We’ve discussed the overcrowding problems plaguing some Delta Sky Clubs. (As the late Yogi Berra said, “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.”) And Delta just announced several changes it seems to think will alleviate some of those issues. (We had a feeling some of this was coming.)
Cardholders of these American Express products don’t have much to worry about.
But Delta SkyMiles Medallion members not holding one of those Amex cards — and even some paid Sky Club members — may want to grab a pair of flip-flops and sunscreen. Why? You’re going to Delta Beach, where you can pound sand.
Delta Sky Club Admission Changes
There’s a laundry list of changes. (Delta says Delta 360 members and passengers traveling in Delta One aren’t affected.)
Here we go.
No More Complimentary Access for Delta Sky Team Elite Members on International Trips
This change really ticks me off.
Right now, Delta Medallions who are Sky Team Elite members (Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallions) may visit Sky Clubs and bring a guest for free when traveling internationally in any Delta cabin class (except Basic Economy).
That changed on February 2, 2023.
Diamonds, Platinums, and Golds may still enter Sky Clubs for free (and, I presume, bring a guest) based on their Sky Team Elite status and if they’re traveling internationally. But only if they’re flying Delta One or Premium Select.
Flying in Main Cabin or Comfort+? You’re out of luck (unless you have a Sky Club membership or an eligible American Express Card.)
Here’s why I’m crabby about this change. Sure, I’ve enjoyed this benefit several times by bringing in travel companions who otherwise would’ve had to pay.
Delta says, “There are no updates to Delta Sky Club access eligibility for…Elite Plus members of other SkyTeam airlines(.)”
Lovely.
So, it sounds like elites on other Sky Team partners can still pop into the lounge with their guests. Yet, Delta’s own elites aren’t welcome — unless they pay up.
Purchasing a Sky Club Membership
Delta prefaces this change by saying, “To better invest in our most loyal customers,” annual Sky Club memberships will be available only to Diamond, Platinum, Gold, and Silver Medallion members. (This change is effective January 1, 2023.)
Oh, and membership prices are going up on New Year’s Day, too.
- Individual: $695 or 69,500 miles, which is up from $545 (or 54,500 miles)
- Executive: $1,495 or 149,500 miles. That’s about a 77% hike from the current $845 (or 84,500 miles)
Guest admission rates also climb to $50 (from $39). But that doesn’t kick in until February 2, 2023.
Club Access via Diamond Medallion Choice Benefit
Individual Sky Club memberships and credit card guest passes will no longer be Choice Benefit options. That starts for the 2024 Medallion Year and every year after that. (February 1, 2023.)
Executive Membership will still be an option: but it’ll cost Diamonds three Choice Benefits (as opposed to the status quo, which is two).
No Entrance for Delta Sky Club Members Flying Basic Economy — Unless…
Let’s say you pony up some cash (or Sky Miles) or maybe redeem three Choice Benefits for that Executive Membership. Perhaps you bought a lifetime membership when that was still available.
You’re a member of the Delta Sky Club! You can enter anytime you’re flying a Delta-marketed and -operated flight, right?
Nope.
You’re not welcome when flying on a Basic Economy ticket — unless, of course, you hold one of the American Express cards granting you access to Sky Clubs.
Now, I’ve never flown on a Basic Economy ticket. I don’t plan to. But this is one of those “it’s the principle of the matter” things.
If you’re a Diamond Medallion member, you didn’t get there by flying a bunch of Basic Economy flights. Those don’t count toward elite status. But, again, maybe you actually paid for Sky Club membership or earned Diamond through another route. Maybe you now work for a company who’ll grant your Delta travel wishes — but only in Basic Economy.
This is pretty lousy.
The Winners: Amex Cardholders
Delta travelers holding an eligible American Express Card can still enter the Sky Club as usual.
The only change is guest fees (limit of two guests) go up to $50 (from $39) on February 2, 2023. This is more of an immediate concern for cardholders of:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Those cards don’t come with complimentary guest privileges.
People holding the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card get two complimentary guest entrances each year. Once those are exhausted, prevailing guest fees apply.
This is maybe a move to reduce overcrowding — but also a push for some people to upgrade their Delta Amexes.
If you hold one of the Delta Platinum cards and visit the lounge a dozen times a year, you’re better off getting a Delta Reserve card. Why? The Reserve cards carry $550 annual fees. If you hold a Delta Platinum card and shell out $50 a visit, you’re “losing” money on visit number 12. See what I mean?
Credit Where It’s Due
Delta certainly is improving the Sky Club hard products. The new lounges at Salt Lake City (SLC), Los Angeles (LAX), New York-La Guardia (LGA), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) are gorgeous. I think the food has, overall, gotten better. (But there are still a few misses. The turkey meatballs in weird gravy were a little grim at the MSP F/G club last weekend.)
And there are a bunch of new Sky Clubs and expansions on the way. (Delta has a list here.)
So, the airline certainly is investing in Sky Clubs.
But some of these entrance changes seem whacky.
Final Approach
Delta Air Lines announced major changes to its Sky Club entrance policies. It seems to me that paying Sky Club members and certain Medallion status holders are actually hurt — unless they hold certain American Express cards.
Remember, Delta just wants “to better invest in (its) most loyal customers.” (Like, say, the American Express Corporation?)
All of this is some chutzpah.
What do you think about the changes? Will they work? Does any of this affect your Medallion goals or credit card choices? Please share your thoughts in the below Comments section!
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.
“To better invest in our most loyal customers,”
…
…while shafting everybody else that gives us their hard-earned cash…
LMAO
So annoyed about this. No upgrades this year, and now no access to clubs while flying internationally? Why be loyal to Delta?
Diamond medallion couple loyal to Delta ( and each other) for over 20 years
I received the DL email yesterday, and it frankly was upsetting. I hold a current, paid, Executive membership and don’t want another damn fee-based card. To favor AMEX over individual paid memberships and hiking the fee by >70% is simply atrocious. How does this favor their most loyal customers? Oh wait, AMEX. Something else that needs to be factored into 2023 self-paid travel plans.
How is this not a direct violation of Sky Team rules?
“SkyTeam Elite Plus members, regardless of their travel class, are allowed access to a SkyTeam lounge at a particular airport if traveling on or connecting to/from a same-day international flight operated by a SkyTeam member airline. Simply present your boarding passes and a valid Elite Plus membership card for the lounge agent to validate for admission.”
https://www.skyteam.com/en/about/faq/lounge-access
Seems SkyTeam lounges are a separate collection, so Delta Sky Clubs are not technically SkyTeam lounges…?
SkyTeam Elite Plus members have access to SkyTeam partner lounges when traveling internationally. Except Delta is removing that perk for STE+ members who aren’t flying in PS or D1.
I hope that benefit doesn’t get removed by Delta and reciprocally. I love using the Clubhouses, the kosher meals are much better than the ones that Delta serves, especially the ones that Virgin serves in London.
No. Skyteam lounges are business class lounges operated by a Skyteam airline. That makes any DL-operated lounge that DL provides to business class passengers into a SkyTeam lounge — a lounge which same-day international flying SkyTeam ElitePlus customers have had access to regardless of class of service on a SkyTeam airline-operated flight.
DL has long had contempt for ElitePlus economy class flyers being able to access DL lounges.
DL is probably not contractually bound by SkyTeam membership to deliver SkyTeam elite benefits to DL program elites on DL’s own flights; but when it comes to SkyTeam partner elites, DL is required by SkyTeam membership to deliver the SkyTeam-required benefits to other Skyteam airline elites. This kind of dynamic isn’t unusual with the major global airline alliances. Just look at the carve outs US airlines in the other two big alliances have long had with regard to US airline lounge access to US airline elites on domestic (and some regional) US flights while non-US airlines’ Star Golds and Oneworld Sapphires/Emeralds can use the US airline lounges for US domestic flights even on wholly domestic US travel itineraries.
IIRC, it was Delta that pushed to add the “international” flight requirement for SkyTeam ElitePlus lounge access to make sure it could forbid lounge entrance to AF/KL ElitePlus passengers flying DL economy class domestically.
Thank you for the reply. I appreciate the response. Regretfully, your answer validates my rejection in ICN, AMS, and CDG as a Delta SkyTeam Elite Plus. By the way, it’s so embarrassing that my credentials list the words, “SkyTeam Elite Plus” in such small letters, half of the time I think the “partner” lounges refuse entry because they think it’s fake.
When was the last time that Delta added anything of real value to diamond status benefits?
A couple of (very grumpy!) thoughts:
– I qualified for 2023 DL Platinum Elite+ well before this big devaluation was announced. They’ve done this before, but how many stings before I just go full free-agent, and just book the best fare for each trip in the cabin I want, and to heck with status? Delta always treats SM loyalty as a one-way street. Using the 60 days notice fine print to change terms 11 months into a qualifying year is *ugly*.
– Why keep my DL Platinum Amex if the main reason is to get the MQD waiver? Esp. if I use the above strategy to book Int’l with lounge access as part of my ticket?
– How soon will KL/AF follow suit so that the SkyTeam claim that Elite+ get access to “750 lounges worldwide”? (Admittedly, the Schengen lounge at AMS was a madhouse – and dirty/run down this past Oct.)
It’s infuriating that here we are in almost December, after I worked all this year to achieve diamond status to receive its published benefits next year, that Delta NOW, after it has received the investment from me, says “Nevermind, we’re actually not going to give you the Diamond SkyClub access benefit that we promised and you worked to achieve. We overextended ourselves and you, the loyal flyer, obviously need to pay the price for that. Instead, we’re going to give take it away, even though met all the terms and conditions to meet it, and give it to AMEX holders instead. You’ve held up your end and spend the money to receive the benefit, and we flat out don’t care and will gladly screw you over.”
I feel like Delta has punched me in the face, and I’m the stupid sucker for trusting them them my loyalty. How can we as “once” Diamond Medallions possibly get revenge for this?
“How can we as ‘once’ Diamond Medallions possibly get revenge for this?”
Take your business elsewhere, if feasible.
True. I guess this is where the status matches come in handy. I hope that competitors jump on this opportunity. I can’t wait to jump ship.
It would have been one thing is this was published last February and I was able to make an informed choice, but promising me a benefit, tricking me into flying Delta a ton and achieving status to receive that benefit, and then taking it away right after it has been earned is downright cruel.
Yeah, the timing of this announcement is pretty ugly.
And the fact that Delta is treating Aeromexico elites or TAROM elites better than Delta diamonds!
Status match and go. I’m giving that a try at United.
So when is the best time to do a status match on United and/or American? I might be worth having a refresher if this has already been covered.
I’d say early in the year so you have the status for that year and the next once you meet the prescribed thresholds.
Email ed dot bastian at delta dot com
Still confused if there will be a difference between SC access for purchased F vs complimentary upgrade to F (during the 5-day window prior to the gate) for STE+ SC access when traveling from USA to Canada.
I think you’re still SOL — unless your trip involves PS or D1.
There is a footnote to the announcement:
Terms and Conditions
‡Access to the Delta Sky Club continues to be permitted for Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion Members flying in First Class to Canada, Mexico, and Central America.
This this seemed inevitable, since this year bloggers loved to show (often outdated) photos of long lines at Skyclubs and demanded changes. Well, be careful for what you wish for in this case. Frankly, if it decreases the number of people in the lounges (including but not limited to children running around, playing ipads at ear piercing volumes, then grabbing food with their grubby paws and individuals swilling as much cheap liquor as possible on the company’s dime), I’m super happy. There are many options for airlines to fly and if you’re displeased with the changes then yes, vote with your feet and wallet.
Delta created this by handing out miles during the pandemic and heavily promoting the Amex Reserve. While no one knew how long the pandemic travel lull would last, they should have known better and/or have been better prepared. I guess when the guy that runs the clubs said “who do you think we are, We Work?”, we should’ve have known trouble was brewing. Now the international guests pay, oh, and don’t show up 3:30 hours before your flight cause you can’t get in. No privileges for this membership!
A Very Disappointed Two Million Miler
Email ed dot bastian @ delta dot com
I have a Delta Reserve AmEx so I’m unaffected, but that doesn’t mean I’m not irritated at the changes and how it affects Medallion members who opt/ed not to carry a AmEx. As I read the Delta email that outlined the changes before I read this article it seemed like a swift kick between the legs along with a middle finger and double eye poke all at once to Medallion members.
I do agree that the sky clubs have gotten too crowded and a change needed to be made, especially since COVID has moved to the rear of the cabin (I do kinda miss being one of about 50 people in the bigger clubs with plenty of room to move, but don’t miss the spartan food offerings), so I’m happy that crowding should not be an issue moving forward, but you don’t “honor loyalty” by kicking out people with status. If anything, Medallion status should get honors over credit cards, and if you have Medallion status AND a card, then your cardholder status should be the tiebreaker amongst your Medallion status, not above.
I have quite a bit invested in my SkyMiles account and with my Reserve card, and I opt to fly Delta over AA (my only other choice in my home airport) due to better connectors and better experiences with Delta vs. AA, but I won’t hesitate to shift to AA and upgrade my World Elite card to get better perks.
First a slight bit of perspective…the terminal is still mobbed with people who DON’T have lounge access of any sort.
Now…maybe DL knows better (and damn they should) but I still don’t see how these changes will systematically affect the crowding issue? They will not rock the AMEX boat and the highest percentage of folks in the SC’s are there on an AMEX Plat. The DL Reserve card doesn’t even come close because you really need to kinda be all in on Delta to even think about the $550/year for that card. I know two people with a Reserve card (one is me) and literally 20 with an AMEX Plat. (Fun fact? A least half of them were clueless to the SC benefit if flying Delta)
I truly don’t understand taking away the Choice Benefit for Diamonds. Short of 360’s these are the best customers they’ve got. I always thought the SC should just be an automatic perk of reaching Diamond not even needing to be a ‘Choice’.
It was good on them to constantly do the roll overs during the pandemic. Yes, it did create some of this but it was the right thing to do and over the next two years that herd will thin out.
But, until they are able to sit down with AMEX and come up with a meaningful solution to the AMEX Plat’s nothing is going to change much. My guess? They’re waiting till there is at least a decent number of Centurion Lounges available and then it’ll be Centurion free – Sky Club for a fee for the Plats and vice versa on the co-branded Reserve.
I’m a bit puzzled that many people are caught aback by this. Delta has been fervently hunting for ways to disenfranchise engaged loyalty members for several years now. Name the last two times that Delta did something that was beneficial to the loyal customer simply to strengthen that loyalty.
Upgrade certs on award tickets and earning on award tickets were positives, no? Anyway, worst thing to me is still GUC devaluation. What a punch in the face.
I agree, especially when they then refuse to extend them because “they have already been extended”. In my case, I didn’t need extensions to use all of mine up until 2022 when they changed the rules.
I used to do a crazy amount of DL flying and I still fly them a lot, but my engagement with the DL “loyalty” program sent me into free agent mode a long time ago since they have long shown they hold frequent flying customers in contempt and want to treat us more like “you are your fare this time”.
Don’t value me when I am flying ”cheap” economy class fares? Then I am not going to value them much back when I am flying big buck fares either.
I find it odd that people really think a company trying to be successful (which Delta does a good job of, in my opinion) has contempt for its customers. It’s reasonable to get less when you pay less.
Am I interpreting this correctly? By 2024, there will be no way to get your +1 travel companion into a skyclub for free? Unless they have their own Reserve card.
Or using an Amex Platinum cards $200 airline reimbursement perk.
Chris, while that’s a good idea to use the $200 for my +1 entry, that’s the equivalent of one trip from the west coast to east coast, it’s unlikely that I’ll have a direct flight. With the two free passes from the reserve card, I can get my spouse in a SC, for 1 1/2 RT trips from SFO to say Florida. On our trips to RSW we are going to have at least 1 layover. We drive 3 hours to SFO, so it’s nice to use the restroom, grab a bite to eat and a beverage before we board for our first leg.
I think the better work around for this is what was mentioned by another commenter, for now at least. I’m going to get a platinum AU card for my spouse for the $175 fee. Use my diamond choice benefit for skypedos instead of the guest pass choice benefit. The added benefit here is that my spouse will have free access to Centurion lounges this next year after the rule change takes place. . My wife is my companion 95% of my flights when I’m not traveling alone. The downside of this plan is that if I travel with my kids and their spouses, I won’t be able to bring them in without a fee. Oh, I forgot mention that if we use the AU card for $2000 expenses within 6 months, I’ll get 10,000 Amex bonuspoints.
The Amex Plat $175 AU fee provides two (or is it three?) Amex Plat cards on top of the card issued to the primary account member. And since the primary Plat account member can cap off the spend authorization on the Platinum AU cards, some may just get them — or even sell them — the additional Platinum AU cards for annual DL lounge access when flying DL.
Or the SkyClub Executive Membership.
Yeah, but that burns 3 choice benefits… they are worth, more than a club membership to me. That is IF I get to use the 4 GUC’s for international travel.
I agree, which is why I’d rather pay Amex. Problem solved, in my mind.
I forgot that AA gives top-level elites flying internationally in economy access to the best One World lounges that are otherwise reserved for first or business classes. That means Delta is now worse than f-cking American Airlines. Who would have ever thought that? And yes, I think we can all assume that Delta diamonds will not have access to the Delta One lounges. Delta has already said these will be for Delta One and 360 customers only. More and more, 360 is the old diamond and diamond is the only platinum. Gold is completely worthless without lounge access. Next thing you know Delta will eliminate Sky Priority bag tags and check-in lanes. This is a complete violation of Sky Team rules.
BRAVO! BRAVO!
Well said.
My feelings exactly.
American has also made changes. At one time, Platinum would have given access to lounges on international flights. Now you have to be Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum. Also the requirements to reach those levels have crept up. Today I was reminded that American doesn’t allow upgrades on award tickets except for Executive Platinum members. Delta does.
AA Platinum (equivalent to Delta Gold) are oneworld Sapphire and have access to oneworld business class lounges except for Qatar at DOH (including AA Flagship lounges) of oneworld airlines when flying economy on a oneworld airline.
AA Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum are oneworld Emerald and have access to first class and business class lounges (including AA Flagship lounges) of oneworld airlines when flying economy on a oneworld airline. Qatar Al Safwa and Al Mourjan lounges in DOH being excepted. Delta elites have no access to Skyteam first class lounges (Air France and Korean are the only Skyteam airlines I’m aware of with first class lounges) unless they are flying international first class on one of said airlines and you can’t fly international first class using SkyMiles.
In my experience, oneworld business class lounges are far better than the lounges available to Skyteam Elite Plus except for Virgin Clubhouses, if they still allow access.
@Chris, The access rules for Delta lounges are becoming tough to keep track of. It is like trying to remember the ever changing elite benefits at the 30 or so Bonvoy hotel brands. Any chance of publishing a spread sheet or something? Something like “Delta Lounge Access for Dummies.” Also, the Sky Cubs at international gateways are pretty nice. Do you think they might decline once Delta One lounges open? Thanks.
Thanks for correcting me. Maybe I misread something related to first class lounge access.
Called the Medallion line 3 times today for clarification. If your a Delta Medallion STE+ on and International ticket in Comfort+ or Main cabin AND hold a Delta RESERVE credit card, you are NOT eligible to enter a Delta Skyclub on your international itinerary! You must be in Premium Select AND hold an applicable AMEX credit card. This is NOT conveyed on the press release/website, OR, Delta employees are as confused.
I’m thinking it’s the Delta employees who are confused. If Comfort+ and Main Cabin passengers with eligible Amex cards aren’t allowed in lounges on international trips, that’s a wonderful reason to cancel said Amex card. I don’t think Delta would dare do that to Amex, despite their perceived contempt for anyone not flying at least Premium Select.
Chris,
I will try and undercover video my entrance after February to see if the “Lounge Dragons” are trained equally in their policy.
Be wary of recording laws and policies.
Recent conversation when I arrived at the airport 3.5 hours early (pretty silly really, usually 20 minutes is early for me) and went to the club:
– Sir, do you mind if…. I mean Welcome to the Sky Club.
– Thank you! But why did you change your mind?
– It wasn’t worth upsetting a loyal customer.
I actually wouldn’t have made a fuss since I knew I was taking a chance, but it is nice that there are employees that don’t feel scared to be flexible and feel empowered to bend the rules when the clubs are not full.
I don’t have high hopes that this will have a huge effect on the crowding issues. Something is better than nothing I suppose, but I believe this move is more for show, rather than having any real tangible effects. The criteria that DL has decided to target is just too narrow, IMO.
I have to imagine that those with lounge memberships only (and no CC access) is extremely rare. No, I don’t have any numbers to back this up, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s true.
As for the guest fee increase, I don’t believe that an $11 difference is really going to be the deciding factor on whether someone wants to bring in a guest or not. $11 isn’t going to break the bank for most people.
As for the Choice Benefits increasing from two to three for SkyClub Membership, how many Diamonds don’t hold a Platinum and/or Reserve card and rely solely on their Diamond status for entry? I have to imagine it’s not very many.
And the same applies to Diamonds, Platinums, and Golds flying on international itineraries. What percentage of them don’t also hold a Platinum and/or Reserve card? I imagine for many, holding a Reserve card actually helped them attain the status in the first place.
I think allowing STE+ members from other airlines is probably needed for reciprocity. I am a DM and recently flew from Sofia, Bulgaria to Cork Ireland on a $264 KLM economy ticket and was able to get into the lounge in Amsterdam for a long layover, so hopefully that benefit will still be there. What happens if someone is flying on a ticket marketed by KLM or another ST partner in economy on a Delta code share? Can that person get into a SkyClub w/o an Amex card? Perhaps you are better off buying an economy ticket from another ST airline.
At LAX, could you go over to the Korean Air lounge if you are flying Main Cabin on a Delta-marketed international flight? The SkyTeam website states “You can access this lounge if you are an eligible passenger traveling on an international flight operated by the following airlines:” and Delta is listed.
It seems as though Delta STE+ members are the only ones who can’t get into Delta lounges.
In the old days, I used to pop into the Korean lounge at NRT when connecting intra-Asia on Delta back when Narita was a hub for Delta. It was never an issue. Then again, Korean’s lounges are pretty bad. This was when Delta had two lounges at NRT, too.
Yep…already ditched my Chase Sapphire Reserve® for the same reason. No more entry into the clubs….unless it’s after 11pm. And no more entry into other clubs… period!
RE the CSR: do you mean long lines into the Priority Pass clubs?
Time to learn about status match with AA and United.
Bye bye Delta
It would be reasonable if anyone who had paid for a membership in any form – either by Amex, choice benefit or paid membership, could still access the club anytime. To deny access to someone that has exchanged some sort of payment is just not right. Mind you, they already do that, creatively, in some overseas locations by outsourcing the clubs to third parties. For example in Tel Aviv there is a Dan Club but you can only use it if you are flying First Class, even if you are a Sky Club member. If it were operated by Delta you would have access.
They should invite people like us (you know, people that actually fly Delta and are affected by the changes rather than manage flying Delta) to brainstorm on better ways to solve the overcrowding, and before making other changes that devalue the benefits of earning status. At least they made these changes wef the start of the year to give people a chance to stop earning status, unlike other changes that they have thrown on us in the middle of the year (like reducing the possible life of a GUC and RUC by a year).
I wonder if Delta actually brought in focus groups, Barry. (I hear) they have in the past.
They usually consider running this kind of thing by a customer focus group, but DL were limited in their options given their contract arrangements with Amex (at least for the Amex Plat card access) and separately with the SkyTeam arrangement (for Skyteam partner airline program members). So telling DL elites and DL SkyClub members to go pound sand were the legal possibilities while minimizing the chances of: facing a lawsuit from a big company business “partner”; and of being as riskily subject to a bigger class suit in a class action lawsuit from consumers.
They ran this by their lawyers and corporate partners, and don’t really care about the rest.
I wonder how many decisions are made by reading comments like ours?
Based on our analytics and sources, we know more than a few folks at Delta corporate read the blog.
Do Delta’s powers-that-be care about our writers’ or commenters’ opinions? Possibly. But they likely won’t notice until their stock options are affected one way or their other.
(Boring disclosure: I don’t trade Delta stock, I’m not a stock broker, etc., etc., blah, etc.)
Like a department of transportation can’t build itself out of traffic congestion, Delta won’t be able to build itself out of this overcrowding. Building more SkyClubs will only increase the volume of folks because there’s a good chance that more people will be willing to pay $550/$695 for access via the Reserve/Platinum card.
Never has a highway been built in this country which has eliminated traffic congestion on another…just more people and cars show up to fill the new space on the new highway. Same will happen with Delta. More clubs, even more people, same problem.
The only true way to control the crowd is to cap the amount of visits of Platinum/Reserve card holders. Unfortunately such will never happen because Amex is Delta’s biggest customer and they aren’t about to shake that tree.
Besides, if they were to cap access via the Platinum/Reserve card then Amex stands to lose some customers and the $550/$695 they’d take with them…and Amex isn’t about to let that happen.
So what can they do?….in my opinion, absolutely nothing…at least not without rocking the boat and ticking off some folks who willingly pay hefty annual fees.
There’s a reason why Delta started making cuts with the folks who aren’t contributing to the Amex $550/$695 coffer. The execs aren’t fools, they know the Amex Reserve/Platinum is the biggest problem…they’ve chosen to ignore it, they’re not ignorant of it.
“just more people and cars show up to fill the new space on the new highway”. Where do all these people suddenly appear from? This is simply not a true statement. The right capacity in the right places will indeed end congestion. People don’t go out and buy new cars or start driving just because of new roads.
I live in Los Angeles. We’ve been through a couple of “carmageddons” that added lanes and were supposed to thin out traffic on the 405 freeway. Here’s what happened: people stopped taking their off-freeway shortcuts and hit the 405. Congestion added up.
@Chris Exactly.
@Barry, in keeping with Amex, an empty (or less crowded SkyClub) is an invitation these days…and by invitation I mean folks who where probably on the fence may just come off and pick up access to the club via a credit card…hence the “more people” reference. I’m in a lot of forums and groups and the biggest turnoff for folks when the topic of such comes up is the crowd…which leads to to believe that these same folks would probably give the lounge a chance if they could ever find one that isn’t crowded…which brings me back to the fact that there will always be more people.
As for the highway reference…new roads may not entice folks to buy new cars but it certainly may convince those who were talking alternative routes to give the new highway a chance…hence the “more people”. If you can find a study or point out a reference in which a new highway was built and traffic didn’t follow I will happily stand corrected.
Folks: It’s pretty obvious what’s next. Delta is going to eliminate complimentary upgrades for elites. That’s just painfully obvious if you look at all the devaluations in the last few years. Already, very few elites besides diamonds are getting upgrades anyways.
Wouldn’t be surprised if they go back to an upgrade coupon system — especially if they find a way to further monetize “premium” space — for domestic flights too.
That’s not going to solve the overcrowding issue. There would be no point in keeping first class seats empty if they can fill them with loyal flyers. I don’t see this happening. Overcrowding is an issue that needs solving in the clubs. I don’t think this is best way to solve the problem, but it does need to be solved. While not getting upgraded is a problem for those that don’t get upgraded, there isn’t an inherent issue with upgrading, it’s a very smart way of making a few people happy on each flight when you can’t sell the seats.
Except a majority, if not a super-majority, of domestic first-class seats are going out with paid first-class passengers. Upgrades are few and far between anymore, especially on routes with meal services. It’s a benefit that in practice no longer applies to most elite status customers. And with Delta installing premium-economy on the transcontinental and Hawaii flights, there won’t be complimentary upgrades from economy to premium-economy. You’ll have to use regional or global upgrade certificates in the same manner as international flights. It’s really quite unfortunate that Delta doesn’t allow regionals to be used for premium-economy and short-haul internationals under 7 hours (Iceland, Ireland, some UK).
I would take it a step further and give free upgrades without GUCs if they have any seats left after GUCs have been used, just like they now do with Delta One on domestic flights if you haven’t used a RUC.
This is a triple gut punch to medallions who continue to be loyal to Delta, who have now shown they do not care about our loyalty. I am a DM, and spent time this year sticking with Delta to finally get to MM status. Had they said this earlier in the year, I would have jumped ship. The GU devaluation I thought, was bad enough, they just keep kicking their loyal customers to the curb. I thought I would be loyal for a few more years…..Time to go Delta. I have never looked at status match before but will be looking to jump ship and take my hard earned $$ elsewhere.
Where is Sky Team in all this? I mean I’m sure Sky Team has no enforcement powers, but this is against the published Sky Team rules and regulations. Delta is denying elites access to its Sky Club lounges, but granting access to a passenger ticketed in basic-economy or economy-class who just happens to be a Sky Team Elite Plus customer from Czech Airlines (an airline that basically no longer exists as it only has one plane and one route left) or an elite from TAROM (another basically bankrupt airline that doesn’t even have transatlantic flights). In what alternative universe is that remotely acceptable, not least for platinums and diamonds? Especially when Delta just raised the MQD spending threshold for diamonds. Moreover, not all diamonds or platinums can just get a credit card for Sky Club access since Delta has platinums and diamonds based outside the Untied States where these credit cards are not available.
As with OneWorld and Star Alliance, airlines can adopt carve-out rules.
Except this isn’t saying that eligible elites who would otherwise access a lounge on an international ticket can’t access the same lounge on a domestic ticket. This is literally eliminating the basic benefit of Sky Team Elite and Sky Elite Plus statuses. What if Korean Air or Air France or Virgin Atlantic passes a similar ‘carve-out’ that keeps Delta elites in economy on international flights from using their lounges? Right now, a Delta elite in economy on an international Delta flight who can no longer access the Delta lounge could go to another Sky Team lounge. But I’m sure those airlines are going to move quick to stop that.
Virgin has categorized its lounge at LHR as a first-class lounge. In the absence of a one-off agreement with specific airlines, SkyTeam elites would not be able to use it.
Everyone complains about over-crowding. Everyone acknowledges – even insists – that something needs to be done. But, now that Delta is doing something, people complain “Oh, but that affects ME. This is unacceptable.” Tough (cookies). Delta has to make tough choices. Delta would rather not hose anyone. But, the fact is that some will be hosed. So, it prioritizes its customer categories. You might not agree with Delta’s prioritization. Too bad. If you are in a category that is affected, as a consumer, you have a choice. You can pay up for access. Or, if you are really that (stinkin’) put out, leave. Go to another airline that you believe will treat you better. It really is that simple. Be happy.
Be happy with another airline. Don’t go away mad, just go away. Gimme, gimme, gimme two-year-olds.
Other than calling people two-year olds, I agree with everything you said.
Okay: millennials. 🙂
I would agree with you if this change were published as a rule moving forward. I would gladly just take my business somewhere else. The problem here is that Delta has enticed us for all of 2022 to earn Diamond Medallion elite status, with one of these major benefits being lounge access. Now that I’ve completed 2022 and spent far more money choosing to be loyal to Delta to earn this status for 2023, the fact that they NOW, after taking my money with the promise of the benefit, aren’t going to actually provide it, doesn’t even give me the opportunity to vote elsewhere with my wallet. They took my money upfront, and took away the reward once they received my money. How this is not fraud is beyond me.
Because the program terms and conditions allow them to change the terms and even eliminate the program at virtually any time with virtually no real or meaningful notice.
I get my lounge access through my Amex Reserve card, not through my Diamond status. To me the biggest benefit of being Diamond is the ability to choose global upgrades, and being at or near the top of the upgrade list almost every flight. I’m far more irritated by the watering down of GUC benefits. I actually never even considered club membership as a Diamond benefit, I was using the club lounges for several years before I was anywhere close to being Diamond. The only time it came close was when I chose the benefit that allows guest access.
I actually enjoyed the turkey meatballs and gravy WITH the mashed potatoes last weekend at MSP F/G. The mashed potatoes were surprisingly good. 🙂
But as a frequent traveler to Canada, and often bringing friends or family, I’m incredibly ticked off with this change as well. Let’s not forgot that a main cabin flight to Canada is often more expensive than a flight to Europe…
The things that make delta great keep getting taken away.
Thanks for this Chris. It’s a wring move on behalf of Delta. Their historic loyalty program is actually working against their most loyal consumer. It seems they are forgetting the business they are in – flaying people and profiting of that.
We’ll see how this rolls out…
This article makes it sound like Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card holders get complementary access to the clubs. They don’t. They have to pay per visit. Currently it’s $39 but goes up to $50 on 2 Feb.
“customers and companion guests entering via their Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card will increase from $39 to $50. Effective Feb. 2, 2023.” per news.delta.com.
I can see how that came across. I made the change so it’s easier to understand. Thanks.
Thanks!!
I just noticed your comment about working for a company that only allows Delta travel in Basic Economy. All the companies I worked for allowed main cabin as opposed to Basic Economy, in fact one of them disallowed Basic Economy. I’d be interested to know if there are a lot of companies with Diamond-level frequency travelers that force them to buy Basic Economy.,
Wasn’t there an article recently on how DL was enhancing the value of Gold Medallion? Not. As a DL 2MM Lifetime GM, I saw lounge access as a huge benefit while on non-premium International travel.
Delta knew what they were doing when they oversubscribed the lounges by making drug deals with AMEX. We will remember this move. Time for status match.
I have been with Delta for many years earning the 3 million mile status. Being unable to use the Sky Clubs if you must purchase a main cabin or basic ticket because all of us, sometimes have trips we need to make that are not planned 6 months out . Shame on you Delta ! Member for over 30 years
Chris, what would your thoughts be if Delta went to a paid membership only model, with non-paid access only to 1) Delta One and 2) Gold elite members (and up) on international itineraries? No annual benefit choice.
Lounge access is a perk of Delta One. And if Delta wants Delta One to be a major premium product, then making people pay for club access on top of their tickets would be a bad idea.
Because other SkyTeam Elite Plus members still have lounge privileges, I think that idea, too, isn’t great. Plus, Delta is sort of already doing that, tell people that if they want to access the lounge, they should just get an eligible Amex card.
Just to clarify, my suggestion is that Delta One and Elite Plus (on int’l) would be the only categories who would NOT pay. Everyone else would require a paid membership. Sorry for the confusion.
If this change convinces a measurable percentage of STE’s who currently don’t have the DL Reserve card to sign up for the card…won’t the clubs become more crowded? Instead of using the club for international travel only, they’ll be using the club for domestic travel too. I flew 62 segments in 2022. If I had the DL Reserve card I could have been in a Sky Club 62 times. Instead, I was in a club only 4 times when I traveled internationally.
Delta is in what is called “price discovery.” It’s trying to determine the price of lounge access that will bring occupancy loading down to an acceptable level. This is whether the price is 3 choice benefits instead of one, the cash price of a paid membership, the annual fee of the Reserve Card, etc. Given an absence of data heretofore, Delta needs to have several data points to close in on this number. Much to the frustration of many, Delta will avoid the risk of over-shooting by making incremental steps (approaching from the over-crowding side). Many will get a sense of “okay, what next?” At each step, each consumer will have to assess whether the benefit one receives is worth that price. As one reader commented on this subject on a different blog, those who see lounge access as a status symbol thing and free all-you-can-eat foraging will fall away and those who see lounge access as a quiet haven from the terminal will stay. Best of luck in your choices.
Yes. Excellent point. The “flip” side is HOW many Delta STE+’s, traveling internationally in Main or Comfort+, who do NOT hold an American Express Card(Platinum, Delta Reserve, etc.) are going to be traveling in a given day that would OVERWHELM a Delta Skyclub? It can’t be many.
Yes, I would love to know how many of us are out there. I’m a Canadian diamond member, just reached MM in September. Am not eligible for any Delta branded cards and I only travel for leisure. Will be strategic with how I’ll try and use gucs the next few years before dropping down to platinum as my yearly flights will decrease and trips getting longer due to retirement.
A number of years ago, after various devaluations, a group was formed called “Save Our SkyMiles.” Quite frankly, the devaluations just keep coming and now with the indication that credit card holders are being rewarded while frequent flyers are being brushed off, maybe another round of “Save Our Sky Miles” is an order. It certainly worked the last time; there was quite a major reversal of the direction where scale miles would go after so many said, we are done with Delta!! So many of these recent “enhancements” will push so many people away from an airline many of us have supported/flown for many many years.
That’s a great idea!