It used to be that the lounges were fairly accessible to a wide range of Delta customers, whether through credit cards, as complimentary guests or other methods of entry. However, this has changed in the last couple of years as the airline announced a raft of changes impacting access to its Sky Clubs, in effect making it a lot stricter and more difficult to get in. This included:
- No more access for SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express cardholders
- No more access for Basic Economy passengers, even with SkyClub membership
Why Delta's Sky Clubs are harder to get into
Delta Air Lines may have some of the best airport lounges in the country, but they have become increasingly out-of-reach for travelers. A series of recent changes removed or limited access to a chunk of Delta's customers, particularly those holding branded American Express credit cards - notably, access was removed entirely for Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express holders, while other cardholders were handed annual visit limits.
Prior to this, qualifying Amex cardholders were afforded unlimited access to Sky Clubs, making the card a worthwhile investment. However, coming into effect on February 1st, many of these customers will be limited to a certain number of visits per year unless they spend $75,000 on the card to restore unlimited access privileges. This includes:
The carrier also changed how its Medallion Program members earn status by making it based on money spent, a move mirrored by many other carriers in the industry in recent years. Raising the points requirements for earning certain status levels has also made it more difficult for customers to earn Sky Club access via their loyalty program status.
Another change that went under the radar was the definition of what constitutes one lounge use. Previously, it was measured on a per-lounge basis, meaning if you visited two lounges at different airports on the same day, it would officially count as two visits.
However, this has been changed to a 24-hour window, meaning a single usage can get you into multiple lounges within this 24-hour period.
Sky Clubs were getting too busy
Passengers will obviously aspire to the perks of premium travel if they are within reach, and Delta's previous lounge access options meant a fairly high number of its customers would qualify. As a result, its Sky Clubs started getting overcrowded, leaving many premium passengers unhappy.
Delta then had a dilemma over whether to prioritize its higher-status members or continue to allow a wider net of its customers to access the lounges.
"Some of the changes that we’re making ensure that we’re taking care of our most premium customers with our most premium assets, one of those being the Sky Club."
Delta initiated an expansion of its Sky Club portfolio this year, adding two new locations and expanding two existing clubs at Miami International and New YorkLaGuardia, the latter of which included a new Sky Deck and an extra 100 seats. This year, a first Sky Club in Charlotte and the addition of a second Sky Club in Seattle joined the five new facilities added the previous year.
This push for true premium has also culminated in the airline launching its brand-new range of Delta One lounges - these luxury facilities are a clear step up in quality and available to Delta One ticket holders, eligible business or first flights with a partner airline, or Delta 360 members.
How to get into a Delta Sky Club today
Business or first class seat
The simplest way to enjoy access to a Delta Sky Club is to travel internationally in the business or first class cabin with Delta or one of its partner airlines. This also includes passengers traveling in Delta One on domestic flights. This will automatically give you free entry to the lounge as well as the privilege of bringing one guest (who must be flying in a premium cabin).
Passengers choosing this option will even be able to access one of the carrier's new Delta One lounges located at New York JFK, Los Angeles and Boston Logan, the latter of which opened its doors just over a month ago.
SkyClub membership
- Individual - $695
- Executive - $1,495
This will allow SkyClub members to access lounges an unlimited number of times per year. Individual members can bring up to two guests for an added $50 fee per person, while Executive members can bring two guests free of charge.
Medallion status
Delta Medallion Diamond, Platinum and Gold members will get access when flying internationally in Delta Premium Select or Delta One, and are allowed to bring one guest with them (provided the guest also travels in the same cabin).
Eligible status holders can also access Sky Clubs when traveling in first class on flights to Canada, Mexico, and Central America, and this also includes access for one guest (in first class too).
Credit cards
Notably, unlimited visits can be achieved by these cardholders provided they spend a minimum of $75,000 through the card in a calendar year. Centurion Card members can also get into a Sky Club on any ticket type except Basic Economy
Partner airlines and SkyTeam
SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers are given free access to a Delta Sky Club and can bring one guest. Passengers flying in a premium cabin with partner airlines Virgin Atlantic, LATAM and WestJet, will be given the privilege of Sky Club access.
In terms of elite status, access is also available for Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold, LATAM Pass Platinum, Black, and Signature Black, and WestJet Rewards Gold and Platinum members.
