Sky Club beverage changes confirmed by DL
Jun 13, 2013, 2:05 pm
#1681
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: JFK,ATL,LGA (the rest of the world follows)
Programs: DL KM/DM/2MM (NH Plat emeritus, CO Plat emeritus, and no place like home)
Posts: 3,190
As a SC member, DL just sent me an 'offer' to buy JW blue for only $199 instead of $265... funny. Just a quick search online finds the same one for $150 or less with delivery. If you can't be classic, at least be honest. I know the 'revenue maximization' oracle is working, but those little things would cost you ALOT of goodwill and trust.
Fair disclosure- Don't drink JW Blue. Have one at home if you want to buy it, DL. You can have it for $179, resell it and make 20.
Fair disclosure- Don't drink JW Blue. Have one at home if you want to buy it, DL. You can have it for $179, resell it and make 20.
Jun 13, 2013, 3:18 pm
#1682
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
As a SC member, DL just sent me an 'offer' to buy JW blue for only $199 instead of $265... funny. Just a quick search online finds the same one for $150 or less with delivery. If you can't be classic, at least be honest. I know the 'revenue maximization' oracle is working, but those little things would cost you ALOT of goodwill and trust.
Fair disclosure- Don't drink JW Blue. Have one at home if you want to buy it, DL. You can have it for $179, resell it and make 20.
Fair disclosure- Don't drink JW Blue. Have one at home if you want to buy it, DL. You can have it for $179, resell it and make 20.
You have to wonder where the $265 fiction came from. Did they send one of their NYC staff searching for the highest price in Manhattan?
P. T. Barnum's great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandchild must work on Virginia Ave.
They are probably targeting the types of folks who would pay $14 for a Bailey's in a Sky Club.
Jun 13, 2013, 3:23 pm
#1683
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: DL Diamond, HHonors Diamond, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,363
$169.99 at my local wine mega-store. $120 at Costco.
You have to wonder where the $265 fiction came from. Did they send one of their NYC staff searching for the highest price in Manhattan?
P. T. Barnum's great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandchild must work on Virginia Ave.
They are probably targeting the types of folks who would pay $14 for a Bailey's in a Sky Club.
You have to wonder where the $265 fiction came from. Did they send one of their NYC staff searching for the highest price in Manhattan?
P. T. Barnum's great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandchild must work on Virginia Ave.
They are probably targeting the types of folks who would pay $14 for a Bailey's in a Sky Club.
Jun 14, 2013, 1:20 am
#1687
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
I am honestly surprised at how quiet the BR is at LAX compared to the skyclub whenever I use it. I think it's well worth the short walk
Inconvenient data point? Well, that is what erasers are for.
The BR's do represent a limited network, but a superior product for the most part.
Jun 14, 2013, 9:52 am
#1688
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
I figured Delta had some kind of agreement with Alaska where SC members could be admited free at the BR and vice versa. I'm glad to know Delta gets charged at the BR
I'm going to make it a point to always arrive early on LAX flights to visit the BR or visit the BR after landing at LAX if they are still open after knowing this I'll get some satisfaction out of this downgrade.
Jun 14, 2013, 12:59 pm
#1689
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
Agree with the devaluation there is little reason to visit the DL SC's (except for a shower). AS has superior Beer & Wine, edible food during the day, and lots of power outlets The BR's do represent a limited network, but a superior product for the most part.
Yes, this is one limitation. AS also limits you to 3 'house' drinks per visit. However all the drinks are $6 more, including IIRC Grey Goose ^. And they can mix up some fun things, such as a Long Beach
Is this how they are paid? I was always curious to these agreements.
The BR's do represent a limited network, but a superior product for the most part.Yes, this is one limitation. AS also limits you to 3 'house' drinks per visit. However all the drinks are $6 more, including IIRC Grey Goose ^. And they can mix up some fun things, such as a Long Beach
Is this how they are paid? I was always curious to these agreements.
Jun 14, 2013, 1:09 pm
#1690
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
I wouldn't be surprised if one of the next "enhancements" will be to deny us access to the AS boardrooms unless we are on AS metal. I am sure one of the delta reps will say it was due to consumer feedback if that happens.
I am honestly surprised at how quiet the BR is at LAX compared to the skyclub whenever I use it. I think it's well worth the short walk
I am honestly surprised at how quiet the BR is at LAX compared to the skyclub whenever I use it. I think it's well worth the short walk
Or Virginia Ave may pull the plug on the reciprocal agreement. If they are paying a per visit fee for us to access the Boardrooms, and if they see the cost of that skyrocketing as we seek refuge in the Boardrooms, they might "enhance" our benefits by unilaterally cancelling the agreement (as you might have observed, they are really good at "unilateral.")
I doubt that they are going to see an uptick of offsetting fees from AS flyers clamoring for the opportunity to sample the wares in the Sky Clubs.
Jun 14, 2013, 1:15 pm
#1691
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BDL/HPN/JFK/FLL
Programs: DL Diamond Ham Sandwich
Posts: 1,051
They still have the ?guava? juice though.
Jun 14, 2013, 1:19 pm
#1692
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: Non-Affiliated
Posts: 7,431
I demand it gone. It's not keeping consistant with the SkyClub experience. I require that each club I visit have no local color or flavor.
Jun 14, 2013, 1:20 pm
#1693
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
For sake of completeness...
My letter, dated May 19.
To Whom It May Concern,
I have been an American Express card holder for more than 20 years, including the Delta Airlines American Express Reserve Card for the past several years. I have been able to justify the high annual fee because of the perks of the card including medallion qualification miles and membership in Delta's Sky Club. Unfortunately, over the past couple years the quality of the Sky Club product has declined significantly. Overcrowding has resulted in inability to find a seat in most lounge locations; the free wireless internet which Delta advertises will allow you to, "Connect with friends, check email, watch the big game, or get the latest news" is barely fast enough to allow simple internet tasks much less streaming video; and recently the change in liquor brands seems to violate Delta's advertising statement that the Sky Clubs serve, "complimentary soft drinks, beer, wine and premium liquors to help you unwind." by substituting the previously available premium brands with cheap alternatives. Because I gain access to the Sky Club as a result of my Delta Sky Miles Diamond Medallion status and my American Express Reserve Card, the $450 annual fee is no longer providing solid return on my investment. As such, I would like to request that American Express assess these changes in the value of the perks provided in collaboration with Delta Airlines. If no suitable resolution can be attained, I would like to request my American Express Reserve Card account closed and a pro-rated refund of my annual fee.
Thank you for your time.
JSmith50
Their response, dated May 24, 2013...
Dear Mr. JSmith50,
We greatly value your loyalty as an American Express cardholder and wish to retain you as one of our highly valued customers. Through our partnership with Delta Airlines we are proud to offer access to the Delta Sky Club at its many locations throughout the world as one of the valuable benefits of the Delta Reserve Credit Card. We have recently received a number of similar comments from other Delta Airlines American Express cardholders. Unfortunately, at this time, American Express is unable to fulfill your request to investigate any perceived decline in the value of the Delta Sky Club. Per the terms and conditions of the Delta Reserve Credit Card, you are entitled to "complimentary access for you and 2 guests" but no guarantee is offered by American Express with regard to food or drink selections, internet availability or "overcrowding." We recommend that you voice these complaints directly to Delta Airlines customer service.
If you would like to close your Delta Reserve Credit Card account, please call XXX XXX XXXX, extension XXXX.
Thank you again for being a highly valued American Express cardholder.
Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXX
My letter, dated May 19.
To Whom It May Concern,
I have been an American Express card holder for more than 20 years, including the Delta Airlines American Express Reserve Card for the past several years. I have been able to justify the high annual fee because of the perks of the card including medallion qualification miles and membership in Delta's Sky Club. Unfortunately, over the past couple years the quality of the Sky Club product has declined significantly. Overcrowding has resulted in inability to find a seat in most lounge locations; the free wireless internet which Delta advertises will allow you to, "Connect with friends, check email, watch the big game, or get the latest news" is barely fast enough to allow simple internet tasks much less streaming video; and recently the change in liquor brands seems to violate Delta's advertising statement that the Sky Clubs serve, "complimentary soft drinks, beer, wine and premium liquors to help you unwind." by substituting the previously available premium brands with cheap alternatives. Because I gain access to the Sky Club as a result of my Delta Sky Miles Diamond Medallion status and my American Express Reserve Card, the $450 annual fee is no longer providing solid return on my investment. As such, I would like to request that American Express assess these changes in the value of the perks provided in collaboration with Delta Airlines. If no suitable resolution can be attained, I would like to request my American Express Reserve Card account closed and a pro-rated refund of my annual fee.
Thank you for your time.
JSmith50
Their response, dated May 24, 2013...
Dear Mr. JSmith50,
We greatly value your loyalty as an American Express cardholder and wish to retain you as one of our highly valued customers. Through our partnership with Delta Airlines we are proud to offer access to the Delta Sky Club at its many locations throughout the world as one of the valuable benefits of the Delta Reserve Credit Card. We have recently received a number of similar comments from other Delta Airlines American Express cardholders. Unfortunately, at this time, American Express is unable to fulfill your request to investigate any perceived decline in the value of the Delta Sky Club. Per the terms and conditions of the Delta Reserve Credit Card, you are entitled to "complimentary access for you and 2 guests" but no guarantee is offered by American Express with regard to food or drink selections, internet availability or "overcrowding." We recommend that you voice these complaints directly to Delta Airlines customer service.
If you would like to close your Delta Reserve Credit Card account, please call XXX XXX XXXX, extension XXXX.
Thank you again for being a highly valued American Express cardholder.
Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXX
I submitted a comment over 2 weeks ago, received a prompt acknowledgement and a promise of a response, and I am still waiting.
Try e-mailing an executive. There are e-mail addresses that can be found via Google.
Jun 14, 2013, 4:10 pm
#1694
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
:-::-: Today is National Bourbon Day. :-::-:
Another good day not to be in a Sky Club.
This evening I'll have to decide between a Woodford Reserve or a Buffalo Trace. Or, perhaps it's time to go get a good bottle of a single barrel potable.
Decisions, decisions...
Cheers to all of you folks stuck in a DL bus station drinking The Abolitionist's Revenge (aka known as Miller Lite).
Jun 14, 2013, 5:12 pm
#1695
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold, NEXUS, GE, ABTC/APEC, South Korea SES, eIACS, PP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 16,046
:-::-: Today is National Bourbon Day. :-::-:
Another good day not to be in a Sky Club.
This evening I'll have to decide between a Woodford Reserve or a Buffalo Trace. Or, perhaps it's time to go get a good bottle of a single barrel potable.
Decisions, decisions...
Cheers to all of you folks stuck in a DL bus station drinking The Abolitionist's Revenge (aka known as Miller Lite).