Last-minute Delta elite status tip: Upgrade existing flights to earn more MQDs

Your elite year ends on December 31st.

There isn't much time left to plan a last-minute run to keep or upgrade your elite status. Depending on how packed your schedule is between the holidays, you might not be able to do that. It could be difficult to find a mileage run that fits your budget.

If you've already booked your travel, you can pay for upgraded travel.

Delta implementedfares a long time ago. These are upgrade to a higher class of service after purchase. If your company has booked you in the main cabin for a year-end business trip or if you have already booked an economy seat, you may be able to pay to move into a higher cabin.

Getting upgraded on Delta is the ultimate guide.

This is usually offered at check-in or when you view your flight in the airline's app. It can be seen when you check in, load your itinerary or try to find a seat in a different cabin.

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Money spent on these upgrades counts as MQDs, just like a flight. Next month, I'm flying from New York's LaGuardia Airport to a friend's house in Virginia. I can upgrade my ticket to first class for a fee. An upgrade on my return ticket costs more than $6,000. I would get 74 MQDs from the cash upgrade or 69 from the mileage upgrade.

When you upgrade to first class, you'll get a 50% MQM bonus.

There are last-minute strategies forDelta Medallion elite status.

If you need to hit the next tier, this may be the push you need. Saving yourself the hassle of booking and taking a flight to a random destination is a win-win. If you pay up, you can secure a higher tier of airline status.

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