benzemalyonnais

I'm not convinced there is a solution out there, other than making the clubs twice as big (which isn't exactly possible).

Airline clubs are overcrowded all around the world. It is now so easy to gain access through a variety of mediums - credit cards, status, cash, friends, passes, etc - that really the only way to combat that is through expansion.

I doubt that airlines want to give up the revenue portion of these 'clubs', although it would be interesting to see if FF's would pay somewhere around $1000-1500 for an actual nice club.

Still not sure why everyone is ranting over the kids - I've never really experienced this.

I do feel that DL's clubs are the most crowded of the AA/US/UA/DL group, probably because they give them out to DM's and to CC holders. For some reason I find the UA clubs to be much better (call me crazy). I also like that I can access the LH lounge at IAD with my UA club membership.

We will see.

jsbh

I respectfully disagree. Following the rules is not in poor taste. Bending and breaking the rules may be in bad taste depending on your point of view. But taste really does not factor in when one is utilizing a benefit that they have purchased or earned.

It's also tough to say that by definition Mr. 12kids receives more value. For all you know, you "consume" (food, beverages, upkeep, etc.) more at the SkyClubs per year than he does. Plus, your complaint would be similar to complaining that you received less value for a family gym membership for your family vs. a larger family OR that you ate less at a one price all you can eat buffet than the next guy. (And yes - I appreciate the irony of the examples )

Technically... we are both OT from the original post which was to discuss predictions of the new rules effective 5/1. So...

gooselee

And yet we are still talking about old vs. new vs. potential SC access policies.

PRWeezer

Based on how many times I heard the agents at FLL this morning explain the various costs for day passes (DL Amex savings, for example) and how many times I heard an agent say, I'll print your receipt now, I predict there are still a good number of people who are going to pay for entry for themselves and/or guests. Today was prob the last trip for me & MrWeezer before 5/1, but I have a couple of trips w friends before the deadline where I may guest in others on my Business Plat Amex. Today we simply wanted to get away from the huddled masses at the gates and charge a couple of devices for a bit. On another day we might have had a cocktail or two. But for the most part MrWeezer & I agree we prob won't use the guest fee very much.

I haven't kept up w the huge thread on the Club changes, did anyone ever confirm if the Biz Plat Amex $200 airline credit would cover guest charges? Not sure we'd ever pay for it, but given a lengthy layover or IROPs in the future it would be good to know if the credit is an option to consider. I'll call Amex if somebody doesn't have the answer handy.

gooselee

Yes, the Amex Plat $200 fee covers SC day passes (assuming DL is your chosen airline for the credit).

PRWeezer

Thanks, just hadn't bothered to look into it yet.

bjohnsonmn

You know, with recent improvements in "kettle side" service and waiting areas, outside the SC's is pretty nice! I am finding myself in more of these interesting alcoves than the SC's. If I ever return to a status level that requires a payment for SC, I will choose the best club available, not necessarily the one that I am flying.

TheMadBrewer

I am sure that Delta is happy about this, but the last 6 months my SC use is way down. If morning I'll stop in for a quick cup of coffee, otherwise I'd rather have a decent beer and a decent snack/meal. LAX T5 you can get a decent beer at Rock & Brews and Ford's Filling Station. Or just head over to T6 and the Board Room. And I've done a few runs to/thru SEA where you have to go out of your way to find crappy beer. I've got 3 years membership left when I stop being DM (or they "enhance" that benefit) which is money I wish I had back now.

yessams

I was in the MSP C club a couple of weeks ago, where a Dad was complaining he had to pay $29 to admit his 18 month old. The dad was gaining access through Amex

NotHamSarnie

If not every trip I took went through ATL I would concur. In ATL, apart from OFS, there is not a single place I can bear to spend time (I'm excluding F as I haven't spent much time there and it's a pain to walk to). I will hang out at OFS if the layover is long enough and I'm hungry. I wouldn't pay for SC membership, but for free, the SCs still offer a better alternative as someone who doesn't drink in the SCs, doesn't need passes, and doesn't care about the wifi speed or the children in the clubs, if only to use the WCs and sit and look out the window.

MSPeconomist

That's odd. Until May 1, one can bring either the entire family or two guests? Did he have two guests that weren't immediate family?

bdschobel

In any case, that's really obnoxious. How many SC services will the baby use? How much will he/she drink? If a baby is young enough to fly for free (domestically, anyway), then he should be ignored on the SC guest count. Just my 2 cents.

Bruce

MAH4546

I don't get how Delta charges for kids; they should figure out a solution to it. At AA, one day-pass allows in two children complimentary in addition to the adult. That might even be too generous, but Delta should figure out something.

readywhenyouare

The solution should be simple. If it breathes, it pays.

MSPeconomist

Exactly. Even if a very young child doesn't consume F&B, it can create noise and it will take a seat when parents change that dirty diaper out in the lounge.

I think people should also pay for bringing pets with them into the SC. They breathe too!