Editor's note: Big changes are coming to Delta's SkyMiles program in 2024, including how members can earn elite status. The carrier will also be cutting back Sky Club lounge access. Read more on these upcoming changes here.

Delta Air Lines, a U.S.-based airline, carries roughly 200 million flyers annually, with more than 4,000 daily flights to about 275 destinations across six continents. Like most airlines, the more you fly with Delta or one of its partners, the more benefits you can earn through its SkyMiles loyalty program.

Delta allows its passengers to earn one of four elite status tiers — Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion and Diamond Medallion. Gold Medallion is the second status tier after Silver Medallion, the entry-level tier.

Let’s look at Delta Gold Medallion benefits, ways to achieve this mid-tier status, how much the elite status is worth and more.

Changes to Gold Medallion status in 2023

In October 2022, Delta announced significant changes to its elite status program for 2023. The status level most greatly affected by the changes is Gold Medallion.

To qualify for this status level in 2024, flyers must spend 33% more than in years prior — $8,000 instead of $6,000. This is on top of flying the necessary qualifying segments to also earn Gold Medallion.

Members also now have the ability to pay for checked baggage fees with SkyMiles.

Delta Gold Medallion benefits

Delta Gold Medallion perks include:

Bonus earnings on rewards: As a Gold Medallion member, you’ll earn eight redeemable SkyMiles per dollar spent on Delta flights, minus government taxes and fees.

Dedicated phone line: Receive priority when calling Delta customer service in the U.S.

Delta Vacations savings: Save up to $350 on qualifying Delta Vacations packages.

Discounted Clear membership: Because of the Delta-Clear partnership, Gold Medallion flyers can get Clear for $149 per year (rather than the regular price of $189).

Drink vouchers: Receive four complimentary drink vouchers for use on Delta flights.

Expedited baggage service: Your bag receives special treatment and arrives at the carousel before other passengers’ bags.

Free trial of Instacart: Receive three months of free Instacart membership.

Priority boarding: Board a Delta plane in the Sky Priority group (after Comfort Plus passengers and before Main Cabin 1).

Priority check-in: Access to Sky Priority lanes at the airport.

Priority security line access: Get in a frequent traveler security line at select U.S. airports.

Reclaim My Status: If you lose your status due to a life event that pauses your travel, you can fly for three months at your previous status tier and then requalify for the following year.

Rollover benefits: If you earn more Medallion Qualification Miles than needed to qualify for any status tier, the extra miles will roll over to the next year to help you qualify for status faster.

SkyTeam lounge access: Enter over 750 SkyTeam airport lounges worldwide as a SkyTeam Elite Plus member.

SkyTeam status: Delta Gold Medallion members receive Elite Plus status when flying with SkyTeam alliance carriers.

Status in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program: Enjoy complimentary Five Star status with Hertz.

Unlimited complimentary upgrades: Get upgraded to Delta Comfort Plus or first class when available, with upgrades clearing up to 72 hours before departure. Upgrades to Delta One on domestic routes are also possible on the day of departure, depending on seat availability.

Waived baggage fees: Check your first bag for free on Delta flights (for up to nine passengers traveling on the same reservation).

Waived same-day change/confirmed fees: Change your ticket to another flight on the original day of departure for free (available 24 hours before departure time).

How to earn Gold Medallion Delta status

Reaching Medallion elite status with Delta requires some work — and spending — on your part.

Earning Delta Gold Medallion status includes completing both of these requirements:

Earn 50,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or 60 Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs).

Spend $8,000 MQDs Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) or $25,000 on an eligible Delta credit card.

Here’s a closer look at how to get to Delta Gold Medallion elite status.

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Earn MQMs or MQSs

When you fly Delta or partner airlines, you earn MQMs or MQSs. To qualify for Delta Gold Medallion status, you must fly 50,000 MQMs or 60 MQSs.

Miles earned are a combination of the total miles flown and your fare class. Segments represent the number of flights flown. So, for example, if you fly from Houston to Atlanta to Boston, you’d earn two MQSs.

When planning your travel, remember that flying Basic Economy won’t earn you MQMs or MQSs.