal customers.

By applying these strategies consistently, you can maximize your MQMs on Delta flights effectively.

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