Sign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.We’re following TPG readers as they work toward a variety of travel goals in 2018, running the gamut from important first steps in the points & miles hobby to more advanced plans such as an around-the-world award trip. The final reader we’re introducing is Fern M., whose goal is definitely on the more “expert” end of the spectrum:“Become a two-million-miler with Lifetime Gold on Delta.“The major US airlines all offer lifetime status through their frequent flyer programs — though it requires a lot of time in the air to earn that distinction. You’ll need to log a minimum of 1 million miles to qualify for lifetime elite status, which typically gets you low- to mid-tier status for life.With Delta’s Medallion program, after 1 million eligible miles you’ll get lifetime Silver status, plus a gift from Hartmann, Tiffany & Co. or Tumi. After 2 million miles, you’ll get Gold Medallion status for life, along with the same options for a gift. Of course, you’ll also get the full selection of Gold status perks, including a 60% mileage bonus on paid flights, waived standby and same day change fees and complimentary upgrades as early as 3 days before departure.Since Fern’s shooting for lifetime Gold with Delta this year, it’s safe to assume she’s already crossed that 1-million-mile mark — an important threshold for the diehard Avgeek, as TPG’s own Zach Honig can attest. Fern provided a bit more info when we followed up:“I will be very near the goal after an Asia trip in 2018. The biggest decisions will be: what flight will be ‘best’ to be on when I actually hit the 2M! And then, how to maximize that Lifetime Gold when I use all of my miles!“A long-haul flight can do wonders for your mileage balance, and in Fern’s case it’ll also shorten the distance to the 2-million-mile threshold. It sounds like this goal is well within reach, and hopefully Fern will be even closer to attaining lifetime Gold when we check in a few months down the line. Stay tuned!
