Delta Changing Rules , to Make It Harder , to Earn Elite Status.br Delta Air Lines has announced changes br to how customers earn rewards and gain br access to the carrier's airport lounges.br CNBC reports that the changes come br as the latest sign that air travel's era of br mass luxury may be coming to an end. .br Beginning on January 1, customers can only earn Delta br Medallion status based on their spending, similar to br a model recently adopted by American Airlines.br Many major airlines have been raising the requirements to br earn elite status amid a surge in customer spending, which br has increased the ranks of elite airline status members.br Elite status typically comes with a number br of perks, including early boarding, free br upgrades and access to an airline's airport lounge.br Elite status typically comes with a number br of perks, including early boarding, free br upgrades and access to an airline's airport lounge.br We want customers to be br able to receive status with br activity beyond just air travel, Dwight James, Delta’s senior vice president br of customer engagement and loyalty, via CNBC.br In 2024, Delta customers can earn one Medallion Qualifying br Dollar for every actual dollar they spend on flights, br car rentals and hotels booked through the airline.br CNBC reports that the airline has also raised br requirements for dollars spent through br co-branded American Express cards. .br For every $10 spent on the card, Delta SkyMiles br Reserve and Reserve Business American Express card br members will now earn one Medallion Qualifying Dollar.br For every $10 spent on the card, Delta SkyMiles br Reserve and Reserve Business American Express card br members will now earn one Medallion Qualifying Dollar.