For Sale: Delta Elite-Qualifying Miles

With the recent offers from American and US Airways to sell enough elite-qualifying miles to either requalify or upgrade to a higher elite tier, it’s no surprise that Delta has trotted out its own buy-miles offer specifically targeting elite qualification.

Where the American and US Airways offers are available only to current elites, Delta’s offer can be utilized by elites and non-elites alike.

Offer Details

Through December 31, Delta SkyMiles members can purchase up to 10,000 Medallion-qualifying miles that will count toward the 2014 requirements for earning status during 2015.

The dollars spent on the mileage purchases will be considered Medallion-qualifying dollars, and also count toward the 2014 thresholds for 2015 elite status.

The price to purchase the miles? It varies, according to a mysterious algorithm that presumably takes into account a member’s past travel history and current elite status and who knows what else. Posters on FlyerTalk are reporting prices for 2,500 miles ranging between $625 and $1,025, and prices for 10,000 miles between $1,225 and $2,095.

In other words, your mileage may vary. Considerably.

Deal or No Deal

The value of elite perks is a highly personal matter, obviously. It depends on how often you travel. On which routes. And what alternatives you have. Among other factors.

Having said that, Delta has picked price points for the miles that are decidedly on the high side, even at the lower end of their ranges. That will be heartening for the haves, who prefer to keep the ranks of the elites as thin as possible, and discouraging for the have-nots, who are likely to feel priced out of contention for elite status.

Reader Reality Check

How much would you be willing to spend to reach elite status?

This article originally appeared on FrequentFlier.com.