TPG Reader 2018 Travel Goals: Getting Delta Lifetime Gold Status

We’re following TPG readers as they work toward a variety of travel goals in 2018, running the gamut from important first steps in the points & miles hobby to more advanced plans such as an around-the-world award trip. The final reader we’re introducing is Fern M., whose goal is definitely on the more “expert” end of the spectrum:

“Become a two-million-miler with Lifetime Gold on Delta.”

The major US airlines all offer lifetime status through their frequent flyer programs — though it requires a lot of time in the air to earn that distinction. You’ll need to log a minimum of 1 million miles to qualify for lifetime elite status, which typically gets you low- to mid-tier status for life.

With Delta’s Medallion program, after 1 million eligible miles you’ll get lifetime Silver status, plus a gift from Hartmann, Tiffany & Co. or Tumi. After 2 million miles, you’ll get Gold Medallion status for life, along with the same options for a gift. Of course, you’ll also get the full selection of Gold status perks, including a 60% mileage bonus on paid flights, waived standby and same day change fees and complimentary upgrades as early as 3 days before departure.

Since Fern’s shooting for lifetime Gold with Delta this year, it’s safe to assume she’s already crossed that 1-million-mile mark — an important threshold for the diehard Avgeek, as TPG‘s own Zach Honig can attest. Fern provided a bit more info when we followed up:

“I will be very near the goal after an Asia trip in 2018. The biggest decisions will be: what flight will be ‘best’ to be on when I actually hit the 2M! And then, how to maximize that Lifetime Gold when I use all of my miles!”

A long-haul flight can do wonders for your mileage balance, and in Fern’s case it’ll also shorten the distance to the 2-million-mile threshold. It sounds like this goal is well within reach, and hopefully Fern will be even closer to attaining lifetime Gold when we check in a few months down the line. Stay tuned!