Originally Posted by FlyingBeanCounter

The lounge dumpster fire probably started about 5 years ago. That is when many airlines had capacity and they got the bright idea to sell it. Remember the day passes for $69 for a family in MCO? Flying out of there was AWFUL at certain times as there were 60,000 kids in the lounge.

If you look at UA, their lounges are still paid (I know because I pay for it). I am not awarded access for being a 1k. About the only thing I get from them is a cut rate on the lounge annual fee because of my status. Those lounges actually kick credit card pass holders out at certain times due to crowding. Sure, there is still crowding but honestly it is less stressful than a DL lounge. It is also a much shorter line.

The amex comment about DL is interesting. UA and AA survive and they are no where near as entangled with credit cards (but they do have them). Maybe DL should focus on delivering a quality product at a reasonable price. Honestly, if they have to rely on a credit card company to survive they probably should not.