Originally Posted by
pnorrey
So finally made diamond for the first time and also hit 1 million miles. Used the awards to get the sky lounge pass. And also reduced my Amex from Plat to gold as I don't really pay for much myself anymore and it was a waste of money. A few weeks ago, returning from Munich I went to the lounge but was refused entrance because I was only in Comfort Plus, and this lounge was only for Delta 1st. Was then told if I had purchased the SAME ticket through KLM or Air France, I could have had access even in coach. Then to rub salt into the wound, some young guy walks up and because he had the Platinum Amex card he was allowed entry!!!. Oh and as a nice person he asked them if I could go in as his guest. And that was ok!. So Delta now puts revenue from Amex above loyalty?
The platinum card is a premium card (especially internationally). Delta wants to please customers who have that sort of discretionary spending. It's an easy and simple way to weed out people who aren't willing or able to spend money on flights. Of course it's both over and under inclusive, but it's just generally a good method. The benefit to Delta goes beyond loyalty to, or revenue from, Amex.
Not sure why the age of the guy walking in matters. Unless he was 15 years old, that doesn't seem notable.