Delta Air Lines has recently introduced a status match offer aimed at elite members of Southwest Airlines, following the latter’s recent program revamp. For those Southwest Rapid Rewards customers who may be dissatisfied with these changes, Delta’s SkyMiles program is offering a limited-time status match specifically designed for A-List and A-List Preferred members. This allows them to temporarily match their status to Gold Medallion and Platinum Medallion statuses, respectively—both of which are a tier above the typical matches available with Southwest elite status.
This initiative is reminiscent of American Airlines’ AAdvantage status match program, which is also available for Southwest elite members.
If you’re seeking a little extra “luv” from your airline, here’s how to seize Delta SkyMiles’ attractive status match opportunity.
Related: Your complete guide to airline status matches and challenges in 2025
Gain Delta Status Quickly as a Southwest Elite
Southwest Airlines qualifies for Delta’s Medallion status match challenge. Generally, A-List members receive a match to Delta’s lowest elite tier, Silver Medallion, while A-List Preferred members get matched to Gold Medallion status.
However, for a limited time, Delta is enhancing this offer for Southwest elite members. If you apply for a status match by September 30, you can potentially elevate your Southwest A-List status to Gold Medallion status and your A-List Preferred to Platinum Medallion.
To participate in Delta’s status match, visit this page and provide evidence of your current status. Eligibility requires that your status be earned rather than received through a promotional offer.
Additionally, you must be enrolled in SkyMiles for at least 30 days prior to applying for the status match. You also need to have flown on at least one Delta-marketed flight in a fare class above basic economy in the last three years while being a SkyMiles member.
Upon approval for the status match, you will receive complimentary Medallion status for 90 days, starting within 24 hours after your confirmation email. You can extend your Delta status by accumulating the required number of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) during this complimentary period:
- Silver: 1,250 MQDs
- Gold: 2,500 MQDs
- Platinum: 3,750 MQDs
While there are multiple avenues to earn MQDs, not all are applicable for this status match. MQDs earned from Delta-operated flights and eligible SkyMiles partner flights will count, as well as MQDs accrued through Delta co-branded credit cards, like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Platinum cardholders earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent, while Reserve cardholders earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent.
Moreover, a Delta representative confirmed that “MQDs earned through the MQD Headstart benefit from an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card will count toward MQDs for this status match offer, provided the eligible card is acquired and MQDs are deposited during this limited-time offer.” This provision specifically applies to the status match for Southwest elite members and does not extend to other programs.
Should you fulfill the necessary requirements within your 90-day complimentary status period, you will be designated the applicable status level through January 31, 2027. This offers over a year of valuable Medallion status for a fraction of the typical MQDs needed; for comparison, Delta generally requires 10,000 MQDs and 15,000 MQDs for Gold and Platinum Medallion statuses, respectively.
These statuses come with substantial benefits, including complimentary seat upgrades, free checked luggage, and SkyTeam lounge access. For further details on the benefits of Delta Medallion status, check out our guide.
While Delta’s status match offer will run until the year’s end, the special offer for Southwest elite members concludes on September 30. Before applying, consider your travel plans for 2025 and choose the timing of your status match application to maximize your potential MQDs and the likelihood of extending your status.
Related: Delta Sky Club access has become more restrictive: Ways to visit the lounge with credit cards, elite status, and more
Final Thoughts
Delta SkyMiles’ status match offer provides an attractive opportunity for those looking to shift their loyalty from another airline, and Southwest elite members can achieve a higher status tier if they enroll by September 30.
However, if Delta doesn’t align with your travel needs, consider AAdvantage’s similar status match offer available through June 30. Also, keep an eye on potential further status match promotions targeting Southwest elite members—other airlines may soon follow suit.
