Introduction

Many frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts are intrigued by the various reward programs offered by major airlines. One such program is the “Medallion Qualification Dollars” (MQDs) offered by some airlines, which serves as a metric to determine an individual’s eligibility for certain benefits and rewards. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on understanding the concept of MQDs and the precise method of calculating them.

What are MQDs?

Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) represent the actual amount of money spent on airfare and other travel-related expenses with a particular airline. The main purpose behind MQDs is to gauge a traveler’s loyalty and commitment towards an airline’s services. Once a certain spending level is reached through MQDs, customers become eligible for different reward tiers in the airline’s frequent flyer program, reaping various benefits such as priority boarding, seat upgrades, or even free flights.

Calculating MQDs

Calculating MQDs requires taking into account several factors related to air travel expenses. Here is a step-by-step guide to understanding how MQDs are calculated:

1. Base Fare: The first determinant in calculating the MQD is the base fare of your ticket. This includes the actual cost of your flight without taxes, fees, and additional charges that might apply. In most cases, this value forms the majority of the MQD.

2. Carrier-imposed surcharges: Another factor that contributes to your total MQD is any carrier-imposed surcharge. These are additional fees set by the airline for specific flights or destinations and may include fees like fuel surcharges or peak-travel surcharges.

3. Class-of-service bonus: When booking a higher fare class or cabin class (such as first-class or business class), you may receive extra MQDs as a class-of-service bonus. This usually varies based on the fare type and specific airline policies.

4. Exceptions and Exclusions: There are certain expenses that do not contribute to the MQD calculation. These may include taxes, airport fees, baggage fees, or any optional products or services you purchase through the airline.

Summing up these values helps in determining the total MQDs earned for a particular flight.

Example:

Let’s assume you purchase a round-trip ticket with a base fare of $500, carrier-imposed surcharges of $75, and a class-of-service bonus worth an additional $100. In this case, your total MQD for this trip would be calculated as follows:

MQD = Base Fare ($500) + Carrier-imposed surcharges ($75) + Class-of-service bonus ($100) = $675

Conclusion

Understanding the concept of Medallion Qualification Dollars and being aware of its specific calculation methodology can help travelers maximize their benefits and rewards while flying with a particular airline. With an accurate knowledge of MQDs, frequent flyers can strategize their travel expenses and bookings to attain higher-level reward tiers, ultimately enhancing their overall travel experience.