What Delta SkyMiles® Members Should Look Forward to in 2026

As a Centennial year for the books begins to wind down, SkyMiles® Members are making their final moves to secure 2026 Medallion Status before Dec. 31. Learn more about what’s new – and what’s staying the same – when it comes to earning and enjoying elite benefits.  

From refreshed Choice Benefits to the return of Elevate Your Status and everyday ways to earn beyond the flight, SkyMiles is giving Members more flexibility, more value and more ways to personalize your loyalty experience. And with MQD thresholds to qualify for 2027 Medallion Status staying the same, Members can earn toward elite status with no added requirements.  

Here’s what to know as you plan your final flights, vacations and purchases of 2025. 

Updates to Choice Benefits 

Diamond and Platinum Medallion® Members enjoy access to exclusive Choice Benefits – customizable options designed to reflect what matters most to each of Delta’s most loyal Members. Beginning Feb. 1, 2026, Members will see the following changes to 2026 Choice Benefits options: 

“The SkyMiles program is built on a foundation of listening to our Members and evolving to meet their needs,” said Dwight James, S.V.P. – Customer Engagement & Loyalty and CEO, Delta Vacations.

“The latest Choice Benefits updates reflect Member feedback and our commitment to delivering an experience that rewards loyalty in a variety of ways. Earning and keeping the trust of our Members means being transparent about changes and continually investing in the experiences that matter most.” 

To ensure we continue to deliver the benefits our Members' loyalty deserves, for those that select Choice Benefits at the lower value prior to February 1, 2026, Delta will deposit the difference by mid-February 2026.

For those that select Choice Benefits at the higher statement credit values prior to their decrease on February 1, 2026, no adjustments will be made, and you will receive the higher statement credit value.  All other exclusive Choice Benefits options remain unchanged.  

The final stretch: 3 simple ways to earn MQDs 

Whether you’re aiming to reach Medallion Status for the first time, leveling up to the next tier or making a comeback, there’s still time to make it happen before Dec. 31. Here are a few smart ways to make the most of the final stretch: 

1. Fly with Delta and partner airlines:

2. Use your Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card:

3. Book a Delta Vacations package:

Enjoy the return of Elevate Your Status  

Elevate Your Status is back by popular demand, giving Members more flexibility and control over how to secure their 2026 Medallion Status. Through Dec. 31, eligible U.S.-based SkyMiles and Medallion Members can make a one-time MQD purchase to reach the next Medallion tier for 2026.  

The limited-time program returns with a meaningful update: 100% of proceeds (excluding processing fees*) will go directly toward funding sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)—a certified alternative jet fuel that can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.  

Learn more about how Elevate Your Status works.

No change to MQD thresholds for 2027 Status  

In case you missed it, Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) thresholds to qualify for 2027 Medallion Status are staying the same – so Members can look forward to earning toward Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion Status without any added requirements next year.   

Need a Status check? The app makes it easy to stay on top of your SkyMiles journey as your go-to tool for tracking MQDs and progress toward achieving the next Medallion Tier.