Delta Making Major Changes To SkyClub Access

Delta has announced major changes to SkyClub access from 2023. These changes are being made in response to overcrowding. Changes are as follows:

  • From 1/1/23:
    • Delta is increasing the individual club membership fee to $695 (from $545), annual executive club membership is being increased to $1,459 (from $845). It will still be possible to redeeming Delta miles for 1¢ per mile towards these memberships.
    • Must have Delta elite status to be able to purchase or renew a lounge membership
  • From 2/1/23
    • Selecting lounge access for Diamond Medallion status will now cost 3 Choice Benefit selections (from 2)
    • Individual Membership and Credit Card Guest Pass access will no longer be offered via Choice Benefits for the 2024 Medallion Year and beyond
  • From 2/2/23
    • Guest fee for members and American Express cardholders will increase to $50 (from $39)
    • Delta Sky Club members flying on Basic Economy tickets cannot enter unless they have a benefit through an eligible American Express® Card which allows for access
    • Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion Members flying internationally in Main Cabin or Delta Comfort+ will no longer receive Delta Sky Club access, unless they have access through a different entry method (such as a Delta Sky Club membership)
    • Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion Status still permit entry to the Club if flying in Delta Premium Select internationally or in Delta One.

The easiest way to improve overcrowding would be to restrict access from American Express cardholders, but this isn’t possible as they have a contract through 2029.

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TV Doctor
TV Doctor (@guest_1500414)
December 2, 2022 09:58

Some of the stuff I’m reading here is rude, selfish and unnecessary. Ban children? Blaming cardholders with rightful access?…As a Diamond member that flies with Delta 2-3 times a week (sometimes more), I think it’s ridiculous to take anything away from Diamond members, in particular. The only reason I use the lounges is because Delta can’t seem to find a way to avoid these long layovers. My average layover is 3-4 hours. 2 weeks ago, I flew from Hawaii to Texas and it was a 19 hour trip because of the layovers. The other airlines managed to do it in 9-12 hours. I’ve seriously considered renting a car to do my Texas to Florida trips vs having to fly past Florida for a 3 hour layover
at MSP or wherever and then back to Florida. How about they focus on that a bit? It would definitely decrease/eliminate use of the lounges.

Chad Dankbutt
Chad Dankbutt (@guest_1499715)
December 1, 2022 13:46

Ok, so everyone who can’t buy or renew a membership anymore because they’re not elite or doesn’t like the price grabs a Platinum card. How does that help anything?

Steve
Steve (@guest_1499405)
December 1, 2022 09:09

Nothing but a bunch of jerks in there anyways. I have access and dont use it. Youre welcome

Jack
Jack (@guest_1499345)
December 1, 2022 07:20

As an Amex Personal Gold holder, at least let us do carry out if we’re flying Delta.

Esquiar
Esquiar (@guest_1499278)
December 1, 2022 02:44

Unpopular opinion: lounges should be reserved for an airline’s “best” customers. If that means premium cabin tickets and top-tier elites only, so be it.

What I don’t understand is how Amex is paying Delta enough for Amex Plat card access to take priority over paid lounge memberships.

Harry
Harry (@guest_1499409)
December 1, 2022 09:12

I read Amex pays Delta 5 billion this year and 7 billion next (obviously not just lounge access). That should move the needle. Paid probably wouldn’t be a decimal point in comparison.

Hunt
Hunt (@guest_1499512)
December 1, 2022 10:41

I think lounges would be awfully underutilized if that were the case. Oftentimes the “best” customers are not the ones who would care about lounge access.

Pahanin
Pahanin (@guest_1499217)
December 1, 2022 00:27

Best way to clear up overcrowding is to have a reservation system

John
John (@guest_1499430)
December 1, 2022 09:29

That might be the worst way.

askmrlee
askmrlee (@guest_1499208)
December 1, 2022 00:14

“The easiest way to improve overcrowding would be to restrict access from American Express cardholders, but this isn’t possible as they have a contract through 2029.”

I’m sure Delta did their research but aren’t there Federal anti-discriminatory laws that require these lounges to be available to anyone via purchase, not just elite members?

Prediction: in 2029, Delta Sky Club access via a non-Delta American Express card will be restricted to American Express Optio or Centurion Card holders only. No more pesky Platinum cardholders – you’re just not elite enough to enter.

The Money Ninja
The Money Ninja (@guest_1499220)
December 1, 2022 00:35

No. It’s only illegal if you discriminate against someone because of that person’s race, color, religion, sex/gender orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

It’s a private business, they can enforce access to different classes so long they don’t go against anything mentioned above.

John
John (@guest_1499470)
December 1, 2022 10:05

No. Federal law allows age, gender, sexual orientation, and genetic discrimination, though it may violate state laws. You’re probably mistakenly thinking of federal employment law, not public accommodation law.

Cate the MSer
Cate the MSer (@guest_1499145)
November 30, 2022 22:21

Time to cancel all my Amex Delta. Delta should go screw themselves!!!

Mark
Mark (@guest_1499076)
November 30, 2022 19:50

Amex Plat members…this is all your fault.

Super Samauri
Super Samauri (@guest_1499171)
November 30, 2022 23:18

Guests must fly Delta Airlines to access Delta lounges. Odd that Delta complains about overcrowding in lounges but not on its airlines.

Dwight
Dwight (@guest_1499751)
December 1, 2022 14:26

I totally thought Delta was rhe cream of the crop. But they are one step up from from the crowd. I have platinum American express and Delta /Reseve Mileage card and I am not impressed with the lounges or the airlines. Before COVID19 I thought they were great airlines from service to the planes. But now I realized that they are all the same. They wear different uniforms and different emblems but provide the same level of services. Being 6’5 in height I’m very judgmental about comfortable leg room and being treated like cattle. Which Delta isn’t different. Now the we are taking advantage of a offered benefit they want to take it away. Pretty sad 😔

Hugh Jass
Hugh Jass (@guest_1499466)
December 1, 2022 10:01

@Mark, Sorry about that.

Ravi
Ravi (@guest_1499068)
November 30, 2022 19:33

To help drive revenue and possibly limit some crowding they should require AMEX users to have main or above. If they’re flying economy its a no go.

Dwight
Dwight (@guest_1499762)
December 1, 2022 14:35

Then reduce the fee to reflect that economy people are not worthy of the experience. If they do that it greatly reduce the use of my delta card. I use the little “d” on purpose because delta isn’t thinking big at the time of adversity. The old Delta didn’t get here reducing Benefits but improving them. Dinosaur eventually die.