Delta Air Lines has rolled out some important updates for its Medallion members, including app-only selection of Choice Benefits, the timing of Sky Club guest passes for Reserve cardholders, a new visit tracker, and MQD Headstart for eligible cardmembers. These changes are now live, so it's a good time to get up to speed on how they might affect your travel experience.
App-Only Selection for Choice Benefits
Delta Choice Benefits are a valuable perk for Medallion members, allowing them to select from a menu of options like Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates, bonus miles, or a Delta Travel Voucher. Delta now says selection is available for eligible Members only in the Delta app: log in to your SkyMiles account in the app to make or review your choices.
Selection opens as soon as you earn status. For the 2026 Medallion Year, Platinum Medallion Members select one benefit and Diamond Medallion Members select three, and the deadline is January 31, 2027.
Sky Club Guest Passes for Reserve Cardholders
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members receive four One-Time Sky Club Guest Passes each Medallion Year, which begins February 1, and can redeem up to two per visit. The Card Member has to use the Reserve Card to enter the club to redeem them.
That means the passes follow the Medallion Year (February 1 through January 31), so plan guest visits around that date.
Introducing the Sky Club Visit Tracker
Keeping track of your Sky Club visits is now easier than ever with the new visit tracker. This handy feature is available both in the Fly Delta app and on the Delta website's homepage. The tracker displays the remaining number of Delta Sky Club visits available to you, allowing you to easily manage your access and avoid any surprises at the lounge entrance.
MQD Headstart for Cardmembers
Through MQD Headstart, Delta SkyMiles Platinum, Platinum Business, Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Card Members receive $2,500 MQDs (Medallion Qualification Dollars) per card type each Medallion Qualification Year.
MQD Headstart can be valuable in reaching or maintaining Medallion Status. It effectively gives cardmembers a head start toward the required spending threshold.
Staying Informed
These updates represent important changes to the Delta Medallion program. Members must familiarize themselves with these changes to maximize their benefits and enjoy a smoother travel experience. Staying informed about program updates is always recommended, so check the Delta website and your Fly Delta app regularly for the latest news and information.
Delta's new features, including app-only Choice Benefit selection, Sky Club guest passes for Reserve cardholders, the Sky Club visit tracker, and MQD Headstart for card members, are designed to enhance the experience for Medallion members. By understanding these changes, you can take full advantage of the perks and rewards available to you.
Updated October 1, 2026: Named the cardmember MQD benefit correctly (MQD Headstart) and listed the cards that get it. Corrected Choice Benefit selection (Delta now offers it only in the Delta app) and the Sky Club guest passes, which go to Reserve cardholders each Medallion Year, and added key points and a summary.
