Delta becomes next airline to target Southwest elites with a limited-time status match

Delta Air Lines is the latest carrier to take advantage of Southwest Airlines’ overhaul. For the Southwest Rapid Rewards customers who aren’t thrilled with the recent changes, Delta's SkyMiles program has launched a limited-time status match offer just for Southwest elite members, offering A-List and A-List Preferred members a temporary match to Gold Medallion and Platinum Medallion status, respectively. That’s a tier higher than you can normally match to with Southwest elite status.

This is similar to the American Airlines AAdvantage status match offer for Southwest elite members that's still available.

If you’re looking for more “luv” from your airline, here’s how to take advantage of Delta SkyMiles’ generous status match offer.

Related: Complete guide to airline status matches and challenges in 2025

Southwest elite members can fast-track their way to Delta status

Southwest is one of the qualifying airlines in Delta’s Medallion status match challenge. Typically, A-List status will get you a match to Delta’s lowest elite tier, Medallion Silver, while A-List Preferred will match to Gold Medallion.

But for a limited time, Delta is offering Southwest elite members a boost. If you get approved for a status match between now and Sept. 30, you can turn your Southwest A-List status into Gold Medallion status and A-List Preferred into Platinum Medallion.

To apply for Delta’s status match, head to this page and submit proof of your existing status. To be eligible for this status match, you must have earned your status (as opposed to getting it through a promotion).

You must also have been enrolled in SkyMiles for at least 30 days prior to enrolling in the status match offer. And you must have flown on at least one Delta-marketed flight on a fare class higher than basic economy within the last three years as a SkyMiles member.

Once approved for Delta’s status match, you’ll receive complimentary Medallion status for 90 days, starting within 24 hours after you receive your enrollment confirmation email. You can then extend your Delta status by earning the required number of Medallion Qualification Dollars during the 90-day complimentary period:

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• Silver: 1,250 MQDs
• Gold: 2,500 MQDs
• Platinum: 3,750 MQDs

Although there are various ways to earn Delta MQDs, not all count toward this status match. MQDs earned on Delta-operated flights and eligible SkyMiles partner flights will apply toward this status match, as well as MQDs earned through Delta cobranded cards, such as the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Platinum cardholders earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent, and Reserve cardholders earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent.

Additionally, according to a Delta representative, "MQDs earned through the MQD Headstart benefit from an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card will count towards MQDs for this status match offer, if the eligible card is acquired and MQDs deposited during this limited time offer period." This is only the case for the offer for Southwest elite members, not for those matching status from any other program.

If you complete the above requirements within your 90-day complimentary status period, you will be awarded the applicable status tier through Jan. 31, 2027. That’s over a year of valuable Medallion status for a fraction of the usual MQDs required. For instance, Delta typically requires SkyMiles members to earn 10,000 MQDs and 15,000 MQDs to earn Gold and Platinum Medallion status, respectively.

These statuses come with serious perks, like complimentary seat upgrades, free checked bags and SkyTeam lounge access. Check out our guide for a breakdown of the benefits and perks of Delta Medallion status.

Delta’s status match offer is ongoing through the end of the year, but the promotional offer for Southwest elite members ends Sept. 30. Before applying, consider your travel plans for 2025 and time your status match application to give yourself the best chance of earning the required MQDs to extend your status.

Related: Delta Sky Club access now more restrictive: How to visit the lounge with credit cards, elite status and more

Bottom line

Delta SkyMiles' status match offer makes it easy to switch your loyalty from another airline, and Southwest elite members can get a higher status tier when they enroll by Sept. 30.

However, if Delta isn’t the best airline for you, you might consider AAdvantage’s similar offer that's open through June 30. Or, keep your eyes peeled for more status match offers geared toward Southwest elite members — other airlines may jump on the bandwagon.