Status: checked against official sources; automated independent review
GUIDE
How to use Delta SkyMiles upgrades and priority
Delta SkyMiles upgrades are cabin upgrades available through Delta Air Lines' SkyMiles programme, and Delta gives Diamond Medallion members the highest complimentary upgrade priority among its four Medallion tiers [2]. Delta lists unlimited complimentary upgrades as a Medallion benefit, with the published cabin benefit covering Delta First and Delta Comfort and excluding Delta Basic experiences [2] [3].
Facts checked: 18 October 2026
Key takeaways
- Delta presents unlimited complimentary upgrades as a Medallion benefit; Diamond Medallion carries the highest complimentary upgrade priority [2].
- The published cabin benefit is for Delta First and Delta Comfort and excludes Delta Basic experiences [3].
- Medallion status is earned through MQDs, with 2026 thresholds ranging from $5,000 for Silver to $28,000 for Diamond [2].
- Paid premium upgrades can earn MQDs, while complimentary access to the same cabins does not [2].
What upgrade options does Delta SkyMiles publish for Medallion members?
Delta's Medallion overview lists unlimited complimentary upgrades as a Medallion benefit and repeats unlimited complimentary upgrades on the Silver, Gold and Platinum tier descriptions [2]. The SkyMiles overview describes the cabin benefit as unlimited complimentary upgrades to Delta First and Delta Comfort, with Delta Basic experiences excluded [3].
Delta also sells paid premium class upgrades. Purchases of Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta First, Delta Comfort and Preferred Seats made through a Delta channel — including delta.com, the Fly Delta app, Delta Reservations, Delta kiosks and select airport locations — are eligible to earn MQDs [2].
SkyMiles miles can also be used for day-of-travel perks such as seat upgrades and checked bags, and Miles + Cash lets members use a combination of miles and dollars [3]. SkyMiles miles do not expire [3].
How does Medallion status affect Delta upgrade priority?
Delta has four Medallion tiers: Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Silver [2]. Diamond Medallion is described as offering the highest Complimentary Upgrade priority among those tiers [2].
Medallion Status is calculated annually from Medallion Qualification Dollars, or MQDs, earned during a Qualification Year that runs from January 1 to December 31 [2]. Delta publishes these MQD thresholds for 2026 Medallion Status, as of 18 October 2026 [2]:
| Medallion tier | MQDs required |
|---|---|
| Silver | $5,000 |
| Gold | $10,000 |
| Platinum | $15,000 |
| Diamond | $28,000 |
MQDs are based on spend on Delta-marketed flights in Delta Main Classic or above, including base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges but excluding government-imposed taxes and fees [2]. The MQD balance resets to zero on or about January 1 each year, and MQDs do not roll over [2].
Which Delta fares and airports change upgrade eligibility?
Delta Main Basic (Basic Economy) tickets are not eligible for earning miles in the SkyMiles Program or for earning credit toward Medallion and Million Miler Status [2]. Delta separately states that Delta Main Basic tickets do not earn miles [3]. The complimentary upgrade benefit excludes Delta Basic experiences [3].
A paid Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta First or Delta Comfort upgrade, or a Preferred Seat, bought through a Delta channel earns MQDs, while complimentary access to those cabins and seats does not [2]. If Delta cannot accommodate a member in a purchased Delta Comfort seat, paid premium upgrade or Preferred Seat, the purchase is refunded and no MQDs are awarded [2].
The airport rule is specific. If a member buys a Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta First or Delta Comfort paid upgrade or Preferred Seat at Amsterdam (AMS) or Paris (CDG) for a Delta-operated flight, the member will not earn miles or MQDs [2].
What are the exceptions and limits?
- Delta Basic experiences are excluded from the complimentary upgrade benefit [3].
- MQDs have no cash value and are not redeemable for Award Travel or other SkyMiles redemptions [2].
- MQDs do not extend or roll over from year to year, and the balance resets on or about January 1 [2].
- Complimentary access to Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta First, Delta Comfort and Preferred Seats does not earn MQDs [2].
- If a member voluntarily changes a flight or seat selection after buying a seat, the original seat purchase is not refunded and no MQDs are awarded [2].
- The AMS and CDG exception is limited to airport purchases for Delta-operated flights [2].
Frequently asked questions
Do Delta Medallion members get complimentary upgrades?
Delta lists unlimited complimentary upgrades as a Medallion benefit, and the published cabin benefit covers Delta First and Delta Comfort while excluding Delta Basic experiences [2] [3].
Who has the highest Delta upgrade priority?
Diamond Medallion is described as offering the highest Complimentary Upgrade priority among Delta's Medallion tiers [2].
Are Delta Basic tickets eligible for complimentary upgrades?
No. Delta's published complimentary upgrade benefit excludes Delta Basic experiences [3], and Delta Main Basic tickets do not earn miles or MQDs [2].
Do paid Delta upgrades earn status credit?
Paid Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta First and Delta Comfort upgrades bought through a Delta channel earn MQDs, but airport purchases at Amsterdam or Paris for Delta-operated flights do not [2].
Do complimentary upgrades earn MQDs?
No. Delta says MQDs are not awarded for complimentary access to Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta First, Delta Comfort and Preferred Seats [2].
Sources
Sources accessed on 18 October 2026. This guide covers Delta SkyMiles only; other programmes, including United MileagePlus, American Airlines AAdvantage and Alaska Mileage Plan, are not covered here.
- Delta Medallion Program overview, checked 18 October 2026
- Delta SkyMiles programme overview, checked 18 October 2026