Skip to content

Delta Apologizes For Late Arrival of Medallion Credential Kits

March 20, 2019
3 min read
Delta-Diamond-Medallion---Miller-Miler-Tag-and-Hartmann-Luggage-16-9
Delta Apologizes For Late Arrival of Medallion Credential Kits
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Delta's on-time performance is the envy of the aviation world, but it's apparently not on time with everything.

With 92.7% of planes arriving on time, the largest network of lounges and cities served, and several other strong suits, Atlanta's hometown airline took the top spot in TPG's 2019 list of best and worst US airlines. Its SkyMiles program was also voted Best US Airline Loyalty Program by readers in the inaugural TPG Awards.

But Delta this year is lagging when it comes to a much smaller detail: the delivery of brag tags.

Medallion members will have to wait until April to get their swag

SkyMiles Medallion members the world over received an email today apologizing for the atypically late arrival of their 2019 Medallion Welcome Kit. TPG Executive Editorial Director Scott Mayerowitz and Managing Editor Alberto Riva (Platinum Medallions) as well as myself (a Diamond Medallion) received emails from "The SkyMiles Team."

Delta's Million Milers are still gallivanting with their 2018 brag tags (Photo by Darren Murph / The Points Guy)

"Unfortunately," says the missive, "this welcome kit will be arriving later than expected — but you should expect it to arrive by the end of April at the latest. We hope that another great year of travel is already underway. Thank you again for your loyalty and apologies for the delay in receiving your welcome kit."

In past years, these kits have arrived shortly after the new Medallion year, which begins on Feb. 1. Within, there are luggage tags and a nice note, eliciting a warm, fuzzy feeling that keeps most folks working to retain their status for another trip around the sun.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Thus far in 2019, the only Delta brag tags that have made their way out of the factory are Million Miler tags, which I received in mid-February.

Delta Million Milers received their tags in February (Photo by Darren Murph / The Points Guy)

Medallion members can load their Silver, Gold, Platinum or Diamond membership card onto their phone's wallet via the My Delta app, but where's the fun in that?

One has to wonder if the delay means the return of metal connector loops, or if we'll be treated to some other fanciful material not yet seen in the world of brag tags.

For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
5X milesEarn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X milesEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent, Good

Pros

  • Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
  • Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners

Cons

  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app