Delta Reserve Amex Cardholders Now Have Escape Lounge Access!

There’s a new perk for Delta Reserve Amex members: complimentary admission to Escape Lounges in the United States.

The airport clubs were recently blessed with a new title: “Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner.”

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card members have received complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges since late January 2020.

So it makes sense something branded a “Centurion Studio Partner” would also be included as an eligible lounge.

Delta Reserve Amex – Escape Lounge Access

The Escape Lounge entrance requirements are similar to those of the Centurion Lounge benefit.

Cardholders must be traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. They must also present their respective Reserve cards and their boarding pass.

Plus, the trip must have been purchased with a US-issued American Express card. So if, say, your employer purchased your ticket using something other than an Amex, you’re theoretically SOL (sorta out of the lounge).

Only the primary cardholder receives complimentary admission. They may bring up to two guests — for $30 a pop. (The guests must also be traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.)

If your kids are authorized users with additional paid Delta Reserve Amexes cards, take note: anyone under 21 years of age won’t be admitted without a parent or guardian. So if your children are traveling alone but underage, they won’t be able to get into the lounges.

I haven’t seen any rules limiting your lounge stay or if passengers on arriving flights aren’t eligible to visit. Keep in mind that Centurion Lounges don’t admit members arriving at the final destinations. And admission is available only three hours or sooner before your flight’s departure time.

Which Delta Reserve Amex Cardholders Will Benefit Most from the Escape Lounge Benefit?

Some people prefer Escape Lounges over Delta Sky Clubs. Others are the opposite. I’ve always found the food to be pretty good in Escape Lounges. Their complimentary alcohol selection is decent. And you can also buy premium food and beverages if you want something a little fancier.

Far fewer people visit the Escape Lounges than other clubs, in my experience. So if you prefer someplace quiet where you can enjoy a little nosh and maybe a wet your whistle, give the Escape Lounges a try.

Only four US airports have both Delta Sky Clubs and Escape Lounges:

• Cincinnati (CVG)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP)
• Palm Beach (PBI)
• Phoenix (PHX)

So this addition gives travelers through those airports another option.

But it’s great news for Delta Reserve Amex cardholders visiting six other airports that have Escape Lounges but not Delta Sky Clubs:

• Bradley (BDL)
• Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP)
• Oakland (OAK)
• Providence (PVD)
• Reno (RNO)
• Sacramento (SMF), which features two Escape Lounges

Here’s a master list of Escape Lounge US locations.

Final Approach

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card members now receive complimentary access to Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner. This must be very welcome news for travelers in six airports that don’t have Delta Sky Clubs. Just be aware of the stringent-ish entrance requirements.

• To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.
• To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.