Originally Posted by
Oakshadow
Strongly disagree with the "you can afford it" justification of taking away this perk, if that's what DL's official explanation is. It's not a matter if someone can "afford" club entrance, it's that they ALREADY PAID for it in the international First Class ticket price that was several times more than the Economy tickets and that's always been one of the incentives to get people to pay more for FC. DL might as well say, "If you can afford a First Class ticket, then why would you expect a complementary meal? It's only about $10 more. If you can afford First Class, then why would you expect a complimentary checked bag? It's only $30 per bag. We think you can afford these things since you already paid us at least twice the Main economy fare, so pay for it!"
Taking this perk away is devaluing of the First Class product any way you look at it.
Not Delta's explanation.
It is obviously devaluing First Class (international) product. Something was included that no longer is.
I am not saying I agree with it.
I was pointing out that first class is clearly a luxury item, and of all the "devaluation" of products at Delta this is basically a non issue. It effects such a small group of people that in many cases have the budget for luxury items and can simply purchase additional benefits without much impact. If you have the budget for luxury items what is another half a percent increase in cost.
And to your examples, that is exactly what Delta and every other airline have been doing forever. Stop including things so they can charge for them. They are also trying to reduce crowding in Skyclubs. So this isn't surprising.
Someone made the example of death by a thousand cuts. All I am saying the percentage of Delta customers this effects is very small, and it is a very minor cut.