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Last-minute Delta elite status tip: Upgrade existing flights to earn more MQDs

Nov. 16, 2022
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3 min read
Delta Boeing 767-300 Retrofit One Premium Select
Last-minute Delta elite status tip: Upgrade existing flights to earn more MQDs
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Delta elite members, your elite year ends Dec. 31.

This means there's little time left to plan a last-minute Medallion Qualification Dollar run to keep or upgrade your elite status. But even that might not be possible depending on how packed your schedule is between the holidays, existing travel and other commitments. Given how expensive holiday travel is this year, it could be hard to find a mileage run that fits your budget.

Luckily, there's another option if you have upcoming travel already booked: paid upgrades.

Years ago, Delta implemented “upfares.” At its most basic, these are post-purchase upgrades to a higher class of service. So if you’ve already booked an economy seat to fly home for the holidays — or if your company has booked you in the main cabin for a year-end business trip — you may be able to pay to move into a higher cabin, like Comfort+ or first class.

Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on Delta

Oftentimes, the airline offers this at check-in or when you view your upcoming flight in the airline's mobile app or online. You may see it when you check in, load your itinerary or try to select a seat in a different cabin from the seat map.

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Delta A220 first class seats
DARREN MURPH/THE POINTS GUY

The money you spend on these upgrades counts as MQDs just like a flight would. For example, I'm flying round-trip from New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) next month to visit a friend. I'm booked in economy, but I can pay to upgrade my ticket to first class. An upgrade on my return ticket costs $74.18 or 6,900 SkyMiles. In turn, I'd earn 74 MQDs from the cash upgrade or 69 MQDs for the mileage upgrade.

Additionally, you'll earn a 50% Medallion qualifying mile (MQM) bonus when you upgrade to first class.

Related: Last-minute strategies for earning Delta Medallion elite status

Buying a Delta upgrade in the Delta iOS app
DELTA.COM

This may not work for those looking to cover massive MQD gaps, but it may be the push you need to hit that next tier. Saving yourself the hassle of booking and taking a flight to a random destination while also making existing flights more luxurious is a win-win. This is especially true if paying up to do so secures a higher tier of airline status for 2023.

Additional reporting by Darren Murph.

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.