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Southwest Elite Flyers Can Now Claim Delta Medallion Status — Here’s How

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Southwest Elite Flyers Can Now Claim Delta Medallion Status — Here’s How
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If you’re a Southwest elite member considering a change in loyalty, now’s the perfect time to make a move. Through September 30, 2025, Southwest A-List and A-List Preferred members can apply for a status match with Delta Air Lines.

If approved, you could be matched all the way up to Delta Platinum Medallion status — unlocking valuable perks like complimentary upgrades, bonus SkyMiles, and more.

Let’s take a closer look at the terms of this unique status match promotion.

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New Delta Status Match Promotion for Southwest Flyers

Southwest A-List and A-List Preferred members are eligible to take part in Delta’s Medallion Status Match Challenge. By applying anytime from now through September 30, approved participants will receive complimentary Delta Medallion status for 90 days:

To qualify, you must not have participated in a previous Delta status match promotion between 2022 and 2025. When applying, upload a photo of your Southwest membership card that clearly shows your name and status level.

Delta Status Match
Fill out your application on Delta’s website. Image Credit: Delta

Additionally, you’ll need to have a free Delta SkyMiles account that’s been active for at least 30 days before enrolling in the promotion. You must also have taken at least 1 Delta-operated flight — in a fare class above basic economy — within the past 3 years to be eligible.

The complimentary elite status level lasts 90 days, beginning within 24 hours of receiving your enrollment confirmation email.

Hot Tip:

Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest is ending its free checked bag policy, introducing a basic economy fare class, and rolling out dynamic pricing for Rapid Rewards tickets. Read up on all the major Southwest changes here.

How To Extend Your Delta Status

There is also the chance to extend the duration of your Delta Medallion status. During the 3-month trial period, you would need to meet the following threshold for Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs):

  • Silver Medallion: Earn $1,250 MQDs
  • Gold Medallion: Earn $2,500 MQDs
  • Platinum Medallion: Earn $3,750 MQDs

Once you complete the challenge, you’ll enjoy your new status level through January 31, 2027!

Delta A321neo First Class
Delta’s newest domestic first class product. Image Credit: Stella Shon

Traditionally, you’ll earn 1 MQD per dollar spent on Delta flights. In other words, to keep Silver Medallion status, you’ll need to spend $1,250 on Delta flights.

However, it may be easier than you think to earn MQDs. With a Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, you’ll get a $2,500 MQD Headstart every year per card you have.

Therefore, possessing one of the aforementioned credit cards would allow you to maintain Gold Medallion status until January 2027, making it an obvious choice.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.
Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
90,000 miles
Up to $1,080
$350
19.99%-28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card can be a great option for those seeking additional ways to obtain a higher level of status — or to maintain their current status — with the airline.

A key feature of this card is the ability to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) that are essential for earning Delta status. This could help you get closer to earning a handful of valuable benefits with the airline.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta purchases
  • 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases made directly with hotels
  • 2x SkyMiles per $1 spent at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and U.S. supermarkets
Cons
  • $350 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Resy Credit: Get up to $10 in statement credits each month after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
  • You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $350 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

LIMITED TIME OFFER
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Between great perks and the potential to earn plenty of SkyMiles, this card is a must-have for frequent Delta travelers.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Between great perks and the potential to earn plenty of SkyMiles, this card is a must-have for frequent Delta travelers.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 4/2/25.
100,000 miles
Up to $1,200
$350
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

Small business owners and frequent Delta flyers can make the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card your go-to credit card.

Cardholders earn 3x SkyMiles per dollar for purchases with Delta and access benefits, including no foreign transaction fees, priority boarding, and a free checked bag for each flight (rates & fees).

Plus, you can redeem your SkyMiles for travel on Delta and its partner airlines, saving you money. It’s a no-brainer!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Save 15% on award travel With TakeOff 15. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees
  • 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta and hotel purchases
  • 1.5x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases of $5,000 or more, up to $100,000 per year
Cons
  • $350 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 4/2/25.
  • Enjoy a Companion Certificate each year after renewal of your Delta Platinum Business Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
  • Earn 1.5X miles* on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases, plus single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more. Terms and miles cap apply. *If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply.
  • Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 of purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card Members save 15% when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • With the $120 Resy Credit, earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
  • Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
  • Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
  • Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
  • Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $200 after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
  • Terms and limitations apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

LIMITED TIME OFFER
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.
Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/2/2025.
100,000 miles
Up to $1,200
$650
19.99%-28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a stellar option for frequent travelers who always fly with Delta thanks to its MQD Headstart towards status boost, lounge access, annual companion certificate, and many other great benefits.

Here is a full look at everything the Delta Reserve card can offer to you to help you decide whether the card deserves a place in your wallet.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x SkyMiles per $1 on Delta purchases.
  • 1x SkyMile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
  • Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights.
Cons
  • $650 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • No bonus categories other than Delta purchases
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/2/2025.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
  • Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
  • $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion tier and fare class grouping while flying Delta.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

LIMITED TIME OFFER
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Receive priority boarding, complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges, concierge support, and an annual companion certificate.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Receive priority boarding, complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges, concierge support, and an annual companion certificate.
Earn 110,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/2/25.
110,000 miles
Up to $1,320
$650
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is a premium card option for small business owners who are both frequent travelers and Delta loyalists.

While the annual fee may be steep, the card comes loaded with perks and benefits that all frequent Delta flyers are sure to love. Let’s take a look at what makes the card unique, and why it may be a great fit for your wallet.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x miles per dollar on Delta purchases
  • 1.5x miles per dollar on eligible transit, U.S. shipping and office supply stores, plus all eligible purchases after you spend $150,000 in a year
  • Save 15% On Award Travel With TakeOff 15. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Cons
  • High annual fee
  • Does not earn many miles for purchases outside of Delta spend
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 110,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 4/2/25.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
  • Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
  • Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
  • Receive a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
  • With the $240 Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
  • Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
  • Save 15% when booking Award Travel on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
  • As a benefit of Card Membership, you can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
  • When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge.
  • Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
  • Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
  • Enjoy travel without foreign transaction fees from American Express with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
  • Terms and limitations apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

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Final Thoughts

In case you missed it, Southwest Airlines is rolling out major brand changes soon. From eliminating its generous 2-free-checked-bag policy to introducing assigned seating, it’s understandable that its most loyal flyers are disgruntled by the changes ahead.

That said, Delta is swooping in and offering a unique status match opportunity that may convince you to switch your loyalty. Just be sure to submit your application before the deadline of September 30, 2025, to get 3 months of free status.

Featured Image Credit: Alberto Riva
Stella Shon's image

About Stella Shon

With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in The New York Times, USA Today, and more.

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