One of the most well-liked reward programs in the airline sector among frequent travelers is Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Medallion Program. The program offers several levels of elite status, each with increasing privileges, and is intended to reward frequent Delta travelers. Silver Medallion, the program’s entry-level tier, may be the least elite level, but it still has valuable benefits that can significantly improve your trip.
What Is Delta Silver Medallion?
The SkyMiles Medallion Program’s initial elite status level is the Delta Silver Medallion. It is positioned below the Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion categories and somewhat above the standard SkyMiles membership. It is intended for passengers who fly with Delta on a semi-regular basis and would like to experience elite benefits without having to fulfill the high travel requirements for upper-tier status.
Despite being the beginning level, Silver Medallion offers a number of worthwhile perks, including bonus miles, free checked baggage, and free upgrades.
How to Qualify for Silver Medallion?
To achieve Silver Medallion status, you need to meet Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) thresholds. As of 2024, here’s what you need:
- $5,000 MQDs in a calendar year
MQDs are earned based on how much money you spend on Delta-marketed flights and certain partner flights. In addition to flights, some credit card spending also contributes toward MQD waivers or boosts.
Earning via Credit Card Spend
You can be eligible for a Medallion Qualification Dollar waiver if you possess specific Delta SkyMiles American Express cards, such as the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum or Reserve cards. Although this benefit structure may change in future program revisions, Silver status allows you to avoid the MQD requirement by spending $25,000 or more on an eligible card in a calendar year.
Top Benefits of Delta Silver Medallion
Despite being the base tier, Silver Medallion status comes with a surprisingly valuable set of perks that can save money and make your travels smoother.
1. Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades
Silver Medallion members are eligible for complimentary upgrades to First Class and Delta Comfort+ on most domestic and select short-haul international flights. These upgrades begin clearing 24 hours before departure, subject to availability.
2. First Checked Bag Free
You and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation can check one bag for free on Delta-operated flights. This benefit alone can save $60 per person on a round trip, making it especially valuable for families or group travel.
3. Priority Boarding
Silver Medallion members board in Zone 5 (Sky Priority), allowing earlier access to overhead bin space and more time to settle in before takeoff.
4. 7x Miles Earning Rate
While general SkyMiles members earn 5 miles per dollar spent on Delta tickets, Silver Medallion members enjoy a 7x miles earning rate, helping them rack up miles for award travel faster.
5. Preferred Seats Access
You’ll get complimentary access to Preferred Seats, which are typically toward the front of the Main Cabin and offer easier boarding and quicker deplaning.
6. Priority Check-In and Baggage Handling
Silver Medallion members can use Sky Priority check-in lines and receive priority baggage service, which can cut down on wait times at the airport.
7. Waived Same-Day Standby Fees
Want to catch an earlier flight? As a Silver Medallion member, you can stand by for same-day flights at no extra charge, though confirmed same-day changes may still carry a fee.
8. CLEAR® Plus Discount
Silver Medallion members receive a discount on CLEAR® Plus membership, which provides expedited identity verification and faster access through security lines.
9. SkyTeam Elite Recognition
Your Silver Medallion status extends to SkyTeam Elite status, granting you priority check-in, boarding, and preferred seating on SkyTeam partner airlines like Air France, KLM, and Korean Air.
Is Silver Medallion Worth It?
While it doesn’t offer the luxury perks of the higher Medallion tiers—like lounge access or international upgrade certificates—Silver Medallion is still a valuable status for many travelers. The free checked bag, upgrade potential, and bonus miles alone can more than offset the effort needed to qualify.
If you’re a semi-frequent flyer or someone who uses a Delta SkyMiles American Express card regularly, achieving Silver Medallion status can be a great way to get more from your travels without committing to dozens of flights each year.
Delta silver medallion benefits
1.Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades
- Eligible Upgrades: First Class, Delta Comfort+, and (in rare cases) Delta One (on select domestic routes).
- Upgrade Window: Clears starting 24 hours before departure, subject to availability.
- Companions: One travel companion on the same reservation is also eligible for complimentary upgrades.
2. Free Checked Bags
- First checked bag is free on Delta- and Delta Connection-operated flights.
- Applies to you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation.
- Saves up to $60 per person round trip.
3. Priority Boarding
- Board in Zone 5, ahead of the Main Cabin.
- Better chance of securing overhead bin space and getting settled early.
4. Preferred Seats Access
- Complimentary access to Preferred Seats, often near the front of the Main Cabin.
- Can be selected at booking or check-in, subject to availability.
5. Priority Check-In and Baggage Handling
- Use Sky Priority® check-in lanes at select airports.
- Your luggage receives priority handling, helping it arrive faster at baggage claim.
6. Bonus SkyMiles Earning
- Earn 7 miles per dollar (base fare + carrier-imposed surcharges) on Delta flights.
- Compared to 5x earning for general SkyMiles members.
7. Same-Day Flight Changes
- Standby for same-day flights at no extra cost.
- Confirmed same-day changes may incur a fee, unless waived under specific fare types.
8. Discounted CLEAR® Membership
- Preferred rate on CLEAR® Plus, which speeds up identity verification at TSA checkpoints.
- As of 2024, discounted rate for Silver Medallion members is $149/year (regularly $189/year).
9. SkyTeam Elite Status
- Recognized as a SkyTeam Elite member when flying with Delta’s global airline partners.
- Benefits include:
- Priority check-in
- Preferred seating
- Priority boarding
- Additional baggage allowance (varies by airline)
10. Waived Baggage Overweight Fees (First Bag)
- For domestic flights, your first checked bag can weigh up to 70 lbs (32 kg) at no extra cost.
11. Dedicated Customer Service Line
- Access to a dedicated Silver Medallion customer service phone line for faster support.
12. Rollover MQMs (if earned before 2024)
- If you earned Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) before Delta’s 2024 program updates, unused MQMs might have rolled over or converted into MQDs or MQM boosters (check your SkyMiles account).
Final Thoughts
Delta Silver Medallion status represents a meaningful step up from general SkyMiles membership. Even though it’s the base tier in Delta’s Medallion hierarchy, the perks can lead to tangible savings and convenience. Whether you’re an occasional business traveler, a loyal Delta customer, or someone leveraging a co-branded credit card, Silver Medallion can add noticeable value to your travel experience.
If you’re close to qualifying or considering pursuing elite status, Silver Medallion is a great place to start. As you rack up more miles and spending, it can also serve as a stepping stone to higher levels like Gold, Platinum, or even Diamond Medallion.
