What Is Delta Silver Medallion Status? A Complete Guide

Do you fly frequently with Delta Airlines? Wondering if there is a way to get better seats and more savings on flights without paying extra? If so, Delta has a program that rewards regular travelers with multiple benefits. One of the standout features of this is “Delta Silver Medallion status,” which is part of the SkyMiles loyalty program.

In 2025, passengers can earn Silver Medallion status by flying with Delta and spending a set amount of money. Once a traveler is qualified, they will get faster service and extra perks during the trip.

In this guide, you will learn how to qualify for Silver Medallion. What benefits come with it, and how to get the most out of the status when traveling with Delta. So, keep reading to find out more.

What is Delta Silver Medallion Status?

Silver Medallion status is the first level of elite membership in the Delta Air Lines loyalty program. It gives travelers special perks like free checked bags, early boarding, and the chance to get free seat upgrades. Passengers can get this by flying with a Delta flight and spending a particular amount on the tickets.
Delta offers four Medallion tiers:

• Silver
• Gold
• Platinum
• Diamond

Note: Silver Medallion gets the passengers the priority upgrade list, even if they don’t fly every week.

How To Get a Delta Silver Medallion in 2025?

To earn Delta Silver Medallion, travelers must spend $5,000 in Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) in a calendar year. MQDs track the money spent on Delta flights, partner flights, vacation packages, or eligible Delta co‑branded credit cards.

Ways to Earn MQDs:

• Buying flights operated by Delta or SkyTeam partners.
• Booking Delta vacation packages (flight + hotel).
• Using a Delta SkyMiles American Express card, which gives extra MQDs for everyday spending.

How Much Does a Delta Silver Medallion Cost?

Delta Silver Medallion status cannot be bought directly. To get it, passengers have to spend $5,000 in one year. However, with a Delta Platinum or Reserve Amex card, you get a 2,500 MQD boost at the start, which means you will only need to earn the remaining $2,500.

Note: There is no flat fee or shortcut to buy the status. You must reach the required spending through travel or card use.

What Are the Benefits of Delta Silver Medallion Status?

The Delta Airlines Silver Medallion offers multiple advantages to the members, and makes the flying experience easier. However, if you have a membership, get the following perks:

• One Free Checked Bag: Earn 1 complimentary bag on Delta flights.
• Free Seat Upgrades: Updates to First Class or Comfort Plus when available.
• Preferred Seats for Free: Choose better Main Cabin seats without extra cost.
• Priority Boarding: Board earlier (Zone 2) for easy access to a seat and overhead space.
• No Same-Day Change Fees: Reschedule flights on the day of scheduled departure without paying charges.
• SkyTeam Elite Perks: Get benefits like early check-in and boarding on SkyTeam partner airlines.
• Priority Airport Services: Enjoy faster check-in lines and customer service at the airport.
• Hertz Car Rental Perks: Get Hertz Five Star® Status, which includes:

1. Free upgrades (when available).
2. Skip-the-line service.
3. Bonus points and faster rentals.

These benefits can save money on flights and provide a better travel experience, even if you only fly a few times a year.

Do Silver Medallion Members Get Free Upgrades?

Yes, passengers will get the complimentary flight upgrades, but with limits. Delta offers unlimited complimentary upgrades to Silver Medallion members, but it will be placed behind Diamond, Platinum, and Gold in the upgrade queue.

Delta Upgrade Types:

• First Class: Cleared 24 hours before departure.
• Delta Comfort+: Cleared shortly after ticketing.
• Delta One (only on select U.S. routes): Silver is not eligible.

Does Silver Medallion Include Sky Club Lounge Access?

No, Silver Medallion does not include free Delta Sky Club access. Lounge entry is available for Gold, Platinum, and Diamond members. However, members can still get it by buying a day pass or flying in First Class or Delta One. By doing so, passengers might get lounge access.

For free access, a higher status is required, a Sky Club membership, or a qualifying credit cards, like: Amex Platinum or Delta Reserve Amex.

How Long Does Silver Medallion Status Last?

Delta Silver Medallion membership remains valid from the date it is earned until January 31 of the following year. For example, if $5,000 MQDs are reached in July 2025, it will be used till January 31, 2027. This allows extra time to use the benefits, even when the status is achieved earlier in the year.

Is Delta Silver Medallion Worth It?

Whether Silver Medallion status is worth using depends on flying status. If a passenger flies with Delta Airlines a few times a year, then it can help save money and make the trips more comfortable. However, it is useful in the following situations:

• You check bags often (1 free bag = ~$35 savings per flight).
• You want a chance at free upgrades, even if rare.
• You value early boarding and better seat options.

It May Not Be Worth It if:

• You rarely fly Delta.
• You mainly fly on Basic Economy tickets (many benefits excluded).

What’s the Difference Between Silver and Gold Medallion?

Note: Gold gets you better perks and higher upgrade chances, but it requires $10,000 MQDs, double that of Silver.

How To Maximize Silver Medallion Benefits?

Delta Silver Medallion gives some good travel benefits. To get the most from it, use the perks smartly and plan the trips well. Here are some tips to get the most value:

• Use a Delta credit card to reach MQDs faster.
• Book early flights for better upgrade chances.
• Avoid Basic Economy as it limits benefits.
• Fly Delta partners (like Air France, KLM) to earn more MQDs.
• Track your MQD progress via the Fly Delta app.

Final Thoughts

Delta Silver Medallion is an entry-level elite status. It doesn’t offer luxury perks like lounge access or guaranteed upgrades, but it does offer travel savings and a more comfortable flying experience, especially for those flying Delta just a few times per year.

If you’re already flying with Delta and spending around $5,000 annually, reaching Silver Medallion is well worth the effort.