Delta rolls out extended Medallion status well ahead of schedule
Because the coronavirus pandemic has halted most travel, all major U.S. airlines have extended elite status into 2021.
Delta was the trailblazer though, since the carrier was the first to announce sweeping status extensions and more. At the time, the Atlanta-based carrier promised that extended Medallion Status would be reflected in members' account on Feb. 1, 2021.
Turns out, the airline is well ahead of schedule on this IT project, since the Medallion Status extensions have now been processed. This means that all current Delta elites, including invite-only Delta 360 members, should see their status valid through Jan. 31, 2022.
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Indeed, TPG's Nick Ellis logged into his SkyMiles account this morning to see that he's earned Diamond status for next year without hitting any of the qualifying thresholds.
That's not all. According to Delta's updated website dedicated to SkyMiles benefits, all Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates and $200 Travel Vouchers that were due to expire between March 1 and June 30, 2020 have been extended as well — now, you can use these for travel by Dec. 31, 2020. Likewise drink vouchers, Delta Sky Club memberships and guest passes and SkyMiles Select memberships have been extended for six months.
Each year, Delta Platinum and Diamond Medallions get to choose from a range of Choice Benefits that include extra perks like upgrades and the ability to gift status. Of the major U.S. carriers, Delta's being the most generous since it's giving all Platinums and Diamonds a fresh set of Choice Benefits for the 2021 program year, regardless of whether you requalified in 2020.
Related: The ultimate guide to Delta Choice Benefits
However, you won't be able to select those Choice Benefits just yet. According to the airline, the 2021 Choice Benefits will become available on Feb. 1, 2021. Note that if you do end up requalifying for status in 2020, you'll receive your Choice Benefit selection at the time you cross the thresholds.
Delta's system updates follow closely after United's and American's. UA made most of its back-end updates about a month ago and American made theirs ten days ago.
All in all, it's great to see Delta using this downtime to speed up the implementation of its SkyMiles changes. Be sure to monitor your accounts over the next few days to make sure that everything looks the way it should.
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Annual Fee
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- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
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- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
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- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
Rewards Rate
| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
| 10X miles | 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Intro Offer
Earn 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200K miles when you spend $150K in the first 6 monthsLIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus milesAnnual Fee
$395Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.740-850Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)Pros
- The Capital One Venture X business card has a very lucrative welcome offer.
- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month