Do You Get MQMs When You Pay With Miles? Impact On Medallion Status Explained [Updated On: September 2025]

Yes, you earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) when you use Pay with Miles. You receive 1 MQD for every $100 spent on eligible tickets. This method counts like a cash ticket, allowing you to earn full MQMs and Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) based on the base fare. This helps you toward elite status as a Medallion member.

Understanding the impact on Medallion Status is crucial. Higher Medallion Status provides numerous benefits, including complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, and the ability to earn bonus miles. Without earning MQMs through revenue flights, achieving higher status requires more effort and travel.

In summary, while using miles can offer immediate travel rewards, it does not contribute to long-term loyalty benefits like Medallion Status. Thus, budgeting for cash flights helps in accumulating MQMs effectively.

Now that we have clarified the relationship between paying with miles and earning MQMs, let us explore strategies to maximize your travel rewards while focusing on attaining or maintaining Medallion Status with Delta Airlines.

Table of Contents

Do You Earn MQMs When You Redeem Miles for Flights?

No, you do not earn MQMs when you redeem miles for flights. MQMs, or Medallion Qualification Miles, are only earned when you fly on eligible tickets.

When you redeem miles for a flight, you are using points instead of purchasing a ticket. The frequent flyer program typically only awards MQMs on paid flights, as they are intended to encourage purchasing tickets with cash. This policy ensures that members earn status based on actual revenue generated for the airline rather than redeeming accumulated rewards. Therefore, while you may enjoy the flight, it does not contribute to your MQM total.

Which Airlines Allow MQM Earning on Miles Redemption?

Some airlines allow earning Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) when redeeming miles, while others do not. The specific policies can vary widely among carriers.

Airlines that allow MQM earning on miles redemption:
– Delta Air Lines
– United Airlines
– American Airlines
– Alaska Airlines
– JetBlue Airways
Potential opposing perspectives:
– Some frequent flyers advocate for redeeming miles without earning MQMs, as it maximizes the value of the miles spent.
– Others argue that earning MQMs on redeemed flights incentivizes loyalty and enhances overall travel benefits.

Earning MQMs on redeemed flights builds loyalty and supports frequent travelers in achieving Medallion status.

Delta Air Lines: Delta allows MQM earning on miles redemption, giving flyers an advantage when they redeem tickets. This policy encourages loyalty and helps maintain Medallion status, essential for upgrades and other perks.
United Airlines: Similar to Delta, United allows MQMs to be earned on selected redeemed tickets. This policy enhances total travel rewards, making it attractive for frequent flyers, especially those utilizing mileage programs for business travel.
American Airlines: American Airlines’ policy varies. Generally, travelers earn MQMs on specific award flights. The airline’s approach emphasizes rewarding loyalty while managing costs associated with redeemed flights.
Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines also permits MQM earning on miles redemption. This encourages travelers to invest in the mileage program, facilitating better travel experiences and benefits.
JetBlue Airways: JetBlue has a unique approach, where certain reward bookings can yield MQMs. This can be particularly appealing for travelers seeking to build status through different loyalty programs.

Frequent flyers may find these policies compelling, as MQMs earned through redeeming flights can significantly influence their Medallion status. However, there is also a contingent of travelers who feel that rewarding MQMs on miles redemption may diminish the value of earned miles and lessens the incentive to fly. Balancing rewards in loyalty programs continues to be a debated topic among frequent flyers and industry analysts.

What Are the Rules for Earning MQMs with Paid Flights?

To earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) with paid flights, travelers must meet specific criteria set by the airline. Commonly, MQMs are earned based on the distance flown and the fare class of the purchased ticket.

The main points related to earning MQMs with paid flights include:
1. Distance flown
2. Fare class
3. Flight routes
4. Special offers or promotions

These points are crucial for understanding how MQMs are accrued through paid flights, allowing travelers to maximize their Medallion Status.

Distance Flown:
Distance flown directly impacts the number of MQMs earned. MQMs are typically calculated based on the great circle distance, which represents the shortest distance between two points over the earth’s surface. For instance, flying 1,000 miles may earn a passenger 1,000 MQMs. However, international flights often yield higher MQM earnings due to longer distances.
Fare Class:
Fare class influences the MQMs awarded for a flight. Premium fare classes such as first class or business class often earn more MQMs than economy class tickets. Airlines may offer different multipliers based on the ticket purchased. For example, a business class ticket may earn 150% of the flown miles in MQMs, while an economy class ticket might earn only 100%.
Flight Routes:
Flight routes can also dictate MQM earnings. Some airlines have promotions that provide additional MQMs for certain routes or during specific time frames. For example, a promotional offer might boost MQM earnings by an extra 50% when flying between two major cities during peak travel periods.
Special Offers or Promotions:
Airlines sometimes introduce special offers that provide extra MQMs for specific flights or activities. For instance, purchasing a qualified ticket during a promotional period might earn double MQMs. Such promotions enable travelers to accumulate Medallion Qualification Miles more rapidly, enhancing their chances of achieving higher status tiers.

Being aware of these factors helps travelers optimize their strategy for earning MQMs through paid flights, ultimately leading to better travel benefits and rewards.

How Do MQMs Affect Your Medallion Status?

MQMs, or Medallion Qualification Miles, significantly impact your Medallion status in Delta Air Lines’ loyalty program. They affect your tier level, determining benefits such as upgrades, priority boarding, and fee waivers.

Tier Impressions: Your Medallion status is classified into tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Each tier has a required MQM threshold. For example, 25,000 MQMs qualify you for Silver status, while 125,000 MQMs are needed for Diamond status.
Benefits Correlation: Higher Medallion status levels offer enhanced benefits. For instance, Diamond members enjoy complimentary upgrades, access to Sky Clubs, and additional baggage allowance. Silver members receive fewer perks but still gain access to priority boarding.
MQM Accrual: You earn MQMs through flight miles on Delta and partner airlines. Business class tickets usually earn more MQMs than economy tickets. A flight covering 1,000 miles could earn you 1,000 MQMs, but a premium fare may yield 1,500 MQMs due to fare class bonuses.
Rollover MQMs: If you surpass the MQM threshold for your tier, excess MQMs roll over to the next year. This feature helps maintain status and provides an advantage for subsequent years.
Importance of Monitoring: It’s crucial to monitor your MQMs throughout the year to maintain your desired status. A drop below the required threshold could lead to a reduction in benefits for the following year.
Other Factors: MQDs, or Medallion Qualification Dollars, along with MQMs also play a role in achieving Medallion status. Accumulating both MQMs and MQDs is essential for qualification.

Understanding how MQMs function within the Delta loyalty program is crucial for maximizing benefits and maintaining Medallion status.

What Benefits Do Increased MQMs Provide for Medallion Members?

Increased MQMs (Medallion Qualification Miles) provide various benefits for Medallion members, impacting their status and privileges within airlines.

Higher Medallion Status Levels
Improved Upgrade Opportunities
Enhanced Lounge Access
Increased Earning Potential on Flights
Priority Boarding and Check-In
Exclusive Promotions and Offers
Enhanced Customer Support

These benefits highlight the value of accumulating MQMs, but there are differing opinions on their effectiveness.

Higher Medallion Status Levels: Increased MQMs elevate members to higher Medallion status levels, such as Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond. Each status level offers distinct advantages, such as priority treatment and bonus miles. For example, reaching Gold status requires 50,000 MQMs, unlocking benefits like complimentary upgrades and increased companion ticket availability.
Improved Upgrade Opportunities: Members with more MQMs receive enhanced opportunities for complimentary upgrades. Airlines prioritize upgrades based on Medallion status, and higher status levels significantly increase the likelihood of receiving an upgrade. Studies show that Platinum and Diamond members experience upgrade success rates up to 75% on eligible flights (Airline Industry Report, 2022).
Enhanced Lounge Access: Members achieving higher MQM totals often gain access to premium lounges, such as Delta Sky Clubs or United Club lounges. These lounges provide comfortable spaces to relax, work, and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks. Lounge access is particularly valued during long layovers or flight delays, improving the overall travel experience.
Increased Earning Potential on Flights: Higher MQMs can lead to more miles earned on flights. Many airlines offer bonus miles for Medallion members based on their status level. For instance, a Platinum member may earn a 100% bonus on base miles flown. This increased earning potential contributes to faster accumulation of additional rewards.
Priority Boarding and Check-In: Increased MQMs typically grant members priority boarding and check-in privileges, allowing them to board earlier and secure overhead bin space. This benefit enhances the travel experience by reducing stress and wait times at airports.
Exclusive Promotions and Offers: Airlines often create special promotions targeting higher-status Medallion members. These promotions may include double miles, special fare discounts, or exclusive access to events. Such targeted benefits enhance the perceived value of being a Medallion member.
Enhanced Customer Support: Higher MQM levels provide access to dedicated customer support lines and faster resolution times for issues. Members appreciate having personalized assistance, especially during travel disruptions. Research indicates that Medallion members experience greater satisfaction with customer service due to expedited support.

In summary, increased MQMs offer significant benefits for Medallion members, enhancing their travel experience and loyalty to the airline.

Are There Scenarios Where MQMs Cannot Be Earned with Miles Usage?

No, there are scenarios where MQMs cannot be earned with Miles usage. Specifically, when customers pay for a flight entirely with airline miles, they do not earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs). MQMs are typically accrued based on the fare paid for a flight, excluding any portion covered by miles or travel vouchers.

When comparing earning MQMs through paid flights and award flights paid with miles, there are key differences. Paid flights are eligible for MQMs based on ticket price and distance. For example, a flight that costs $500 may yield 500 MQMs. In contrast, flights booked using miles do not generate any MQMs, limiting Medallion status progression. Therefore, travelers need to consider this distinction when planning their travel to maximize benefits.

The positive aspect of earning MQMs through paid flights is that it helps frequent flyers achieve higher Medallion status. Higher status comes with various perks, including priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and bonus miles. According to Delta Air Lines, Medallion members can earn up to 11x miles on eligible flights, which can significantly enhance travel experiences.

Conversely, the downside is that using miles for flight payment reduces the opportunity to earn MQMs, potentially delaying or hindering Medallion status. Frequent travelers may find this troubling, as reaching a higher tier can yield considerable savings and benefits. In 2022, an analysis by Skift showed that only 30% of frequent flyers were aware of how to maximize their MQMs, indicating a lack of understanding about the optimization of rewards.

To optimize MQM accrual, travelers should consider paying with cash or credit instead of miles for flights if they aim to achieve or maintain Medallion status. For example, those planning multiple flights may choose to redeem miles selectively, reserving them for trips that do not significantly impact their status. Engaging with loyalty programs and understanding the details can enhance travel benefits and rewards.

Is It Worth Using Miles If You Don’t Earn MQMs?

No, it is not worth using miles if you do not earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs). MQMs are essential for achieving Medallion status within airline loyalty programs, which enhance travel benefits. Without earning MQMs, using miles may not provide significant value for frequent flyers.

The decision to use miles without earning MQMs depends on the overall rewards and advantages of the airline’s loyalty program. While using miles can offer discounted or free flights, it does not contribute to Medallion status. In contrast, accumulating MQMs through actual flights boosts status levels, which provide perks such as priority boarding, upgrades, and fee waivers. Thus, those focused on loyalty rewards should prioritize earning MQMs over using miles when possible.

On the positive side, utilizing miles can lead to substantial cost savings. For instance, redeeming 25,000 miles for a round-trip flight that costs $300 represents a 1.2 cents per mile value. Additionally, frequent rewards travelers can utilize miles on partner airlines, offering flexibility and variety. According to the Annual Travel Survey by the Points Guy (2023), 63% of travelers value their miles for vacation travel and family visits, further emphasizing the utility of miles despite the lack of MQMs.

On the downside, using miles for flights can sometimes result in poor value compared to cash fares. Certain routes may have limited availability for award seats or involve high fees and surcharges. As noted by travel expert Mark Murphy (2022), “Some loyalty programs also limit the ability to earn MQMs on award travel.” Therefore, travelers seeking status may find that using miles detracts from their ability to achieve or maintain Medallion status.

Given these factors, travelers should weigh their options carefully. If achieving Medallion status is a priority, consider flying to earn MQMs instead of redeeming miles for flights. Alternatively, if the trip is primarily for leisure and cost savings is the goal, using miles can still be a strategic choice. Lastly, evaluate the loyalty program’s policies on earning MQMs and award availability before making decisions about flight payment methods.

Related Post: