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

Steve Creedy

By Steve Creedy Thu May 9, 2019

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."  

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport
Airline News

NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why
Airline News

This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation
Airline News

LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation

Feb 18, 2026

Josh Wood
Why Emirates built its airline around two aircraft - and why that’s changing
Airline News

Why Emirates built its airline around two aircraft - and why that’s changing

Feb 13, 2026

Nicholas Ling

Featured articles

View more
NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport
Airline News

NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
This review proves that low cost carriers aren't always cheaper: AirAsia X vs Malaysia Airlines long haul
Airline News

This review proves that low cost carriers aren't always cheaper: AirAsia X vs Malaysia Airlines long haul

Feb 12, 2026

Airline Ratings
This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why
Airline News

This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
Arik Air B737 diverts after engine failure mid-flight
Airline News

Arik Air B737 diverts after engine failure mid-flight

Feb 12, 2026

Josh Wood