The SkyMiles Medallion status game can be very lucrative if you understand the ways to navigate all the avenues available to earn status. This article will assist in understand the important differences between Delta Air Lines mainline, codeshare and partner flights.
Delta mainline flights
Delta mainline flights are the most prevalent types of flights purchased via Delta.com or through a reservations agent. These flights are marketed and operated by Delta Air Lines.
Delta mainline flight criteria
| Ticket number: | Starts with 006 (Example: 0061234567890) |
| Flight number: | Starts with DL (Example: DLxxxx) |
| Flight operated by: | Delta Air Lines |
| Medallion earnings: | Mileage earned on ticket price + Medallion status accelerators at time of departure. |
Delta codeshare flights
Delta codeshare flights are the second most prevalent types of flights purchased via Delta.com or through a reservations agent. Domestic codeshare flights are operated by regional carriers using Delta-branded aircraft. International codeshare flights are partner-branded. Both types of codeshare flights are staffed by non-Delta employees.
Delta codeshare flight criteria
| Ticket number: | Starts with 006 (Example: 0061234567890) |
| Flight number: | Starts with DL (Example: DLxxxx) |
| Flight operated by: | Regional partners will operate Delta-branded aircraft. International/long-haul flight will be operated by partner-branded aircraft. |
| Medallion earnings: | Mileage earned on ticket price + Medallion status accelerators at time of departure. |
Partner flights purchased via Delta Air Lines
Delta partner flights purchased via Delta Air Lines can be seen specifically on long-haul international destinations. If booking through Delta.com or via reservations, their default will be to sell you the codeshare flight, instead of the partner flight. You can call in to reservations and request to purchase the partner flight numbers.
Partner flights purchase through Delta Air Lines criteria
| Ticket number: | Starts with 006 (Example: 0061234567890) |
| Flight number: | Starts with partner flight numbers (Example: KLxxxx, KExxxx or VSxxxx, etc.) |
| Flight operated by: | International/long-haul flight will be operated by partner-branded aircraft. |
| Medallion earnings: | Mileage earned on distance flown + Medallion status accelerators at time of departure. |
Core and Global Partner flights purchased direct from partner
Partner flights purchased through the partner airline are not affiliated through Delta Air Lines with the exception for SkyMiles earnings. Purchasing direct from a partner can (sometimes) be cheaper than buying through Delta Air Lines and will likely be very lucrative for Medallion status.
Core Partner & Global Partner flight criteria
| Ticket number: | Starts with partner ticket numbers (Example: 0571234567890 or 0741234567890, etc.) |
| Flight number: | Starts with partner flight numbers (Example: KLxxxx, KExxxx or VSxxxx, etc.) |
| Flight operated by: | Flight will be operated by partner-branded aircraft. |
| Medallion earnings: | Mileage earned on distance flown + Medallion status accelerators at time of departure. |
