No Result
View All Result
Eye of the Flyer
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • 0% Intro APR Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • 0% Intro APR Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result

The end of #SkunkyGate – Welcome “The Bar” at the Delta Sky Club.

René by René
June 21, 2015
in Skyclub
17
Advertiser Disclosure: Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc. has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Eye of the Flyer and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.


the BAR at Delta SkyClub Delta Points blog review (1)

As I blogged about a few weeks ago, changes are happening in the Skyclubs and this is a good thing. Once Delta dumped free beer, well other than SkunkyBeer, it marked a slow and steady decline in quality of offerings in the clubs and then on 1MAY14 the ridiculous $29 upcharge to bring a guest into the clubs even if you had the high end Delta AMEX Reserve card or the non-Delta AMEX Platinum card. Even Diamonds now no longer can guest folks in, including their families.

the BAR at Delta SkyClub Delta Points blog review (2)

So what has changed? The fees are the same but at least things, from a product standpoint, are getting much better. The VERY cheap house wines are being upgrade from a basic Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to a number of choices. Take a look:

the BAR at Delta SkyClub Delta Points blog review (3)

A complimentary Malbec and Pinot Noir are HUGE upgrades in flavor choices. The price point for the bottles is also markedly higher that the ones that preceeded them. I tested the Malbec as you can see from the shot above and it was just fine and even enjoyable.

I don’t know what was wrong with me, but I did not check what “Local Craft” beer they had in MIA but the point is each club should have something different and that is also HUGE. I think it is really fun to be able to try a different beer in each city and will be a reason to stop in and see what is on tap. Why not (other than the $29 upcharge)?

the BAR at Delta SkyClub Delta Points blog review (4)

There still is a menu of drinks you have to pay for at “The Bar”. Again, I do not and have not reviewed the prices of drinks at the Skyclubs because on principle I feel they should all be free. International clubs, from my experience, don’t charge you for any drinks. Centurion lounges that are the new upper class standard here in the USA do not charge for drinks. But let’s just call this a work in progress for the Skyclubs. What disappoints me the most is there is NO complimentary sparkling wine for guest. A mimosa is just nice off a redeye I think and I am NOT paying $7.00 for one – Sorry Delta that is a #FAIL.

the BAR at Delta SkyClub Delta Points blog review (5)

Then we have the last page of the menu. Nice to see my much loved Woodford Reserve as a choice. Maybe an upgrade would be to let me use a HOOU coupon to get one in the club since they are free onboard? Just an idea.

1 buck ikea wine glassThe final upgrade that I saw at least in MIA, and maybe others can confirm, is the end of the worthless 67 cent IKEA FÖRSIKTIGT wine glasses. Nothing makes a cheap glass of wine even more worthless than these uber el’Cheap’o glasses. It was nice to have a real-ish glass to enjoy my Malbec. Not as nice as the large ones you get with a “paid” glass of wine but still an improvement so I give credit where credit is due.

So now the ultimate question. Delta has improved the drinks. They have improved the food offering acceptable soups, an OK salad type bar, some other good snacks. Are all these changes enough to make the Skyclub worth the price of admission? I would say I have moved from a SOLID NO to a maybe bordering on “Yes-if” and here is why.

You may not have noticed but wifi speeds are much better. They really are most times. Showers are nice and many clubs have them. The drinks now are OK to good on the complimentary menu. The food, for what it is, is not bad. Help when you need it from Skyclub reps can save the day.

My biggest problem is still the $29 +1 fee. If you are paying AMEX $450 for a Delta AMEX Reserve card or a non-Delta AMEX Platinum card you should be able to get your +1 or family in free. The above improvements are many times still not worth it. Also if you reach Diamond you should be able to in some way get your +1 in. Maybe the fix is 4 club passes as an automatic gift when you make Diamond. I think that could fix that issue and allow Delta to keep the current club membership plans.

Lastly the food. A little more is needed. Delta reps said when they tested the sandwiches they were displeased with the quality. I get that. But something else is needed. I don’t have all the answers but with more and more AMEX Centurions clubs coming on-line, and other 3rd party clubs offering more and more, Delta needs to live up to the “Keep Climbing” slogan and make the clubs just a little bit better. – René

{S.
PS – You only have a few hours remaining to WIN one of 3x prize packages today for this weekends SWAG Saturday so don’t miss out!

 

Gold-Platinum-Reserve Delta SkyMiles®
Credit Cards from American Express®
Click HERE for more info

 

Advertiser Disclosure: Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc. has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Eye of the Flyer and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.


Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Related

Previous Post

FREE stuff with Delta AMEX cards NYC today, ATL tomorrow & how to check your area

Next Post

Los Angeles to Anchorage $262 & 8108MQMs at 3.2CPM weekend / weekday Delta Mileage Run

René

René

René de Lambert is a contributing writer for EyeoftheFlyer.com - He is an avid Delta and SkyTeam flyer who has held Delta’s top Diamond Medallion status for many years and flown millions of miles.

Next Post

Los Angeles to Anchorage $262 & 8108MQMs at 3.2CPM weekend / weekday Delta Mileage Run

Comments 17

  1. JT says:
    8 years ago

    Great post, I agree. NYC is my hub and I go to either the Centurion lounge at LGA or Wintips at JFK because of drink and food selection. Delta needs to step up their game to compete with them.

    Reply
  2. John L says:
    8 years ago

    Rene,
    Also glad for the food and beverage upgrades. Did the ‘free admittance +1″ go away for GM and above when traveling on an international flight?

    Reply
    • rene says:
      8 years ago

      @John – No, you can still bring a gues. See the link on Delta. http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/airports-and-aircraft/delta-sky-club/glossary-of-terms.html#

      Reply
  3. Mike From DC says:
    8 years ago

    Rene,

    I’ve been reading the blog for a while, and I have to ask. Have you ever been to the Woodford distillery? I went to college in Lexington and have probably been about 15 times, worth the cost of admission every time. They have several offerings each year that are very rare to find and limited release, while expensive they are also worth it.

    Reply
    • rene says:
      8 years ago

      @Mike from DC – I have NOT but so want to do that. Really do. Plan to do some golf along the “bourbon trail” one day. Thanks!

      Reply
  4. Scott says:
    8 years ago

    Diamonds can choose Executive club membership as one of their annual choice benefits which entitles two guests free, $29each thereafter. Hate that I have to burn a choice for something that used to be gratis, but I frequently travel with co-workers or my family (wife+daughter) so this is a good value. And yes, the WiFi speeds have gotten better.

    Reply
  5. Christine says:
    8 years ago

    Come on the bourbon trail tour and play golf at Valhalla. It’s worth the trip!

    And, delta, it really isn’t worth $29 for me because I don’t drink and eat lightly when flying. Delta allows 45 minute connections so I’m usually scurrying to catch my connecting flight besides.

    Reply
  6. george says:
    8 years ago

    any information on the new Starbucks machine roll out ?

    Reply
  7. Greg says:
    8 years ago

    The prices for the paid wines are still absurd for a lounge. United gives premium choices without the big markup (like Stags Leap for $12).

    But the whisky looks like the bargain here. Macallan 12 and Laphroig for the same price as Johnny Black? That’s the sweet spot.

    Reply
  8. Greg says:
    8 years ago

    Oh and the Dona Paula name…

    That’s actually their cheap ‘Paula’ version which is like $8 a bottle.

    Not to be confused with the full Dona Paula Estate and other wines!!

    Delta is not that generous sadly!!

    Reply
  9. Nigel says:
    8 years ago

    I am pleased they have tightened up the rules for guests. The clubs were getting way too overcrowded. At one point it was better to wait at the gate than in the club. Now they seem a lot better.

    Reply
  10. Annie says:
    8 years ago

    Often we walk right out of a Skyclub as soon as they let us in. Airports are getting better and we would rather pay for good coffee and better food outside.

    Reply
  11. William says:
    8 years ago

    If they made Woodford complimentary, I’d be willing to forgive them for having paid options.

    I’d also like a complimentary single malt Scotch, but one can only dream…

    Reply
  12. dotti cahill says:
    8 years ago

    the white wine (CHARD and SAV BLANC) satill stinkss in the lounge and in the air.. Andrea (delta somm) where are u we need you….the paid so called wines like Chalone are $9.00 for the bottle in a wine store and we are to pay WHAT IN THE skyclub???$10-$11 for a glass +++tax and tip… nuts it should be the free charddddd

    Reply
  13. Pingback: DeltaONE Sky Club ATL pre-flight dining & drink choices (a work in progress at best). - Delta PointsDelta Points
  14. Pingback: American Express Centurion Club Miami MIA review & access for Delta flyers (how to get to the club) - Delta PointsDelta Points
  15. Pingback: Atlanta F International concourse Delta Sky Club Review by RenesPoints - Eye of the FlyerEye of the Flyer

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe

Subscribe To Our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

➤ Search Eye of the Flyer

No Result
View All Result

GREAT Travel and Cash Back Card Offers!

Eye of the Flyer may receive a commission from the links below. See our Privacy Policy

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 120,000 bonus American Express® Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on purchases on the card within the first three (3) months of being approved for card membership. Terms apply.. Plus, select airport lounge access, statement credit opportunities, and more! Read here why we love this card.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: BEST EVER OFFER RETURNS! Earn $900 bonus cash back (90,000 points) after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three (3) months of being approved for card membership. Read more here.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card: SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned at the end of your first year! There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn. Read more here.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: A Free Night Award each year, complimentary Diamond status, and several great statement opportunities. Plus, earn 180,000 bonus Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the card within your first 6 months of Card Membership approval. Offer expires January 17, 2024. Learn here how to apply. (See Rates and Fees. Terms apply. All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was collected independently by Eye of the Flyer.)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the new must-have “it” card for travel lovers! Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three (3) months of being approved for card membership. Plus, earn $300 annually in statement credits for travel purchased through Capital One AND 10,000 bonus miles every year, after the first anniversary. The $395 annual fee can EASILY be earned back (here’s how) — and then some! Read more here.

  Earn cash back with Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) Earn cash back with TopCashback! RebatesMe Earn cash back with DOSH!

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Eye of the Flyer with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.

Subscribe

Subscribe To Our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Resources

  • ✍ Editors Disclaimer
  • 💰 Advertiser Disclosure
  • 🔒 Privacy Policy
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉

Copyright © 2023 Eye of the Flyer. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • BANK & Travel Cards ★
    • Credit Cards
    • Travel Rewards Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
    • Small Business Credit Cards
    • 0% Intro APR Cards
    • Balance Transfer Cards
    • Bad or Poor Credit
    • No Credit
  • Rookie
  • Elite Mileage Runs
  • Merchandise
  • αbout US ✉

Copyright © 2023 Eye of the Flyer. All Rights Reserved.

Cleantalk Pixel