TPG Reader 2018 Travel Goals: Getting Delta Lifetime Gold Status
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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!
If you are a Delta flyer who is looking to bank some extra miles this card is a great addition for your wallet. While you'll earn 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on everything else, you'll also have access to other perks like priority boarding, a first bag checked free and discounted Delta Sky Club access.
- Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in purchases within your first 3 months and a $50 Statement Credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.
- Earn 2 miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta.
- Earn 1 mile for every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
- Check your first bag free on Delta flights – that’s a savings of up to $240 for a family of 4 roundtrip.
- Receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
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