Unlike standard flight-based MQD accrual, this offer extends eligibility to hotel bookings, vacation rentals, and car rentals made via the official portal.
This initiative covers travel through the peak summer and holiday seasons, providing a strategic opportunity for members aiming to secure or maintain Medallion Status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond) before the year-end cutoff.
You can access this offer on Delta’s website here.
Promotion Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Promotion Name | Delta Earn MQDs on Hotel, Vacation & Car Rentals |
| Booking Window | June 15, 2026 — July 20, 2026 |
| Travel Window | June 15, 2026 — December 15, 2026 |
| Booking Channel | Delta Cars & Stays (carsandstays.delta.com) |
| Eligible Products | Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Car Rentals |
| Exclusions | Delta Vacations packages |
Earning Rules: MQDs and SkyMiles
MQDs are calculated at 1% of the pre-tax booking amount, mirroring the rate for flight purchases. Base SkyMiles are earned concurrently based on your Medallion status.
1. Hotels & Vacation Rentals
Bookings made via the portal earn $1 MQD per $100 spent (pre-tax), plus base miles. Note that Delta Vacations packages are excluded from this specific promotion.
2. Car Rentals
In addition to MQDs, rentals earn bonus SkyMiles depending on the partner. Below are the mileage accrual rates:
| Rental Partner | SkyMiles Earn Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hertz | 2X / 3X / 4X / 5X | Based on Hertz Gold Plus Rewards elite tier (President’s Circle earns 5X) |
| Dollar / Thrifty | 2X | Flat rate |
| Enterprise / National / Alamo | 2X | Flat rate |
| Avis / Budget | 2X | Flat rate |
Note: Hertz elite members (Gold Plus Rewards and above) can stack rental benefits (upgrades) with accelerated Delta earnings when booking through this link.
How to Book and Cancellation Policy
- Visit the Delta Cars & Stays MQD Promotion Page.
- Select Hotels, Vacation Rentals, or Cars.
- Enter travel details ensuring the booking date is on or before July 20, 2026.
- Review the total price and estimated MQDs at checkout.
- Complete payment and save the confirmation email.
Cancellation Policy: Policies vary by supplier. Most hotels allow free cancellation up to 24–48 hours prior to check-in. If a booking is cancelled, no MQDs or miles will be awarded.
Key Terms and Restrictions
- Delta Vacations Exclusion: Only standalone bookings via Cars & Stays qualify. Delta Vacations packages do not earn MQDs under this offer.
- Million Miler Exclusion: Miles earned through Cars & Stays do not count toward the Million Miler lifetime status program.
- Posting Delay: Allow up to 8 weeks post-checkout or post-return for miles and MQDs to post. Claims must be submitted within 9 months of the activity ending.
- Prepayment Required: Most qualifying rates require prepayment. Pay-at-hotel rates typically do not trigger MQD accrual.
Is It Worth It? (Value Analysis)
For casual travelers, the value is marginal. However, for Medallion Status seekers, this promotion offers significant utility.
| Scenario | Recommendation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Status Gap (Need MQDs) | Highly Recommended | Cheaper than buying MQDs or taking extra flights to meet thresholds. |
| Casual Traveler | Low Priority | Third-party OTAs may offer lower rates without the MQD requirement. |
| Hertz Elite Members | Recommended | Stacking 5X miles with Hertz elite benefits provides high ROI. |
Cost Example: Needing $500 MQDs requires $50,000 in eligible spend. Compared to credit card spending or flight segments, concentrating spend on high-value hotels or extended rentals is often more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I earn MQDs if I book through Expedia or directly with the hotel?
No. You must book exclusively through the Delta Cars & Stays link for the activity to track to your SkyMiles account.
Q2: Do these MQDs count towards Choice Benefits?
Yes. MQDs earned through this promotion count toward your annual total, qualifying you for Platinum and Diamond Choice Benefits.
Q3: What happens if I modify my reservation?
As long as the modification occurs before July 20, 2026, and travel occurs before December 15, 2026, the booking generally remains eligible. Verify terms after modification.
Q4: Can I stack this with my Delta SkyMiles Amex Card?
Yes. Paying with a Delta SkyMiles American Express Card earns credit card points (e.g., 2X-3X) on the purchase, while the Cars & Stays portal generates the MQDs and base miles.
Q5: Why is Delta Vacations excluded?
Delta Vacations operates under a separate pricing and commission structure with different MQD accrual rules (often based on land components). This specific promo targets incremental bookings via the Cars & Stays aggregation platform.
Q6: How do I track my earnings?
Earnings appear in your SkyMiles activity under “Partner Activity” or “Car/Hotel Activity” approximately 6-8 weeks after completion.
Reminder: The booking deadline is July 20, 2026. Plan your travel soon.
You can access this offer on Delta’s website here.