Frequent flyers know that earning elite airline status isn’t just about flying miles—it’s also about spending. For Delta Air Lines, Medallion status is determined by Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), a key metric based on how much you spend with Delta and its partners. If you’re aiming for Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Medallion status, understanding your MQD progress is crucial. That’s where the Delta MQD Calculator comes into play.
Delta Mqd Calculator
What Is Delta MQD?
Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) are a spending-based metric used by Delta Air Lines to determine your eligibility for Medallion Status. MQDs are calculated based on the money you spend on eligible Delta flights, partner flights, and certain travel-related purchases.
As of 2024 and beyond, Delta has overhauled how MQDs are earned. Now, MQDs are accrued not only through airfare but also through eligible credit card spending and SkyMiles co-branded American Express purchases.
Why Use a Delta MQD Calculator?
Tracking MQDs manually can be frustrating, especially with changing rules and multiple spending channels. The Delta MQD Calculator simplifies the process by letting you:
- ✅ Estimate MQDs earned from Delta and partner flights
- ✅ Track progress toward Medallion status levels
- ✅ Calculate MQDs from credit card spending
- ✅ Determine how much more you need to spend to reach elite status
- ✅ Plan your travel more efficiently
How to Use the Delta MQD Calculator
The calculator allows you to input several types of data depending on how you earn MQDs. Here’s how to use it step by step:
1. Select Your Earning Method
Choose between:
- Delta-operated flight spending
- Partner airline travel (based on distance and fare class)
- Delta co-branded credit card spending
2. Input Total Spend or Flight Data
- If you flew with Delta, enter the total fare amount (excluding taxes/fees).
- If you flew with a partner airline, enter:
- Total distance flown (in miles)
- Fare class
- Fare paid (if applicable)
3. Enter Credit Card Spend (if applicable)
- Some Delta Amex cards allow MQD waivers or MQD earnings based on card spending. Input your annual card spend.
4. Select Your Desired Medallion Tier
Choose the elite status you’re targeting (e.g., Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond) to compare your current MQD total with the requirement.
5. View Your MQD Estimate
The calculator instantly shows:
- Total MQDs earned
- MQDs remaining for your target tier
- Projected Medallion qualification
Formula for Delta MQD Calculation
The calculator uses the following formulas depending on your earning method:
For Delta Flights:
MQDs = Base Fare + Carrier-imposed surcharges
For Partner Flights:
MQDs = Distance flown × Fare class multiplier × Base fare factor
Common fare class multipliers (approximate):
- Business/First: 40%
- Premium Economy: 25%
- Economy: 10%
Note: Actual earnings may vary based on ticketing carrier, fare type, and class.
For Credit Card Spend (Delta Amex):
- Some Delta Amex cards offer MQD boosts (e.g., $1 MQD per $10–20 spent)
- Cards may also offer MQD waivers for high spend thresholds (e.g., $25,000/year)
Example Calculation
Let’s walk through a real-world scenario:
- Flight type: Delta round-trip
- Base fare: $550
- Surcharges: $100
- Partner flight: 3,000 miles flown, economy fare
- Credit card spend: $15,000 on a qualifying Amex card
Calculation:
- Delta Flight MQDs:
$550 (fare) + $100 (surcharge) = $650 MQDs - Partner Flight MQDs:
3,000 miles × 0.10 (economy) = 300 MQDs - Credit Card MQDs (assuming $20 = 1 MQD):
$15,000 ÷ $20 = 750 MQDs
Total MQDs Earned: 650 + 300 + 750 = 1,700 MQDs
If you’re aiming for Silver Medallion (e.g., 5,000 MQDs), you’d still need 3,300 more MQDs.
Medallion Status Levels and MQD Requirements (as of 2024+)
| Status Level | MQDs Required |
|---|---|
| Silver Medallion | 5,000 MQDs |
| Gold Medallion | 10,000 MQDs |
| Platinum | 15,000 MQDs |
| Diamond | 28,000 MQDs |
Requirements may vary over time—check the latest with Delta.
Tips for Earning MQDs Faster
- Fly premium classes on Delta or partners.
- Book directly through Delta instead of third parties.
- Use Delta Amex cards for MQD boosts and waivers.
- Bundle trips into higher fare tickets rather than booking bare-minimum flights.
- Watch for Delta promos that offer bonus MQDs on flights or spending.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does MQD stand for?
Medallion Qualification Dollars, a Delta SkyMiles metric based on qualifying spend.
2. What does the Delta MQD Calculator do?
It estimates how many MQDs you’ve earned and how many you need for Medallion status.
3. How are MQDs calculated?
From airfare, surcharges, partner flights, and eligible credit card spending.
4. Does tax count toward MQDs?
No, only base fare and carrier-imposed fees count—not government taxes.
5. How many MQDs do I need for Silver Medallion?
Typically, 5,000 MQDs are needed for Silver status.
6. Do partner airline flights count?
Yes, but the calculation is based on fare class, distance, and specific rules.
7. What if I use miles to book?
Award tickets generally don’t earn MQDs, unless specified in promotions.
8. Can I earn MQDs on credit card spend?
Yes, certain Delta Amex cards allow MQD boosts or waivers with spending thresholds.
9. Do Delta Basic Economy fares earn MQDs?
Yes, but at a lower rate and with reduced SkyMiles benefits.
10. Can I earn MQDs through partner airlines like KLM or Air France?
Yes, but the MQDs earned vary based on the fare class and distance.
11. Is there a way to waive MQDs?
Yes, high spend on eligible Delta credit cards may waive MQD requirements for lower tiers.
12. Can I earn MQDs from checked baggage or seat upgrades?
Only if those charges are part of the original ticket purchase.
13. How often should I update my MQD totals?
Every time you fly, book a trip, or spend on your Delta credit card.
14. Does the calculator work for international flights?
Yes, you can input international distances and fares for partner flights.
15. Can I calculate MQDs retroactively?
Yes, input data from past flights to estimate how much you earned.
16. Are MQDs and SkyMiles the same?
No. MQDs track status progress, while SkyMiles are redeemable for flights and rewards.
17. Do MQDs expire?
MQDs reset at the beginning of each calendar year.
18. Can I share MQDs with others?
No. MQDs are individual and can’t be transferred.
19. Do Amex Platinum or Gold (non-Delta) cards earn MQDs?
Only co-branded Delta Amex cards earn MQDs or offer waivers.
20. Can I use the calculator on mobile devices?
Yes, the Delta MQD Calculator is optimized for use on phones and tablets.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about achieving Delta Medallion Status, tracking your MQDs is just as important as booking flights. The Delta MQD Calculator is the easiest and most efficient way to understand your progress, adjust your travel plans, and ensure you’re on the right track to elite perks like upgrades, free bags, and Sky Club access.