Can you access SkyClub without seat assignment
 

I'll be flying SLC-SFO and am currently considering purchasing an E-fare ticket, however I'm worried that by doing so I may not be able to access the SkyClub. I've seen it reported that if there are no economy seats available, you'll receive a gate pass and your seat will be assigned at the gate.

If I'm confirmed on the flight but don't have a seat assignment will I be able to access the SkyClub using my Amex Plat, or do I need to have a seat assignment as well?

In my case I see no reason to book a Main Cabin over an E fare unless it risks my ability to use the SkyClub at SLC.

I don't see why not... i've been standby with seat request card and no issues at skyclub. I fortunately haven't come across staff there who aren't reasonable.

From my experience as long as you have a travel plan with Delta they dont care. I have gotten in with a non-rev standby seat request card (and Amex $29 pass) and they didnt care.

Yes you'll get in, but the bigger question is why bother with the awful E fare ticket? Or don't you care if you board last and get the last middle seat at the back of the plane?

That flight is short enough where I think most can grin and bear it.

I have the DL Amex so I still get Zone 1 boarding and a free checked bag, and the flight is on a CRJ 900 so no middle seats. If it were on a 737 or 320 then I'd probably buy up, but since I'm guaranteed an aisle or window, priority boarding, and a checked bag, its not worth $10 to me to select a specific seat. It would, however, be worth it if it meant access to the SkyClub vs no access.

You aren't likely to make it to the Skyclub without a seat assignment. I've flown on many Basic Economy tickets and I've always been able to select a seat at check-in, even good window seats nearish the front (my personal favorite), and even on 739/321.

I am a Skyclub member and have got in when flying another airline. You do not need a seat assignment to access the SC if you are a member.

4th bullet point

https://www.delta.com/content/www/en...use-rules.html

Incorrect, as long as you have either a Sky Club membership (can be flying any airline I believe) or membership through another means (Amex Plat/DL Reserve) and are also flying Delta then you'll have access with or without a seat assignment. The only lounges that won't let you in without a seat assignment in my experience are Centurion Lounges.

OP is usung AMEX to enter, not membership.

I think the point zhickman was trying to make was that OP would likely get an actual seat assignment at check-in, not a seat request card, even on an E fare, and so it the original question wouldn't matter.

E fares get assigned at gate, not checkin.

I can confirm that the dragons don't care about the seat assignment.

Source: I buy the E fare and get in with my Amex Plat. Also, have delta card getting me zone 1.

I do this on every flight. Not for the lounge itself. but rather to pilfer it of a few versions of newspapers or magazines.

Its not that i can't afford more. Its that i like not giving them any more money than is necessary to get from A to B.

If it comes down to it I'm willing to bite the bullet and take their middle seat or check my bag if necessary.

The requirement for access using an Amex card is "same day travel" on a Delta flight. It does not matter one bit whether you have a seat assignment.

Not having a seat assignment has zero relevance on accessing the skyclub.

Buying an E fare ticket is still a confirmed reservation on the flight, so assuming a same day DL boarding pass would allow you access by whatever means, you're set.