Chicago to Miami on Delta as a Silver Medallion
Last week, I wrote about how I was approved for Delta’s Medallion status challenge. Delta Air Lines allows SkyMiles members who were approved for the status challenge to utilize their status throughout the 90-day challenge period. I decided a few days after I was approved for my status challenge to book a cheap ticket on Delta. I wanted to see how useful the benefits of Delta Silver Medallion were. Additionally, as part of the status challenge, I’m required to fly a certain amount of miles and segments in this 90-day period in order to retain status.
After using Google Flights to search exclusively for flights on Delta, I ended up booking a one-way ticket from Chicago to Miami with a layover in Atlanta. I booked a ticket in main cabin hoping to score an upgrade. To my surprise, both legs of my flights ended up being upgraded. However, other than the upgrade, I wasn’t overly impressed by Delta’s treatment of Silver Medallions. Albeit, free upgrades to first class are fantastic and Silver Medallion is the entry-level tier. All that aside, I rarely fly Delta, doing most of my flying on American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. By the end of my day trip, I was actually glad to be back home on American Airlines.
Benefits as Silver Medallion
The main reason I decided to take this trip was to test out Delta’s elite benefits. Delta’s Silver Medallion tier is an introductory level tier. I was eager to explore all of the benefits that came with Delta Silver Medallion Status. The benefits of Silver Medallion status first became apparent when I checked in for my flight. The following benefits are available to Delta Silver Medallions;
Interestingly, my upgrade was actually confirmed before the 24-hour Silver Medallion upgrade window. Roughly a day after I had booked my flights, I received a complimentary upgrade to First Class from Chicago and a complimentary upgrade to Comfort+ from Atlanta. That said, the entire first leg of my journey was uneventful with regards to utilizing my elite benefits as I had all of the benefits of a First Class passenger.
Mobile Check-In
At check-in, I was once again, presented with the options to request upgrades and check bags. Since I had already been upgraded, I received SkyPriority and could only upgrade on the second leg of my journey. My boarding pass was silver indicating my elite status.
At the Airport
There was a line snaking the length of the SkyPriority lane at Chicago-O’Hare so I decided just to use a kiosk. Once I received my boarding passes, I made my way to the TSA PreCheck lane. Surprisingly, I was the only one in the PreCheck lane and managed to get through security in under five minutes. Though I’d never use the SkyPriority lane over the PreCheck lane, it’s noteworthy that Silver Medallions don’t actually get access to priority security lanes when traveling in main cabin.
American Express Platinum Card and SkyClub Access
I’m an authorized user on my family’s American Express Platinum card account. As an authorized Platinum cardholder, I receive complimentary access to Delta’s SkyClubs when I fly with Delta. With this benefit in mind, I made my way to the Chicago-O’Hare SkyClub where I checked into the lounge. I wasn’t aware of any age restrictions at the time. As I made my way to the breakfast buffet I realized that I was one of two customers in the lounge while at the same time, my name was announced over the PA.
Apparently, because I’m under 21, I shouldn’t have been granted access to that lounge because there’s self-serve alcohol. I volunteered to sit next to the check-in desk so they could see that I wasn’t drinking. I pleaded with the agent to let me grab a plate of breakfast before I head out but he insisted I leave immediately. I informed him that I showed up early to eat breakfast in the lounge so my flight wouldn’t depart for another four hours. I asked if he could switch my flight for me to which he responded, “No, I can’t do that.”
I understand when a lounge won’t let a minor in when there’s self-serve alcohol. What I don’t understand is why the SkyClub agents immediately turned against me. I thought that SkyClub agents would be able to assist with flight changes. However, it appeared that the agents we not in the mood to help.
Flight Changes
Just like any airlines entry level elite status tier, you can’t switch flights for free or even standby without paying extra. I asked a gate agent if I could switch flights from Chicago to Atlanta to which she responded, “Yes, you can standby for $75.” I decided to pass on that offer and waited near my gate for a few hours.
The First Flight: Chicago to Atlanta
| Flight | Delta Air Lines DL1323 |
| Departure | Chicago (ORD) 10:45 AM |
| Arrival | Atlanta (ATL) 1:42 PM |
| Cabin/Seat | First Class/1A |
| Service | Refreshments, Snacks |
To recap what I had said above, my upgrade to first class cleared before check-in and well before boarding. That meant that when boarding commenced, I’d be able to board in the Premium zone. However, this didn’t turn out to be the case as roughly sixty-percent of the entire aircraft was active duty military. Of course, the military should board before any other passengers so I can’t complain. I was astounded by how polite and welcoming one of the captains of this flight was to the active duty military. The military on this flight at recently graduated and was going to Atlanta for their first assignments. The captain, prior to boarding, went around the gate area and shook every solider’s hand and thanked their families. Additionally, the gate agent had the entire gate area give the recently graduates a round of applause. I really appreciate what airlines do for the military but the Delta team went above and beyond in this case.
Once onboard, I noticed that First Class was filling up quite quickly. Being that there are just 12 seats up in First Class, I assumed it’d go out full. Turns out I was wrong and the seat next to me, remained unoccupied. I snagged two First Class seats for the price of one seat in main cabin!
The flight from Chicago to Atlanta was so short that there wasn’t even a proper meal service. Still, snacks and drinks were served. I enjoyed a few bags of honey roasted peanuts, a bag of beef jerky, a Biscoff cookie, and a granola bar. The First Class flight attendant was super nice and professional. For such a short flight, she was always in the cabin filling up drinks and serving more snacks.
As for in-flight amenities, Delta’s Boeing 717s feature AC power and Gogo wifi. Additionally, Delta Studio was available on this flight, however, the selection of movies and shows was poor at best. Overall, the flight was fantastic for such a short hop. It was certainly a great impression of Delta as my first time flying as an elite.
The Second Flight: Atlanta to Miami
| Flight | Delta Air Lines DL2025 |
| Departure | Atlanta (ATL) 4:36 PM |
| Arrival | Miami (MIA) 6:28 PM |
| Cabin/Seat | Comfort+/10E |
| Service | Drink Service, None |
I was number two in line to receive a First Class upgrade on my second flight, however, it instead went to a Diamond elite’s 5-year old son. Seconds before the agent was going to stop calling the two elites in front of me, he and his young son came running up to the gate. I liked how the dad was nice enough to let his son sit up in First Class but of course, I wished it was me up there.
The flight from Atlant to Miami was even shorter than the flight between Chicago and Atlanta. I was seated in Delta Comfort+ at a window seat. The aircraft was an MD-90 so the seating arrangement was 3-2. Of course, I selected one of the seats on the 2-seat side. To my surprise, there was a single AC power outlet shared between me and my seatmate. I managed to snag the outlet before they did, however, something tells me they didn’t really care too much about the outlet as they slept the entire flight.
I was under the impression that Delta Comfort+ passengers received better in-flight amenities like upgraded snacks and free drinks. I can’t take advantage of the free drinks but I watched the flight attendants come through the aisle with the drink cart. Not once did they remind passengers seat in Comfort+ that they could have a free cocktail. When I ordered a Coke, I wasn’t even offered the can. I can’t imagine paying more than $15 for one of these seats. The legroom wasn’t even all that. As a matter of fact, I’d go as far to say that Comfort+ was just bearable and certainly not an upgrade.
In retrospect, I wish I would have selected an exit row towards the back of the aircraft. The flight was okay but I wasn’t impressed by Delta’s Comfort+. Moreso, the flight crew wasn’t too friendly or motivated and seemed a little high strung. Comfort+ aside, it was certainly bearable for an hour and a half flight.
Overall
I wasn’t overly impressed by Delta’s treatment of elites. I get it, I’m an entry level elite. Still, I don’t remember any customer service rep, gate agent, or flight crew thanking me for being a Medallion flyer. Who knows, maybe they knew I had gotten status as a result of a status challenge! Loyalty recognition aside, the service I received was at least consistent. I appreciated the unexpected upgrade to First Class, however, I’m going to have to start taking Rene’s warnings about Comfort+ more seriously.
Would I got out of my way and pay for Delta Silver Medallion status? Certainly not. I’d even go as far to say that American’s Gold status is a notch above Delta’s Silver status. Given my experience as a Delta Silver Medallion, I have to say other than the possible First Class upgrades, there’s very little attracting me to follow through with my status challenge.
Do you have Silver Medallion status? What’s your experience as a Silver Medallion?
I assume you are 21 by now and perhaps graduated. I stumbled upon this site while checking on Silver status benefits. You see as a million miler I’m forever silver. It’s worth very little tbh as delta has moved to corporate travel and big spenders as targets expecting their dominance to get the masses in economy seats. I shifted to Southwest as I’m in Atlanta and gave up on the game. The seats are more comfortable than comfort plus, they give me drink coupons all the time. It’s pretty easy to get A list so I board early and almost always get an aisle. And I don’t stress about getting upgraded. Plus, since I got a SW credit card I get to companion pass status most years and my wife flies free all year. And they thank me for flying almost every time. Oh , the neg comments about your age and expectations are ridiculous as you should expect, great value. Check out Chris Malone’s book The Human Brand.
Don’t mean to come across as negative but your expectations are way off if you expect to be thanked for having Silver Medallion status which DL gives away like candy through corporate sales. Heck that’s how I have Gold Medallion and I haven’t flown DL in nine months. Just be glad you got upgraded to F.
As for the SkyClub access issue, the ORD club and gate areas are PM-NW. It’s a good possibility, based on your summary that it was a bitter and surly PM-NW agent who booted you out. FWIW, if you had taken the time to review the DL website and read the Amex T&Cs you would have seen the ORD location is 21+ AND certain locations restrict access to 21+.
You seem like an astute individual it just baffles me you seem to think:
A) Silver Medallion is worth mileage running for (in 2017 no less)
B) Expect to be personally thanked for trial Silver Medallion status on a sub-two hour short haul domestic flight
C) A DL agent would plead with you to sit at the entry desk noshing on processed SkyClub food when you aren’t supposed to be in the club and could risk DL losing their liquor license, being fined, and/or agent being terminated (DL employees are at will and don’t have the same legally binding protections under an. CBA as an employee at AA or UA would in such a scenario)
The situation with the PM-NW clubs isn’t new, bartenders have been added to certain locations (MSP and EWR come to mind). Back in the day, CO, who had bartenders at their President’s Clubs barred access for anyone under 21 unaccompanied. Exceptions were officially made for passengers confirmed in BusinessFirst, and were introduced to the bar tender.
Not sure why you keep harping on this point. Soon enough you’ll be 21, and there’s not going to be any formidable commercial reason for carriers to amend rules, take on greater risks and liability simply to cater to a minute number of entitled teenagers.
Hello, Max
Try to ignore the naysayers.
My experiences as a traveler for decades is similar to what RPT777 suggested. But that also holds for car-buying, working, etc! LOL! As far as the Comfort Plus
Flying, and first class flying, has changed quite a bit in the last 30 years…mostly for the worse, some for the better. The perks up front are quite nice today, and the cattle/steerage class is notably worse.
Living in the Detroit area, we used to be a Northwest hub, now we’re Delta. My personal strategy is to use a Platinum Delta AmEx card, gaining miles on personal spending, occasional flying for work and SkyMiles Dining. I can maintain my Silver Medallion status, which gets me a variety of perks with very little additional effort. I’m sure you’ve read elsewhere that SkyMiles redemptions aren’t ideal (especially with their partner airlines), but I have no problems working within Delta’s system to fly for less. YMMV
During a recent trip from DTW to MSP, I scored a free bump to C+ each way. That was pleasant, and the snacking and legroom were an appreciated improvement. Free (unannounced) drinks during my evening flight were a pleasant surprise. Again, different strokes for different folks.
Good luck, safe travels and keep up the enthusiasm!
LL
Being able to get an upgrade to First Class as Silver Medallion is good enough for me. Delta is way better than AA
In my experience, AA does a little better internationally while Delta does a little better domestically. Pretty much equal at this point. I mean, even their frequent flyer programs are pretty much the same at this point.
-Max P.
You seriously expect to be thanked as a silver elite on a non-transcon domestic flight. You really do personify the issue with millennial generation.
I dunno, man. Putting down others just to prove your own personal biases seems more self centered to me, to be totally honest.
If Delta markets silver as “elite,” even if it’s bare bones “elite,” then I don’t see anything wrong with expecting a “hey I noticed you’re a blah blah blah.” Otherwise, why even bother marketing it as an elite product?
This is kind of how I feel about this. It’s odd. If you’re going to call Silver an elite tier, why not recognize the status. I’m not asking for a Porsche transfer or personal greeting but just a simple thanks for being a Medallion flyer.
-Max P.
Max, the flight segements were to short to evaluate much. No one serves meals on flights under 2 hours. and even then the meal on domestic flights will not be an international class meal.
I have been Diamond on Delta for decades, and have over 4 million miles on them. They are generally pretty good on international. but even with my Million Miler Diamond status I do not get upgrsdes on international flights. Additionally while they do give me international upgrade certificates they are useless. I travel to asia I business class every 3 months. last year I tried to use the certificate….the agent told me their was no transpacific availability for as far out as she could search on any route. We tried for 9 months into the future any available route….Nothing. All my 4 certificates expired unused, and unusable.
Max just so you know all airline blow smoke up you axe telling you how important you are and unfortunately it is basicly marketing hype. Nothing is free in the world.. for every ticket they gave you they were charging you 20% more on all the tickets you bought, so what did they actually give you? nothing….they gave you what they already charged you for and they expect you to beg for that.
If airlines were to complete discontinue the loyalty programs ticket prices would go down.
Thecold hard ugly fact is that they actually make more money selling worthless miles to banks and credit card companies than they actually do flying planes……yes they charged more for the free tickets than the paid ones. LOL
happy travels!
Let me clarify. I’m not looking for someone to kiss up to me. However, given the amount of time I conversed with Delta agents, my status was never once recognized. Sorry for epitomizing the millennial generation!
-Max P.