A Rare Way to Earn Delta MQDs Without Flying Is Back

This one's a few days old, but worth knowing if you're chasing status: Delta Air Lines reopened its recurring promotion that lets hotel stays, vacation rentals, and car rentals count toward Medallion status.

Book through the Delta Cars & Stays portal between June 15 and July 20, 2026 — and complete travel by December 15 — and you'll earn 1 MQD per $1 spent. The MQDs are based solely on the base room or rental rate. Taxes, fees, and anything paid with SkyMiles don't count.

This is the third time Delta has run the promo in 2026. Bookings go through Delta's Expedia-powered portal, MQDs can take up to eight weeks to post after travel, and the name on the booking has to match your SkyMiles account.

Andrew's Take

This is useful if you’re working your way toward Medallion status. There aren’t many ways to earn MQDs outside of flying or spending on Delta American Express cards, so any other way to earn MQDs is appreciated. Just make sure the rates are competitive and note that you’ll miss out on hotel points and elite perks if you book through the portal.