Delta Choice Benefits: Eligibility, Selection, and Real Value in the Delta SkyMiles Medallion Program

If you’re a Delta Medallion member, you’ve probably stared at the “Choice Benefits” menu in the Fly Delta app, wondering if you’re about to make a smart move or a costly mistake. Maybe you’ve heard about huge value from upgrade certificates, or you’re tempted by a travel voucher, but the process is confusing — and one wrong click and your benefit is locked in for the year (no take-backs). With the right picks, you can pocket hundreds of dollars in value, secure upgrades that would otherwise cost thousands, or share status perks with companions.

In this guide, I’ll cut through the noise and show you — step by step — how to unlock, select, and actually use your Delta Choice Benefits for maximum real-world value. You’ll get clear eligibility rules, a practical walkthrough of the app selection process, a benefit-by-benefit explanation (with gotchas called out), and proven strategies to avoid common pitfalls. Let’s dive in and make sure you get every dollar and upgrade you’ve earned.

Key Concepts: What Are Delta Choice Benefits?

Delta Choice Benefits are a customizable set of perks available only to Platinum and Diamond Medallion members in the SkyMiles program. Each year you qualify for one of these elite tiers, you unlock the ability to select valuable rewards — ranging from upgrade certificates and Sky Club memberships to travel vouchers, bonus miles, and more. The catch? You only get to make your selections once per status year, and your choices are final. In fact, Delta’s official program page confirms you earn one selection at Platinum and three at Diamond (with benefits chosen by January 31 of the following year), and there is no option to change your picks later.

Why does this matter? Because the right selection can mean the difference between a cramped transatlantic flight and a Delta One suite, or between a $550 flight voucher and a perk that quietly expires unused. Understanding the fine print is crucial to converting status into real value.

Who Is Eligible? Understanding Delta Choice Benefits Requirements

Eligibility for Choice Benefits is strictly tied to how you earn Medallion status. Here’s what you need to know for the 2026 Medallion Year:

Status Tier	How to Qualify (2026)	Choice Benefits Unlocked	Selection Window	Choices Allowed
Platinum Medallion	Earn 15,000 MQDs in a calendar year	1 benefit	Feb 1 – Jan 31 (Medallion Year)	1
Diamond Medallion	Earn 28,000 MQDs in a calendar year	3 benefits	Feb 1 – Jan 31 (Medallion Year)	3

• Medallion Year: Runs Feb 1 through Jan 31. For example, status earned in 2025 applies to the 2026 Medallion Year (Feb 1, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027). Delta’s official site confirms that benefit selection opens immediately after you earn status and must be completed by Jan 31 of the Medallion Year.
• Rollover and Lifetime Status: If your status rolls over or you have Million Miler/lifetime status, you still follow the same calendar rule: your Choice Benefit option unlocks only at the start of the new Medallion Year (Feb 1), not immediately when status posts. This catches many people by surprise, as forum reports note. Plan accordingly and mark your calendar for Feb 1.
• Centurion Platinum: If you have complimentary Platinum status via an Amex Centurion Card, you must still earn $2,500 MQDs each year on paid flights to trigger Choice Benefits. In other words, the MQD Headstart from a Centurion does not substitute for the $2,500 requirement.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve crossed the MQD threshold, check the Fly Delta app’s SkyMiles dashboard. But remember, even if your new status posts in January, you won’t see the Choice Benefits menu until Feb 1 of that year.

What Do You Actually Get? The Delta Choice Benefits Catalog

Delta’s menu of Choice Benefits is fairly extensive, spanning travel perks and bonus currency. Not all are equal in value, so here’s a breakdown of the main options for the 2026 Medallion Year, with key rules and estimated worth.

Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates

What they are: One-way certificates that let you upgrade yourself and companions from Main Cabin or Comfort+ to Delta One (international) or domestic First Class on eligible flights.

• Who can select: Both Platinum and Diamond (Diamonds get more certificates).
• Quantity: Four certificates per selection.
• Key rules: Cannot use on Basic Economy fares. Certificates must be applied to a reservation and flown by the end of the Medallion Year (Jan 31). This is a hard deadline — even if your trip is booked earlier, it must occur by late January or the certs expire.
• Real value: Huge if you have premium tickets and upgrade space. A single Global Upgrade on a transatlantic Delta One route can save you thousands. The downside is availability. Plan well in advance and watch for upgrades opening up, especially on overseas routes. If you don’t have eligibility or availability, these certs can go unused (see Cautionary Tales below).

How to Get & Use Delta Global or Regional Certificates When Booking Online

Delta Sky Club Membership

What it is: Annual lounge membership. Diamond members may choose between:

• Executive Membership (requires 3 Choice slots; allows member + 2 guests per visit).
• Individual Membership (requires 2 Choice slots; member only, plus an additional guest fee per visit).
• Who can select: Diamond Medallion only.
• Key rules: You can choose only one membership of either type per year. It doesn’t extend any existing membership — it simply provides access for the upcoming year. (Delta’s site notes you must log in to add membership but doesn’t stack beyond one per year.)
• Real value: A tough call. If you’re a frequent lounge-goer (especially with guests), an Executive membership can pay for itself. But remember — when you spend 3 slots, you forgo a $550 travel voucher or other benefit that might be simpler cash. Retail cost wise, a $845 annual membership is significant, but decide based on how often you use lounges. For many, the travel voucher or bonus miles will provide higher guaranteed value.

Bonus Miles

What it is: A lump-sum deposit of SkyMiles into your account.

• Who can select: Both Platinum and Diamond.
• Amount in 2026: 35,000 miles for Platinum, 40,000 for Diamond (increased from 30k/35k).
• Key rules: Miles post automatically a few days after selection. You may gift the miles to another account if you wish.
• Real value: Flexible cash-equivalent. Using a typical valuation of ~1.2¢ per Delta mile, 35,000 miles is roughly worth $420 and 40,000 miles about $480. That lines up with what independent experts find (e.g. 35k miles ≈ $420). Compared to other options, this is practically guaranteed credit in your account. You’ll likely get more than $420 in travel, so it’s high value for a low hassle benefit.

Delta Travel Voucher

What it is: A flight credit on Delta – $350 for Platinum or $550 for Diamond in 2026.

• Who can select: Both tiers.
• Key rules: Issued as an eVoucher code, emailed to you within ~48 hours. Valid for 12 months from issue. It can be applied toward Delta airfare or the delta-flight portion of a Delta Vacations package, but not toward taxes/fees or partner awards.
• Real value: Face-value cash for flight purchases. For Diamond members, $550 is a significant sum. Even for Platinum, $350 is good (especially if you have redeemable tickets on the horizon). Remember, however, that this is effectively cash given as a flight credit — if you or a companion are flying Delta anyway, consider this almost as good as cash. The major caveat: you must actually use it on a Delta booking within a year or it expires .

American Express Statement Credit

What it is: A statement credit to an eligible Delta SkyMiles Amex card.

• Who can select: Both tiers (but only if you hold a qualifying Delta Amex). You’ll see the option only if Amex detects you have one of the Delta Reserve, Platinum, or other copartner cards.
• Amounts in 2026: $250 for Platinum, $500 for Diamond (down from $400/$700 in 2025).
• Key rules: The credit posts 6–8 weeks after selection. Your card must remain open and not past due. You get one credit per card per year (for example, if you have both Delta Reserve and Delta Platinum cards, you could get $250 on each as Platinum, but Diamond members only get one $500 credit total even if holding multiple cards).
• Real value: Cash-equivalent. It’s simple and requires no travel at all. For Diamond members in 2026, note that the travel voucher ($550) now exceeds the Amex credit ($500), so if cash is your goal, the voucher is better. However, not everyone has an eligible Amex, so this is a great fallback for those who do.

Gifted Medallion Status

What it is: Share status with friends or family for the rest of the year. Platinum members gift Silver status, Diamond members gift Gold status.

• Who can select: Both tiers.
• Details: As of 2026, you can gift up to four recipients (previously two). All recipients must be named at the time you make your choices. Any unused gift slots are forfeited once you submit.
• Real value: Very high for travelers with frequent companions. If you know up to four people who will benefit from Silver/Gold status this year, this option is like an incredible family perk. On the other hand, you must have the names ready when you pick, and none of the recipients can already hold that status (or it’s void). If you don’t have ready nominees, you risk wasting the slots.

Starbucks Rewards Stars

What it is: 6,000 Starbucks Rewards Stars, deposited into a linked Starbucks account.

• Who can select: U.S.-based members who have a Starbucks Rewards account (updated rules say you must be enrolled in Starbucks Rewards) and have linked it to SkyMiles.
• Key rules: Must link your Starbucks and SkyMiles accounts before selection (at deltastarbucks.com) Allow a couple of hours after linking before proceeding. The stars post within ~48 hours of selection. Unused stars expire 6 months after the month they arrive.
• Real value: If you actually use Starbucks regularly, 6,000 stars can cover a lot of coffee and food. (For example, TPG values 35,000 miles at $420, but 6,000 Starbucks Stars – roughly $60 in lattes – may be more to you if every cup counts.) The main risk is remembering to redeem them before they expire. If you’re not a Starbucks regular, this is a low-value choice – skip it and take miles or vouchers instead.

Delta Vacations eCertificate

What it is: An eCertificate worth $400 (Plat) or $500 (Diamond) toward a Delta Vacations packaged trip (flight + hotel, 4-night min).

• Who can select: Both tiers.
• Key rules: Non-transferable, valid 12 months from issue, and usually requires a 4-night minimum on the package. They often come as promo codes sent by email.
• Real value: Only useful if you were already planning a Delta Vacations booking. If you were going to book a flight+hotel bundle anyway, apply the credit – it’s real money off the trip. Otherwise, don’t select it. (You can’t use it on standalone flights, so it’s more restrictive than the straight $350/$550 voucher.)

MQD Accelerator (Medallion Qualification Dollars)

What it is: A boost toward next year’s status. Platinum members get $1,000 MQDs, Diamonds $2,000 (applied to the following Medallion Year).

• Who can select: Both tiers. Can be selected multiple times (if you have multiple slots or years).
• Key rules: These MQDs count only toward your next year’s status qualification, not the current year. They deposit in January.
• Real value: This is a survival tool if you’re just shy of requalifying. If you would otherwise drop a tier without it, it can be worth a status renewal all by itself. If you’re comfortably qualified without it, consider skipping it for more immediate value.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Contribution

What it is: Delta makes a $250 contribution per selection to its SAF program (it’s not credited to you).

• Who can select: Both tiers.
• Key rules: No member benefit or credit comes back to you.
• Real value: Zero direct value. This is purely philanthropic. Avoid spending your choice slot if maximizing travel value is your goal.

Wheels Up Private Flight Credit

What it is: A credit toward a Wheels Up private jet flight: $1,500 (Plat) or $2,000 (Diamond).

• Who can select: Both tiers, but only if you have or open a Wheels Up account.
• Key rules: The credit only applies to new Wheels Up bookings (not membership fees or existing flights) and expires 12 months after issue. You can only redeem one per Medallion year.
• Real value: Only relevant if you’re genuinely considering renting a private plane. Otherwise, skip it. For almost everyone else, the credit is useless, so consider it last.

Where and How Do I Select My Delta Choice Benefits? (Step-by-Step)

The selection process is entirely in the Fly Delta mobile app as of June 1, 2025. You cannot pick Choice Benefits on the website anymore. Follow these steps carefully:

Download and Open the Fly Delta App

Log in with your SkyMiles number. (If you already have it, make sure it’s updated to the latest version.) Remember: you only see the “Choice Benefits” option if you both have the required Medallion status and it’s Feb 1 or later. Until Feb 1 of your Medallion Year, the option won’t appear (even if your new status already shows up in January).

Navigate to the Choice Benefits Section

In the app, tap your profile icon Account or open the main menu. Then tap “SkyMiles” to go to your SkyMiles overview page. On that screen, you should see a “Choice Benefits” link listed (sometimes under the progress bar or benefits accordion). Tap “Choice Benefits.” (Note: The UI varies slightly by app version, but essentially find your SkyMiles profile page.)

 If you don’t see “Choice Benefits,” double-check your status qualification and ensure the date is Feb 1 or later. (If your status just rolled over or you are ineligible, it may not show yet.)

Review Your Available Choices

The app will display how many choices you have (1 for Platinum, 3 for Diamond) and list each benefit option. For each item, it will show how many “slots” it requires (e.g. Sky Club Executive needs 3 slots, a travel voucher uses 1, etc.). Take your time here. Make sure you understand that each selection will consume the indicated number of slots.

Prepare Before You Select

• Link accounts: If you plan to take Starbucks Stars, link your Starbucks Rewards account to your SkyMiles at deltastarbucks.com well before selection. (You must link at least an hour in advance.)
• Join Amex: Ensure your eligible Delta Amex card (Reserve, Platinum, etc.) is active and on file if you want the statement credit option.
• Collect info: If you plan to gift status, have your recipients’ SkyMiles numbers and full names ready, since they must be entered during selection.
• Double-check slot requirements: For example, know that Executive Sky Club membership needs 3 slots, Individual Sky Club 2 slots, etc., so you can plan how many you can afford to spend in each category.

Make Your Selections

Tap each benefit you want. The app will guide you through any required details (e.g. entering gift recipients or choosing membership type). Important: Review carefully before hitting “Submit.” Once you confirm, your choices are final. There is NO undo or grace period — Delta explicitly locks in your selection once made. If you have 3 Diamond choices and assign them all, that’s it.

Confirmation and Redemption

After submission, Delta will send a confirmation email and sometimes an in-app message. Most benefits (e.g. voucher codes, eCredits) will arrive electronically within a few days or weeks. Keep screenshots or emails of your selections for proof if anything goes wrong. If you don’t receive a benefit by the expected timeline, contact Delta Medallion support (phone or official feedback forms). Delta generally loads certificates and credits automatically, but glitches can happen. As forum posts note, some flyers encountered app bugs (missing menu, wrong status) around the rollover — so log out and back in or update the app if needed.

Delta Choice Benefits Deadline

Different benefits have different deadlines. This is an area where many users lose value, so set reminders in your calendar as soon as you make your choices. Here’s the expiration timeline for 2026 selections:

Benefit	Expiration (Medallion Year 2026)
Upgrade Certificates	Must be flown by Jan 31, 2027
Delta Sky Club Membership	Expires Jan 31, 2027 (end of Medallion Year)
Bonus Miles	No Delta-imposed expiration (follows normal SkyMiles rules)
Delta Travel Voucher	12 months from issue date
Amex Statement Credit	Posts within ~6–8 weeks; once posted, there is no expiration
Gifted Status (recipients)	Expires Jan 31, 2027 (end of Medallion Year for recipients)
Starbucks Stars	6 months after the end of the month they are deposited
Delta Vacations eCertificate	12 months from issue date
Wheels Up Credit	12 months from issue date
SAF Contribution	N/A (no member redemption)

In practical terms, set calendar alerts for each deadline. For example, mark Jan 30, 2027, to use any upgrade certificates and rethink voucher redemption. Remember: Delta clearly states that your travel vouchers and vacation credits must be redeemed within a year, and that deposited Starbucks Stars will expire six months later if unused. Overlooking these cut-offs is a common way to waste benefits.

How to Redeem Each Delta Choice Benefit (Benefit-by-Benefit Walkthrough)

Below are tips and reminders for actually getting the benefit value after selection:

Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates

After your selection, the certificates will appear in your SkyMiles account (and an email). To apply an upgrade, you need an eligible paid or award ticket first. You can apply them via the Fly Delta app or by calling reservations. Attach the certificate to your reservation as soon as you book (or call immediately).

Upgrade space can be scarce. Apply certificates as early as possible — don’t wait until the last minute. Make sure your ticket is not Basic Economy (certs are invalid on Basic). If your plans change, check Delta’s policy carefully: upgrades typically cannot be reissued if you cancel or change flights after ticketing (especially close to the departure date). Always confirm that your upgrade is clear before flying, and remember they must be flown by Jan 31. Keep confirmation emails or screenshots when you apply them, just in case Delta Support needs proof later.

Delta Sky Club Membership

Once selected, Delta should activate your membership automatically in your SkyMiles profile and the Fly Delta app. You can then show your digital membership card at the lounge entrance.

Only one membership can be active at a time, and Choice Benefits cannot be stacked on an existing paid membership. (For instance, if you already bought a Sky Club membership early in the year, a Choice Benefit membership doesn’t extend its expiration; it starts a new year of membership.) Also, be aware of the guest policy: Executive membership includes two guests per visit, Individual membership includes none (just member). Contact a Sky Club agent if the app doesn’t show your new membership after a few days.

Bonus Miles

The miles should post to your account within a few days of selecting. Once they are there, treat them like any SkyMiles. They have no special restrictions.

Delta Travel Voucher

Delta will email you a voucher code (usually within ~48 hours). When booking a Delta flight (or a Delta Vacations package’s flight portion), apply the voucher code at checkout. It applies against the base fare; taxes/fees still need to be paid separately.

Vouchers are single-use flight credit. They can’t be split across multiple bookings or used on partner airlines. Remember the 12-month deadline. If you cancel a ticket booked with a voucher (especially close to travel), check Delta’s rules: in many cases, the remaining value goes back to the same voucher code but the expiry date does not get extended. Save the original email with the code until you’re sure you’ve used it.

American Express Statement Credit

After selection, the credit is automatically applied to your next eligible statement for the designated Amex card. You don’t have to “redeem” it, just keep the card open and use it for purchases. Check your statement 8–12 weeks later for a line item.

The credit is one-time per year per tier. So for Diamond members, even if you have multiple eligible cards, you will only get one $500 total (unless they changed the policy). Ensure the specific card you want credited is the one you have set in your Fly Delta profile. Keep the confirmation email in case Amex customer service asks for details.

Gifted Medallion Status

At the time of selection, you will enter each recipient’s SkyMiles number and name. Within ~48 hours, the recipients should see the new Silver or Gold status in their SkyMiles accounts (with the same Medallion expiration date you have).

You must decide recipients up front. Delta does not allow adding more later. If recipients already have the gifted tier (e.g. someone is already Gold and you try to gift them Gold), it will be rejected. Also, if the recipient cancels their account or status changes, gift status does not revert to you. Keep screenshots of the selection confirmation to prove to Delta support if any issue arises (for example, if a recipient doesn’t see their status).

Starbucks Rewards Stars

The 6,000 Stars will post within ~48 hours to the Starbucks account you linked. Then you can redeem them on the Starbucks app or website for drinks, food, and merchandise. (Starbucks typically requires 150-200 stars for a free drink, so 6,000 stars can cover quite a few purchases.)

As Delta specifies, unused Stars expire 6 months after deposit, so plan to use them. If you linked accounts just before selecting, ensure you see the “6000 stars” line in your Starbucks app as confirmation. Consider setting a reminder 5 months out so you don’t forget them.

Delta Vacations eCertificate

Delta will send you a promo code by email. When booking a Delta Vacations package (air+hotel, 4 nights min), enter this code at checkout to deduct $400 or $500 off.

The code is single-use and expires in 12 months. It cannot be combined with other promotions. If your vacation plans change, note that the eCert is treated like cash – if you cancel or rebook, the policies for Delta Vacations apply (often meaning the credit stays on the same booking but still expires on schedule).

MQD Accelerator

No action needed besides selection. The additional MQDs will be deposited in your SkyMiles account in January following the Medallion Year. You should see an MQD boost on your status progress page after Jan 1.

These MQDs only count toward your next year’s qualification. They do not retroactively affect the year you just completed. If you’re not on the edge of requalifying, this benefit has no use, and you should skip it in favor of something tangible this year.

Wheels Up Private Flight Credit

Wheels Up will email instructions after selection. You’ll typically get a code or credit loaded to your Wheels Up account. Use it when booking a new flight (the credit applies only to flight time, not to membership fees).

Only new flights and charter bookings qualify, and the credit expires after 12 months. Weigh this only if you were already considering private flights; otherwise, it’s wasted.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Contribution

Nothing to redeem. Delta handles the donation on the backend.

Strategic Advice: How to Maximize Value from Delta Choice Benefits

Different travelers will want different outcomes. Below are persona-targeted tips to help you choose the benefits that align with your needs:

For Cash-Value Seekers

If you want pure dollar value in your pocket (or equivalently free travel credit), prioritize liquid benefits. The largest guaranteed cash is the travel voucher ($350 for Plat, $550 for Diam). For Diamond 2026, $550 outright beats the $500 Amex credit in face value (the difference being that the voucher is locked to Delta flights only).
Next best are bonus miles. We do the math: even at a conservative 1.2¢/mile, 35k–40k miles translate to ~$420–$480 (indeed, industry sources value 35k at about $420). Unlike vouchers, miles can be redeemed on any Delta or partner flight. Following those, the Amex statement credit ($250/$500) is also cash-equivalent — take it if you don’t fly Delta enough to use the $550 voucher, since it applies to any spending.
Caution: Don’t overlook restrictions. The voucher and eCertificate expire after a year, and you can’t use vouchers on partner airlines or for taxes. Starbucks Stars are relatively low value (6,000 Stars ≈ a few dozen dollars in drinks) and expire in 6 months — only pick them if you’re a regular Starbucks spender. Safe bet: cash vouchers or miles will likely give you the most bang per “slot,” assuming you can use them.

For Upgrade Hunters

If your strategy is all about free upgrades into front-of-cabin, focus on those Upgrade Certificates. Nothing else in Choice Benefits can replicate the value of scoring a business- or first-class seat, and in some cases one international Global upgrade is worth thousands of dollars. Ensure you have eligible paid or award tickets (non-Basic Economy) to attach them to. As soon as you hit Feb 1, apply your certificates to upcoming trips — award seats can go quickly. Remember that certificates expire on January 31, so only pick this if you actually have flights or planned travel. If you rarely fly premium routes, do not overvalue upgrade certs. Conversely, if you frequently fly in Comfort+ or Main and want Delta One, this might be your top pick. Coordinate with companions (you can upgrade multiple travelers on the same ticket) to maximize the value of all four certs per choice.

For Lounge Lovers

Diamonds who spend a lot of time in U.S. airports might want the Delta Sky Club membership. With an Executive membership ($845/year) you and two guests get lounge access — great if you travel with family or entertain colleagues. If you only travel alone and still want Sky Club, the Individual membership ($545/year) requires just 2 slots but comes with guest fees. Weigh this: is it worth spending 3 slots for an Executive club ($845) compared to taking a $550 voucher and nearly as large a bonus mile benefit? If you fly daily and the lounge is your home base, maybe yes. If not, vouchers or miles may be smarter. (Note: Sky Club membership uses your Choice slots now, whereas previously you could buy membership outright. Check how many times a year you actually enter the club to decide.)

For Status Sharers and Future Status Seekers

If you have frequent travel companions who could use elite status, the Gifted Status perk is unique. In 2026, you can share up to four Silver or Gold statuses. Pick this if you know in advance who will benefit—child coming of age, spouse transitioning jobs, etc. If you fail to use all gift slots you paid for, that’s wasted value, so be sure of your recipients.
On a related note, if you are borderline requalifying for next year, consider MQD accelerators. The added $1,000 (Plat) or $2,000 (Diam) MQDs could be the difference between keeping your status or dropping a tier. If you are comfortably above the threshold already, skip this — use the slot on something immediate. But if you’d fall short without it, it’s like insurance.

General Tips and Reminders

• Plan your order in the app: Since you can make selections only once, lay out your choices on paper first. For example, when you open the Choice Benefits flow, select a slot “template” for each benefit, so you know exactly which three will be used (very important for Diamonds with three slots).
• Timing matters: For upgrades, check space daily as soon as you select them. For Starbucks Stars and voucher, no rush, but still redeem early.
• Set calendar alerts: Right after selection, create reminders on your phone for each expiration date (bird’s eye view: Jan 31 for upgrades and lounges, ~12 months later for vouchers/eCerts, 6 months later for Starbucks Stars). Don’t leave it to memory.
• Avoid “niche” picks if not needed: Wheels Up credit and SAF contributions have zero value to most travelers. If you have no intention of booking private jets, skip those slots. Also, skip boosters or gifts if you won’t use them.
• Keep proof: Save emails and screenshots of your selections and codes. If something goes wrong, Delta support may ask for details from those confirmations.

Is It Worth It? Who Should Use Delta Choice Benefits — and When

In short: If you qualify for Platinum or Diamond, skipping Choice Benefits is almost always leaving value on the table. The real question is which benefits to pick. This depends on your travel habits:

• Pure Cash Players: Go for the travel vouchers (especially Diamond’s $550) and bonus miles. These are virtually guaranteed returns if you fly Delta at least a little bit.
• Frequent Premium Flyers: Upgrade certificates can be gold. If you often fly overseas on paid tickets and can find upgrade space, those certs can be worth far more than miles or vouchers. They take more work, though, so don’t pick upgrades unless you’re ready to use them.
• Family (or Shared Travel): Gifted status can be a game-changer if you have up to four people (family or colleagues) who will appreciate Silver/Gold for the rest of the year. If you know who they are at selection time, this is huge. Otherwise, it’s a slot burner.
• Lounge Addicts: If you and your travel party hit the Sky Club hard, an Executive (or even Individual) membership might pay off. But remember, it’s slot-expensive. Compare how often you’d enter versus just taking a voucher/miles.
• Status Strivers: If you’re borderline requalifying for 2027, an MQD accelerator can lock in another year of status. Otherwise, skip it in favor of immediate perks.

When is it not worth it? If you have no Delta travel planned or won’t use lounges/upgrades, then many benefits will expire untouched. In that case, pick the most flexible ones (miles, statement credit) or gift status to someone with Delta plans. But note: even if you don’t plan any flights, a big bonus mile deposit or a voucher could entice you to take a Delta flight in the future, which can be additional value.

Bottom Line

Delta Choice Benefits are a powerful perk if you’ve put in the work to earn Platinum or Diamond. With the right picks and timing, you can unlock upgrades, cash value, and extra perks worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But you must approach the selection thoughtfully: plan for Feb 1, double-check eligibility, and choose benefits you can actually use. Use the Fly Delta app (never the website), watch every deadline, and base your choice on what fits your travel style. That’s how you turn Medallion status into real-world value.