The Guide to Delta 360°

Delta Air Lines has four official elite status tiers, with its highest being Diamond Medallion.

You may not know there's an invitation-only membership tier called Delta 360°. It's reserved for Delta's biggest spenders and most influential travelers.

Other airlines have similar programs, such as United Airlines' Global Services and American Airlines' ConciergeKey. The privileged few in these tiers get access to the most luxe benefits, but the qualifications to become a member are pretty secretive.

If you've wondered what Delta 360° members get to enjoy, here are the details.

» Learn more: The best airline and hotel rewards loyalty programs this year

Delta 360° is the airline's highest elite status tier. It is invitation-only, resets annually, and only for the most loyal SkyMiles members.

For starters, you're at the top of the Delta Medallion food chain, which can be useful concerning priority help during short connections or flight irregularities.

Most Delta 360° membership benefits are available on the days you travel.

Executive membership to Delta Sky Club

While Delta is working to open dedicated Delta One business class lounges, it only operates Delta Sky Clubs for now. Delta 360° members receive an executive membership to Delta Sky Club, valued at $1,495 or 149,500 SkyMiles.

Executive membership gives someone access to a Delta Sky Club within three hours of a departure flight (or any time if making a connection) for a member and up to two guests.

Sky Clubs are very nice and include plentiful benefits such as food buffets, an open bar, a workspace with free wireless internet, flight reservation assistance, and in many lounges, showers or even outdoor Sky Decks (like the one in Los Angeles).

» Learn more: What credit cards get me into Delta Sky Clubs?

Dedicated phone line

Delta 360° members have a private phone line that gives them faster access to airline assistance for reservations, help with flight changes and other services.

Airport support, including car transfers between flights

Delta agents may often help Delta 360° members between flights, even taking them on the airport tarmac in a Porsche. This service is not only for Delta 360° members — other top Medallion members can benefit when they have a tight connection.

Delta 360° members will most likely get a pickup on busy days with many delays. These transfers mean travelers exit the jet bridge directly to a waiting car and board their next flight without stepping into the terminal.

Expedited airport security

Delta 360° members, like Diamond Medallion members, also benefit from a waived-fee membership to Clear airport security.

Priority benefits

While Delta 360° members do not get higher priority for complimentary upgrades, they can expect faster service with their dedicated phone line. This is disappointing for Delta 360° members as United and American award their secret-tier elite categories with higher upgrade priority.

Delta does, however, give special bag tags to Diamond Medallion and Delta 360° members to help travelers designate their luggage.

Welcome gift

Many Delta 360° members report receiving a gift upon achieving this top status. This has included Champagne or travel-related gifts over the years.

There is no published pathway to Delta 360°, so don't get your hopes up at the beginning of the year that flying every Delta flight possible will earn you top status. Delta has already upped the ante for the latest Medallion qualifying year.

To earn Delta Diamond Medallion status, SkyMiles members have to earn 28,000 Medallion Qualification Dollars in the program year.

Considering these are the qualification goals for Diamond Medallion, you can expect Delta 360° members to likely earn significantly more than that. However, the airline does not reveal the bench post, which may change annually.

Delta 360° could go to the top percentage of the airline's spenders, influential corporate managers with important airline contracts, those that fly on full-fare, premium cabin tickets regularly or just "very important people."

Delta says it will only consider a small percentage of Diamond Medallion members for the coming year.

» Learn more: What to know about Delta SkyMiles

While online blogs and forums — including many people with these unpublished status tiers — report that Delta's secret elite-tier program is the weakest of the three major carriers, it is still the best path to top treatment on Delta.

American's ConciergeKey flyers often say that the program is the best since members tend to get more complimentary upgrades on eligible flights since it is its own elite tier. They also get access to Flagship Lounges, even when traveling domestically.

United Global Services members enjoy the top spot for eligible complimentary upgrades and special upgrade inventory when using upgrade certificates. The airline with which you fly the most may depend on the city you live in, your destination or the company that buys your tickets.

If you're a loyal Delta flyer, Delta 360° club status is a solid experience compared to other Medallion elite levels. But, on the other hand, genuine luxury seekers will likely prefer the perks given at this ultra-level by American or United.

(Top photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)