SeaHawg

Is anyone else having issues getting their +1 complimentary access into SkyClubs? I am not a SkyClub member, however, I have access through both my DL Reserve and Bus Plat AMEX.

After making DM for 2018 in early May, I selected the guest pass choice benefit so my wife would have complimentary access when traveling with me.

The ambassadors in the MEM club asked me what exactly that benefit was before they admitted my wife in. Nice club, btw.

In DTW, the ambassadors acted like they had never heard of this benefit. Eventually a very nice (not a DYKWIA) call to the DM line was made, and a note on my acct was added for the club ambassadors to see. It seemed to have fixed the issue. I was tempted to use a CB for membership and then use SkyPesos to buy up to Executive Membership, however, the benefit would only last a year as opposed to Feb 2019. Has anyone else encountered this?

xliioper

The Choice Benefit website appears to say that the Guest Pass benefit does not begin until October 1, 2017. So not terribly surprising that no one knows what you are talking about at this point.

flyerCO

If you buy up, it also lasts till end of Jan 2019. It simply upgrades the free SC membership (choice benefit) till it runs out. Did this last year.

EarlVolFan

For new Diamonds, like me, the benefit is available immediately when selecting 2018 DM benefits, which I just did. For existing Diamonds who already have complimentary SC membership, the benefit is not available until October 1.

Had no problem bringing my wife in the SEA club last week using the Guest Pass benefit, but the folks in the new ATL B club weren't aware of it, but now know about it as we researched the fine print together.

BTW, you get to bring TWO guests in with this choice benefit.

SeaHawg

The choice benefit begins in October if you already have an existing SC membership. For those of us who don't- it should begin shortly after the choice benefit selection is made. That is where there seems to be some continuity issues across the SC locations.

xliioper

Okay, after reading the full terms in the T&C's I agree that it seems you should be able to use it now. I'm assuming they don't send you any additional physical Guest Pass credentials and Guest Pass status is likely annotated on your Skymiles account or ticket somehow. Do you have a copy of your boarding pass? It might say something there that you could refer agents to. I suspect you are likely among the first to get the Guest Pass benefit, and it's probably the first time many agent are encountering this so it's not too surprising they are unfamiliar with it.

SeaHawg

That is exactly what is happening. I wasn't mad at the DTW agents, as we were in a hurry anyway, but I hope this will help anyone else using that choice benefit in the future.

pmv

New/First time Diamond. One of the choice awards is the Skyclub guest pass which is for diamonds who have club access through other means such as credit cards.

I have access through my AMEX Plat (NOT a Delta AMEX). Can I select this one or is it only for people who have access through a Delta AMEX? T&C unclear on delta.com


thanks!

flyerCO

Understanding is its for those who get free access to SC themself. Ie DL reserve. Its not for those that have to pay a fee per entry for themself.

MikeNYC1

Seems pretty black and white that you CAN select this as you have access via an eligible credit (charge) card (your AMEX unbranded Plat):

Your card (Amex Plat) grants complimentary access. Therefore, there shouldn't be a problem.


The Amex Plat grants free access for the cardholder. There's no need to pay a fee per entry. Perhaps you're thinking of the Amex Delta Plat?

flyerCO

That is what i was meaning. Left the DL part off. There's too many dang AMEX cards to keep track of.

ryandc99

Today I was visiting the ATL B SkyClub and alerted the check in agent that I had one guest and would be using my “guest pass”. I was accessing the club with my platinum American Express card and assumed saying guest pass would alert her to see I have the Diamond choice benefit for a guest.

Within a minute she had printed a receipt for 29.99 for a guest. I stated that I have the diamond choice benefit and asked why I didn’t tell her that. I asked her, what specifically am I supposed to say, and she said, “diamond choice benefit guest pass”, not just “guest pass.”

She then stated I was the first person she has seen use this. She was very apologetic and voided the 29.99 fee. Just a word of warning to be explicit With the desk agents. I’m also considering a note to customer care that they need additional training for their agents.

flyerCO

Your term guest pass was ambiguous. What she sold you was a guest pass for an AMEX card holder.

Not sure how they need training. It wasn't made clear by you that you were using a free "guest pass" or a AMEX "guest pass." Once you pointed out which, she instantly fixed it. Not much more can be done.

javabytes

Why did you hand her an Amex at all?

flyerCO

If user earned DM first time this year then no SC free membership w/ DM status. Must hand card to get in using AMEX.