Delta now allows elite status reclaim after 'life-changing' events

There’s nothing worse than losing hard-fought frequent flyer status due to an unforeseeable life-changing event and Delta Air Lines now allows Medallion SkyMiles members to do something about it. Delta’s Reclaim My Status program is aimed at members who have seen their status lost or reduced after has been interrupted by events such as becoming a parent, recovering from an illness or injury and caring for a family member. Other potential reasons include changing jobs or careers or getting a degree. READ: Dreamliners replace Qantas jumbos on Sydney-San Francisco The airline says each situation will be evaluated on a one-on-one basis and members who have suffered a loss or change of status need to be ready to resume their traveling when they to file a claim. It advises applicants to make sure they’re ready to travel before they submit their request and says it will typically be reviewed within five business days but warns it could take up to two weeks. They will need to have documentation to verify that the event that led to the change occurred and if approved will be returned to their original status free of charge for three months. To extend that status beyond the three months they will need to meet the minimum travel and spend threshold for their particular tier. This varies according to the tier but starts with 6250 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs)  or eight Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) for silver to 31,250 MQMs or 35 MQs for Diamond. When you enroll in the program also makes a difference. Doing it on or before December 31, 2019, will see your status extended through January 31, 2021 — assuming you meet the threshold. Do it after January 1, 2020, and those who meet the threshold will see their status extended to January 31, 2022. “Getting back into travel after a big change can be stressful, and this is one more way we're showing Medallion Members that we are here for them when they need it," said Delta senior vice president Sandeep Dube. "Loyalty is a two-way street and as a leading consumer brand, we are always looking for new ways to take care of our customers."