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delta sky priority

How to Fast-Track Yourself to Delta Sky Priority

Last updated: August 24,2023
Originally Published: September 02,2023
by Pradeep Chandravanshi

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Delta Sky Priority is a premium airport service provided by Delta Airlines within the SkyTeam alliance. Navigating airports during busy times can be challenging, but having Delta Sky Priority access can significantly enhance the travel experience. This premium service is designed to provide passengers with a range of benefits that streamline the airport process, making it particularly valuable for those who are in a hurry or prefer a more relaxed and efficient travel experience.

Delta sky priority
Image Courtesy of Delta

Delta has really nailed it when it comes to making their frequent flyers happy with the Sky Priority program. There are many ways to get Delta Sky Priority, but we will tell you how to fast-track Yourself to Delta Sky Priority.

What is Delta Sky Priority?

It is an exclusive travel experience designed for Medallion Members, loyal frequent flyers, and travelers holding premium upgraded tickets. With Delta’s Sky Priority program, every step of your journey, from check-in to your flight, becomes hassle-free and convenient.

Actually, Sky Priority is a special service offered by airlines in the SkyTeam Alliance. With Sky Priority, you get many perks, such as a priority check-in line, getting through security faster, extra baggage allowances, etc., and as Delta Airlines is a member of SkyTeam Alliance, you are gonna get all the benefits with Delta Sky Priority.

How to Get Delta Sky Priority?

As I said, there are many ways to get access to it; here’s how you can get access to it:

Delta Medallion Members

The Delta Medallion Program is a loyalty program offered by Delta Airlines for frequent flyers. If you’re a member, you’ll enjoy extra special travel perks and benefits unavailable to everyone. You will get access to this perk if you hold any of these statuses:

  • Gold Medallion Members
  • Platinum Medallion Members
  • Diamond Medallion Members

You can do it in two ways to get the basic Medallion Status with Sky Priority access called Gold. You either need to fly a total distance of 50,000 miles (Medallion Qualification Miles), or you can take a total of 60 flights (Medallion Qualification Segments).

Traveling in Premium Cabins

If you are traveling in Delta premium classes, then you got access to Delta Sky Priority with them, so it’s a good thing if you want to try this experience, you just have to buy Premium cabin tickets for your flight.


Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Members

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Members who get access are:

  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members
  • Virgin Australia Velocity Platinum members
  • Virgin Australia Velocity Gold members


SkyTeam Elite Plus Members

If you’re a SkyTeam Elite Plus passenger, you’ll enjoy the same perks no matter which airline within the SkyTeam alliance you’re traveling with. These perks are only available when you’re flying on flights that are both marketed and operated by SkyTeam.

Fast-Track to Delta Sky Priority

You have all the above options to access Delta Sky Priority, but if you are a frequent flyer and want to access it permanently each time, with or without buying a premium class ticket, then the faster way to quickly get Sky Priority benefits is by using Delta co-branded credit cards. These Delta Credit Cards give you extra Medallion Qualifying Miles if you spend a certain amount of money, which will help you reach Gold Medallion status faster, which is where your Sky Priority perks begin.

delta sky priority
Image Courtesy of Delta

Gold Status: Gold Status requires 50,000 MQMs or 60 Medallion Qualifying Segments and $8,000 in spending on Delta or partner flights or spend $25,000 on select Delta co-branded credit cards.

Here are the cards you can use to achieve Delta Gold status faster:

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

With the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business card, you are gonna earn the following:

  • 10,000 bonus MQMs after spending $25,000
  • an additional 10,000 bonus MQMs after spending $50,000


Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card 

With the Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business card, you are gonna earn the following:

  • 15,000 bonus MQMs after spending $30,000
  • an additional 15,000 bonus MQMs after spending $60,000
  • an additional 15,000 bonus MQMs after spending $90,000
  • an additional 15,000 bonus MQMs after spending $120,000

If you manage to accumulate 50,000 MQMs and spend $25,000 using a credit card, you will get a waiver, and it lets you skip the requirement to earn a certain amount of MQDs to qualify for Gold Medallion status.

Sky Priority Benefits

Sky Priority is like the fast pass that helps you reach your destination quicker and with less time spent waiting around. It works similarly to airport fastrack services like Global Entry or NEXUS, but Delta Sky Priority has more benefits:

Priority Boarding And Seating

Check in at least 45 minutes before your flight’s departure time, and before you get on the plane, you can choose the seat you like for a comfy journey. When it’s time to board, if you’re a Sky Priority passenger, you’ll be in the sixth group to board. This will be right after the Pre-boarding, Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Early Access, and Delta Comfort Plus passengers have boarded.

Free Extra Baggage Allowance

If the “piece concept” is in place, the extra baggage you’re allowed to bring is based on the heaviest weight allowed within the regular baggage allowance. However, if the “weight concept” is what’s being used, you’ll receive an additional baggage allowance of 10 kilograms.

If you’re a SkyTeam Elite Plus member, you get an extra perk when it comes to bringing baggage on your flights. Not only can you bring your own bags, but you can also bring extra bags for up to eight other folks who are traveling with you on the same booking.

Expedited Baggage Service

delta sky priority
Get expedited check-in and security with Delta Sky Priority.
(Image courtesy of Envato Elements)

To ensure that Sky Priority passengers are given special attention when your flight lands, priority baggage handling ensures that your suitcase is among the first to show up on the baggage carousel. This way, you can get your belongings quickly and conveniently.

Faster Check-in And Security

You can speed up your security process by using the special lane designed for Sky Priority members. You’re eligible if you have one of the premium statuses (Silver, Gold, or Platinum) in the SkyMiles program or have a different way of accessing it. Many airports have these dedicated security lanes just for Sky Priority passengers. This perk can be a lifesaver, helping you dodge those endless lines at busy terminals.

Dedicated Customer Services Hotline

An exclusive customer service hotline will be provided to passengers 24/7. They will be in charge of answering questions you might have about your benefits or providing you with travel assistance.

Priority Waitlist

If your flight ends up being delayed or you find yourself wanting to switch to a flight that’s already full, being a Sky Priority member gives you a better chance of getting on those flights. You will be the first on the waitlist over regular passengers during sold-out and irregular operations.

Bottom Line

Delta Sky Priority is a must for a Delta frequent flyer to make their journey more comfortable and much more convenient, escaping those long and hectic queues. You have many options to gain access by purchasing a premium cabin ticket or earning Medallion status through flying or spending with a Delta co-branded credit card, etc., and if you want to save your time, Delta Sky Priority is totally worth it.

Interest in flying around the world using credit card points? Check out our site to learn the basics, and follow our blog for more tips on making your dream vacation a reality. You can also sign up for our travel concierge and get unlimited credit cards and travel assistance for one year.

Advertiser Disclosure

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