Delta launches 2026 Medallion Year with focus on personalization and everyday value

International

New Medallion Year begins on 1 February, rewarding loyalty across travel and daily life while giving Members confidence to plan ahead

Delta Air Lines has officially kicked off the 2026 Medallion Year, celebrating SkyMiles Members who achieved Status, inviting others to begin their Medallion journey and reinforcing long-term planning confidence through 2027. Anchored in personalization, flexibility and everyday value, Medallion® Status is positioned as a loyalty programme that enhances not only travel itself, but also the moments in between.

Loyalty beyond the flight

Delta SkyMiles Members engage with the programme in many ways, from business-leisure trips and long-awaited holidays to everyday activities such as rides with Uber or purchases at Starbucks. As the new Medallion Year begins, Delta is expanding how these interactions are recognised, making it easier for Members to earn, track and enjoy their benefits wherever life takes them.

The airline continues to invest in app-first tools that allow Members to monitor progress toward Status, access elevated experiences in the air and on the ground, and receive thoughtful acknowledgements of their loyalty throughout the year.

“Loyalty is about the feeling you take with you after an experience with Delta,” said Dwight James, Senior Vice President Customer Engagement & Loyalty at Delta Air Lines and CEO of Delta Vacations. “As we begin the new Medallion Year, our focus is on creating more of those moments of care and connection – no matter where you are in your Medallion journey – while continuing to invest in the programme our Members love.”

A full year of benefits for Medallion Members

For Members who earned Diamond, Platinum, Gold or Silver Status, the 2026 Medallion Year is designed to reflect the dedication required to reach each tier. Delta highlights that appreciation will be visible throughout the year, with benefits and experiences tailored to different levels of engagement.

At the same time, Members who are just starting their Medallion journey will find new opportunities to earn toward Status while already enjoying SkyMiles benefits. The airline positions the programme as accessible and rewarding from the first step, rather than only at the highest tiers.

Planning ahead with confidence

With the 2026 Medallion Year now underway, Delta is encouraging Members to explore the full range of benefits and earning opportunities available. The programme’s structure is intended to provide clarity and confidence not only for the year ahead, but also for longer-term travel planning into 2027.

Current Medallion Members are also reminded to personalise one of the programme’s most popular perks: their metal Medallion bag tag, available through the dedicated Medallion platform using their SkyMiles account.

By reinforcing recognition across both travel and everyday life, Delta continues to position Medallion Status as a loyalty programme built around consistency, transparency and meaningful value.