Summary
- Delta Air Lines has implemented changes to its Sky Club access policy with a view to address overcrowding within the lounges, but passengers are still pleading for more motion to be taken.
- Delta could introduce more restrictions in the long run to further reduce capability and make the lounges more exclusive.
- Rumors suggest potential access changes for American Express cardholders, including limited lounge visits for Delta Reserve cardholders.
Through the years, Delta Air Lines Sky Clubs have turn out to be widely popular, resulting in overcrowding within the luxurious airport spaces. Because of this, the Atlanta-based US legacy carrier introduced significant changes to the Sky Club access policy last 12 months.
In a move to tackle congested lounges, the policy changes didn’t appear to make much of a dent, as passengers have reportedly pleaded to Responding to the concerns, an executive on the airline indicated that more changes are on the way in which.
2023 membership changes
At the start of this 12 months, Delta implemented changes to its Sky Club access policy by restricting who can buy a membership and raising the annual membership fee. Delta Sky Club annual memberships and renewals are only available to Medallion Members of its SkyMiles frequent-flyer program.
Photo: Delta Air Lines
For an executive membership, the airline significantly increased the one-year rate from $845 to $1,495. The person membership formerly cost $545 annually but is now available for $695. One other change prevents all Basic Economy passengers from entry to the Sky Club, no matter their Medallion status.
“More to come back”
Despite the brand new policy rules, Delta could introduce more restrictions soon to cut back the clubs’ high capability and make them much more exclusive. Delta Sky Club’s Managing Director, Claude Roussel, indicated that the airline is aware of the overcrowding, chatting with The Points Guy.
“We proceed to work with our partners and proceed taking a look at this issue. It is not a done issue. We’ve got to proceed making progress. Our guests are telling us that. They’re telling us, listen, we love the clubs. You might want to fix the crowding.”
Photo: Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock
No further details were shared, but Roussel reportedly said regarding the access policy that there’ll Easy Flying has reached out to the carrier for comment.
Take a look at Delta’s newest Sky Club here.
Targeting American Express travelers?
Travelers can select from various options to get access to the lounges, especially with the airline’s partnership with bank card company American Express. Rumors have reportedly swirled around indicating that Delta could announce potential cardholder access changes. In line with the Eye of the Flyer, a supposed worker at American Express shared that access might be drastically restricted, including unlimited lounge visits being eliminated.
While Delta or American Express haven’t confirmed any of the alleged details, the worker leaked the next, in keeping with Eye of the Flyer:
- Delta Reserve cardholders could be limited to 10 Sky Club visits per 12 months. To go to the lounge 11 times a 12 months or more, the cardholder would wish to spend $75,000 on the cardboard annually
- American Express Platinum members could visit the lounges six times a 12 months
- Only primary cardholders would receive complimentary visits, while authorized users of a Delta Reserve card can get access for $50 a visit
The corporate could also increase the annual fees on the premium cards, which could take effect in 2024 or 2025. The worker indicated that emails concerning the alleged changes would exit between next month and October.
Roussel said to The Points Guy.
What do you consider the potential changes to accessing Delta Sky Clubs? Tell us within the comments.