what are mqms delta

MQMs (Medallion Qualification Miles) are a type of miles that Delta Air Lines uses to determine a passengers elite status in the SkyMiles program. MQMs are earned by flying with Delta and most partner airlines, based on the distance flown and the fare class of the ticket, excluding Basic Economy. MQMs are different from SkyMiles, which are the rewards currency that passengers earn and spend to book award flights on Delta and its partners. MQMs are used to track a passengers progress toward Deltas Medallion elite status, which has four tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. To achieve Medallion status, passengers need to earn a certain amount of MQMs or a certain number of flight segments, as well as meet a spending requirement called Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) . MQMs have zero value for booking flights, but they are essential for building Delta status.