Back in February I posted, including a quote from Delta Vacations stating that since they use consolidator fares at times they would not qualify for MQDs or Medallion Qualifying Dollars.
However there has been a great change. I received the following today:
“Travel professionals booking through Delta Vacations can now earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) for their clients on all fares including published and unpublished. Delta Vacations is the only tour operator to offer travel professionals and their clients the ability to earn all Medallion qualification thresholds on published and unpublished Delta fares in addition to earning redeemable miles. These include MQDs along with Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) based on distance flown and Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) based on segments flown. Delta SkyMiles customers earn Medallion status through a combination of MQMs for miles flown or MQSs for segments flown and their annual spending on Delta flights, which is measured by MQDs. For more information, please visit Delta’s SkyMiles Medallion Program site.” – Albert Snedeker, MLT Vacations
This is a good enhancement for a change and news I know many have been waiting for! And, when we look at the fact that under Skymiles2015, there can be times that consolidator fares will earn MORE Skymiles, this makes booking via Delta Vacations a solid option again. I also confirmed it is not ONLY for “Travel Professional” but for consumers who book as well.
There is also additional info from readers that you can request missing MQD credits for this year but YMMV. It is at least worth a try if you have missed out on some credits in 2014.- René
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It still doesn’t say how they would separate the airfare from the package price.
“Travel professionals booking through Delta Vacations can now earn MQDs for their clients” – that sounds like it’s very specific to travel agent bookings, but doesn’t say anything about direct end-customer bookings. Not sure why or how they’d be different, but that’s very specific and strange wording.
@Erik – please see post as I CONFIRMED consumers also can get credit!
Rene,
Thanks for this. I would be curious to hear if you, or anyone, has ever used Delta Vacations. How was the process and was it a good deal? I tend to do all the leg work myself, and have only used AMX travel services once.
Sam
@Sam – for me, I am now thinking about a cruise vacation and bundle in air via Delta etc. in 2015 as I see this as a good chance to earn even MORE points now.
Rene,
So I take it that you feel the price offered for the cruise, thru Delta, is a good price, and the added bonus of MqMs and MQDs is a good bonus? Let us know how the process goes, as well as the cost going through Delta Vacations as opposed to doing the bookings yourself.
Sam
@Sam – they often have good Skymiles bonus point deals and pricing can be good. At least worth looking at now!
Any chance this means that SkyBonus points will also be awarded for Delta Vacation packages?
Up front – I own a retail travel agency. A lot of times Delta Vacations has better airfares than straight to the carrier – especially in business class to Europe. Also you can buy a cancel for any reason insurance so a non-refundable ticket now becomes refundable. AND you can pay a deposit and then final payment generally 30 days before departure (vs. all at once). Minimum land purchase – rental car or a few days hotel. The math works a lot of the time (and bonus miles and MQDs!)
My $.02
We use DVs and are pleased with the rates. VERY glad to hear that DVs will earn MQDs. It would be nice to see what they earn as you book them. Thanks RENE for confirming this.