Delta 360 Status: What It Is and How to Qualify for the Exclusive Invite-Only Elite Tier

While Diamond Medallion is the highest published tier for Delta Air Lines, it's not the ultimate status available to the airline's most loyal passengers.

Along with top-tier levels like American Airlines' AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Delta's Diamond Medallion, and United Airlines' Premier 1K, all three major U.S. carriers offer a rarer, even more exclusive level of status for their highest spenders.

Delta 360 is Delta's ultra-exclusive, invite-only tier for its most dedicated frequent flyers, similar to American Airlines' Concierge Key and United's Global Services.

Curious? Let's explore what Delta 360 has to offer and why it's so coveted.

What Is Delta 360 Status All About?

As explained by Delta, "Delta 360° is an exclusive, invitation-only membership for our most dedicated SkyMiles members. It provides access to the airline's top-tier benefits and services, reserved for the most elite SkyMiles members. For 2024, Delta 360° invitations will be extended to a select few Diamond Medallion Members based on factors like flight activity, premium class purchases (Delta One®, Delta Premium Select, First Class), and spending on Delta SkyMiles® American Express Cards."

Benefits of Delta 360 Status

An invitation-only, elite status in the Delta SkyMiles program might seem like it includes all the perks of Diamond Medallion status, plus even more exclusive benefits.

Delta 360 stands apart in that, while it provides premium benefits, it doesn't include the typical Medallion status perks. This might sound restrictive, but keep in mind that most members invited to this elite tier are already likely to hold Diamond Medallion status due to their substantial annual spending with the airline.

That said, Delta 360 offers some exclusive perks not available to other status members.

Delta Sky Club Executive Membership

The Delta Sky Club Executive Membership is an invaluable benefit for frequent travelers who enjoy sharing the experience with family, friends, or colleagues. It grants unlimited access to Delta Sky Clubs for the member and up to two guests per visit, perfect for spontaneous invites or post-flight socializing.

The Delta Sky Club Executive Membership typically costs $1,495 when purchased directly.

Alternatively, Diamond Medallion members can redeem two of their Choice Benefits to receive this membership for free. However, since Diamond Medallion members are only allowed to select three Choice Benefits, it's a steep trade-off.

Exclusive VIP Phone Line with Top-Tier Agents

While Delta's standard elite tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion) offer priority phone support, with more experienced agents for higher tiers, Delta 360 members enjoy direct access to a dedicated VIP phone line—essentially a personal assistant. This line provides 24/7 access to the airline's best agents.

These agents have the power to bypass red tape and take necessary actions to assist Delta 360 members during disruptions like weather delays. They're also more flexible when it comes to bending the rules, allowing members to adjust their itineraries or add new legs as needed.

Higher likelihood of a Porsche gate-to-gate airport transfer

Delta tracks the travel patterns of its Diamond Medallion members closely. If the airline anticipates a member might miss a crucial connection, agents will take action to arrange a Porsche transfer directly from their arrival gate to the connecting gate. This service is typically offered at Delta's major hubs, such as:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

For Delta 360 members, however, the level of attention is elevated. They are given Porsche transfer priority even when the fleet is fully booked, and are more likely to receive this luxury transfer service, even if their connection isn't tight.

An Exclusive Annual Gift

Delta has been known to surprise its Delta 360 members with luxury gifts each year. Past offerings have included a magnum of Louis Roederer Champagne, Tiffany & Co. flutes, and Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses.

While not technically a travel perk, receiving a thoughtful, high-end gift in the mail is certainly a delightful surprise.

Priority for Upgrades on Delta Flights

While Delta 360 doesn't offer a distinct advantage over Diamond Medallion when it comes to upgrades, members enjoy the same priority. However, reports suggest that when upgrades are available, Delta 360 members tend to clear for complimentary upgrades on the same day, sometimes even up to five days in advance.

Of course, many of these travelers are likely already booked in paid first class, so the upgrade benefits might not be as relevant.

How to Qualify for Delta 360 Status

Although Delta 360 offers (arguably) the least compelling set of perks among the major invite-only loyalty programs, it typically demands the highest level of commitment and spending. Invitations are generally sent out in late January or early February.

There’s no exact formula for how much you need to spend or fly to earn an invitation. A number of Delta loyalists on FlyerTalk have shared their experiences, with one New York-based flyer reporting nearly $90,000 in spend without receiving an invite, while another from Huntsville, Alabama spent around $50,000 and is still waiting. Conversely, a frequent flyer from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) received an invite after earning 250,000 Medallion Qualification Miles, 75,000 Medallion Qualification Dollars, and no co-branded card spending.

A member from North Carolina earned Delta 360 status in 2024 despite residing outside of a Delta hub. They flew 343,000 MQMs and earned 133,000 MQDs in 2023 to qualify for the invite.

In highly competitive Delta markets like New York City and Atlanta, it’s likely that you’ll need to spend six figures annually to even be considered for an invitation.

One participant noted that Delta considers more than just overall spending; they also factor in the influence you have over corporate contracts, which could channel substantial amounts of money into the airline's coffers.

How to Achieve Delta Status with the Right Credit Card

While simply holding a Delta cobranded credit card and making large purchases won't automatically earn you Delta 360 status, choosing the right card can help you reach Diamond Medallion status.

Delta now relies solely on MQDs to determine qualification each calendar year. Here are the thresholds for earning Medallion status in 2024 for 2025:

• Silver Medallion: SkyMiles members who have earned 5,000 MQDs
• Gold Medallion: SkyMiles members who have earned 10,000 MQDs
• Platinum Medallion: SkyMiles members who have earned 15,000 MQDs
• Diamond Medallion: SkyMiles members who have earned 28,000 MQDs

To make it easier for frequent flyers to achieve elite status in 2024, Delta has offered a head start for those holding the following cobranded cards, granting an initial boost of 2,500 MQDs toward status qualification:

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

The MQD boost is applied per card, so if you have multiple eligible cards, you should have received several 2,500 MQD boosts.

In addition, you'll accumulate bonus MQDs throughout the year based on everyday purchases made with these cards.

For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card will earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent. On the other hand, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card will earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent.

There is no cap on the number of MQDs you can earn from spending on these cards.

Bottom Line

One might assume that the dedicated team supporting Delta 360 members would go the extra mile when flights are disrupted by schedule changes, weather delays, or other irregularities. On paper, American Airlines' Concierge Key and United's Global Services offer a more extensive set of exclusive perks.

One Delta 360 member shared with TPG that he hasn't noticed a significant difference since transitioning from Diamond Medallion to Delta 360. This could be interpreted in two ways: either Delta isn't doing enough to distinguish its Delta 360 members, or the service provided to Diamond Medallion members is already so exceptional that the gap between the two levels is minimal.

In some respects, this is reassuring news for other Delta Medallion elites who may feel left out, as top-tier Diamond Medallion members already receive excellent service and a comparable overall experience when flying Delta.