Everything you need to know about Delta's 2022 elite status MQM rollover
Last month, Delta made waves when it announced it would roll over all Medallion Qualification Mile (MQM) balances from 2021 to 2022. This is an extension of last year's rollover that helped those flying less during the height of the coronavirus pandemic earn or upgrade Delta Medallion elite status in 2021.
Since publishing the news in July, I've received countless emails asking which MQMs will actually roll over to 2022.
Will it be all MQMs earned through flying? Will 2020 MQMs roll over to 2022? These are all valid questions, especially given how generous this offer is on paper.
Let's take a closer look at Delta's 2022 MQM rollover and discuss exactly which MQMs will make their way to your SkyMiles account next year.
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A closer look at Delta's 2022 MQM rollover
Yes, 2020 MQMs roll over to 2022
Let's start with the question on everyone's mind.
Yes, the MQMs that rolled over from 2020 to 2021 will now roll over to 2022. As stated in the terms and conditions, "all MQMs in the account at the end of 2021" will move over to the 2022 qualification year. Further, "any MQMs you rolled over from 2020 to 2021" are explicitly stated as included in this promotion.
So if you ended 2020 with 20,000 MQMs in your account, those same MQMs will move right on over to 2022. While this could have some unforeseen consequences for Delta elites, it makes it easier than ever for Delta loyalists to upgrade their status tiers. It will also make it far easier for elites to requalify for 2023 elite status if benefits aren't extended for another year.
Related: How to earn Delta Medallion elite status without flying in 2021
All 2021 MQMs roll over to 2022 regardless of how they were earned
In addition, the terms and conditions state that all MQMs — regardless of how they were earned — will roll over from 2021 to 2022. This includes MQMs earned by flying, Status Boosts from Delta cobranded credit card spending, the Status Accelerator promotion and others. In Delta's words:
"All SkyMiles Members will roll over all MQMs that they have at the end of 2021 into 2022. These MQMs will be counted toward earning 2023 Medallion Status. This includes MQMs from travel and any Status Boosts from your Delta SkyMiles American Express Platinum or Reserve Card, and any MQMs you rolled over from 2020 to 2021 – all MQMs in the account at the end of 2021."
It's pretty clear-cut: All MQMs in your account will roll over, and you'll start 2022 with the same MQM balance you had when 2021 ended.
Related: Here’s how a last-minute award trip to Italy got me halfway to Delta Silver status
Medallion Qualification Dollars, Segments do not roll over
Now for the bad news. Like last year's MQM rollover, Medallion Qualification Dollars and Medallion Qualification Segments do not roll over to 2022. Further, you need to re-earn your MQD waiver in 2022 if you earned it with a credit card in 2021. This will help Delta drum up revenue next year as elites work to re-earn status for 2023.
Related: How to earn more Medallion Qualification Dollars with Delta partner flights
Bottom line
Delta has been the most generous airline when it comes to elite status extensions and promotions. They were the first to extend status in both 2020 and 2021 and are now leading the charge with rolling over elite progress made this year into next.
In short, all the Delta MQMs you earn in 2021 — including the MQMs rolled over from 2020 — will roll over to 2022 and give you a jump-start on reaching your Delta elite status goals next year.