Originally Posted by
rucksack
A Sky Club membership is "easy to get" too (by paying the requisite fee, of course). As is getting Sky Club access through the Reserve card. If I had to guess, a lot more people get Sky Club access through the Reserve card than the AmEx Platinum. And if I had to guess, the amount of guests gaining access through the AmEx Platinum isn't that significant or the benefit would have been cut a while ago.
Two other related points:
- One of the changes for 2019 is that Delta is now requiring a same-day ticket on Delta (rather than any airline) to access the Sky Club, even for paid members. This might thin crowds a little, but honestly I'd be surprised if there are that many Reserve card holders or Sky Club members that frequently fly on other airlines. This restriction already existed for the AmEx Platinum as far as I'm aware.
- Many people expect Delta and AmEx to eventually kill access to the Sky Club for AmEx Platinum cardholders once there are enough Centurion lounges nationwide. The AmEx Platinum actually used to grant access to the United Club and Admirals Club but that's since been cut.
Reserve card members are already required to be flying Delta (or DL-marketed Westjet flights) in order to get Sky Club access. The change largely relates to those with actual Sky Club memberships (Rerserve cardholders are not Sky Club members) who will be required to be flying Delta or partners for access and will lose access to Skyteam partner lounges. Those with Gold/Plat Delta Amex cards and are subject to the $29 access fee could previously enter when flying other airlines, but will now be required to be flying Delta or partners effective Jan 1. Reserve cardholders will be able access Sky Clubs when flying partners effective Jan 1, but will be subject to a $29 access fee like the Gold/Plat cardholders.