Sky Club Price Increase and No More Single Visit Passes
Nov 17, 2018, 5:04 pm
#106
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
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I disagree. Re-read the quoted post. That poster titled his message "Exclusion of non Delta Flyers from Sky Clubs", and says that he has been flying Southwest half of the time and paying the $59 at BNA, JAX, SEA, PHL "Even when flying another airline". Then he goes on to say that "This new policy change means that the most economical method to access the clubs is to get the Delta Reserve card at a cost of $450, not the $550 or so now being charged for a solo membership."
My point was that the Reserve wont' help in light of "This new change" because the reserve has the same "Same day ticketed on Delta" restriction that a full club membership has. Neither is going to get you in the club with a Southwest ticket in your hand.
My point was that the Reserve wont' help in light of "This new change" because the reserve has the same "Same day ticketed on Delta" restriction that a full club membership has. Neither is going to get you in the club with a Southwest ticket in your hand.
Nov 17, 2018, 8:37 pm
#107
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I disagree. Re-read the quoted post. That poster titled his message "Exclusion of non Delta Flyers from Sky Clubs", and says that he has been flying Southwest half of the time and paying the $59 at BNA, JAX, SEA, PHL "Even when flying another airline". Then he goes on to say that "This new policy change means that the most economical method to access the clubs is to get the Delta Reserve card at a cost of $450, not the $550 or so now being charged for a solo membership."
My point was that the Reserve wont' help in light of "This new change" because the reserve has the same "Same day ticketed on Delta" restriction that a full club membership has. Neither is going to get you in the club with a Southwest ticket in your hand.
My point was that the Reserve wont' help in light of "This new change" because the reserve has the same "Same day ticketed on Delta" restriction that a full club membership has. Neither is going to get you in the club with a Southwest ticket in your hand.
Nov 17, 2018, 9:13 pm
#108
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Everywhere and Nowhere
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 515
My complaints stem from the fact that the B SC at ATL is supposed to be the system's flagship SkyClub and it is, in nearly all facets, a disaster. Realistically though, I'm paying a few dollars per visit at most to access SkyClubs on an annual basis considering how much I fly and the value I get from my American Express Platinum annually so I'm not really in a position to complain.
SkyClubs are not a business class lounge, it is a place to hang out and grab a drink or two and a snack that isn't a hectic nightmare. I do wish they would dial down their advertising a bit, but most of us are bright enough to see through it and if Delta wants to make some money off of those who aren't, go for it.
Nov 17, 2018, 11:11 pm
#109
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NYC and LAX
Programs: Fly paid F/J. DL 2MM+.
Posts: 109
What was the problem Delta was trying to solve?
A. Overcrowding
B. Cost cutting
C. Adjust to more profitable mix of members/guests, i.e., weed out some to make room for others
D. Another step in further segmenting passengers for make future changes to the overall Delta “experience”
E. Other
A. Overcrowding
B. Cost cutting
C. Adjust to more profitable mix of members/guests, i.e., weed out some to make room for others
D. Another step in further segmenting passengers for make future changes to the overall Delta “experience”
E. Other
Nov 17, 2018, 11:20 pm
#110
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
What was the problem Delta was trying to solve?
A. Overcrowding
B. Cost cutting
C. Adjust to more profitable mix of members/guests, i.e., weed out some to make room for others
D. Another step in further segmenting passengers for make future changes to the overall Delta “experience”
E. Other
A. Overcrowding
B. Cost cutting
C. Adjust to more profitable mix of members/guests, i.e., weed out some to make room for others
D. Another step in further segmenting passengers for make future changes to the overall Delta “experience”
E. Other
We can all speculate, but unless DL actually tells us, we'll never know.
Nov 18, 2018, 5:51 am
#111
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: DL DM, UA Gold, Alaska MVP, Bonvoy (lol) Ambassador
Posts: 2,994
SkyClubs are not a business class lounge, it is a place to hang out and grab a drink or two and a snack that isn't a hectic nightmare. I do wish they would dial down their advertising a bit, but most of us are bright enough to see through it and if Delta wants to make some money off of those who aren't, go for it.
I got the Reserve card to help with upgrade chances - it's probably helped get me 5 or more C+ seats, and maybe even an F seat or two over the past year - which is worth the extra $250 on top of the Delta Plat card (and I'm generally able to use the companion pass so that's "free"). The SkyClub access is incidental. I probably wouldn't have done the SkyClub choice benefit even if I didn't have the Reserve card. I feel like the SkyClub is really only useful to those who have connecting flights.. and if I'm connecting, I'm not flying Delta. if you're at the SkyClub on an originating segment it just means you got to the airport too early.
Nov 18, 2018, 5:59 pm
#112
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Not a hectic nightmare? You must be at different SkyClubs than me
I got the Reserve card to help with upgrade chances - it's probably helped get me 5 or more C+ seats, and maybe even an F seat or two over the past year - which is worth the extra $250 on top of the Delta Plat card (and I'm generally able to use the companion pass so that's "free"). The SkyClub access is incidental. I probably wouldn't have done the SkyClub choice benefit even if I didn't have the Reserve card. I feel like the SkyClub is really only useful to those who have connecting flights.. and if I'm connecting, I'm not flying Delta. if you're at the SkyClub on an originating segment it just means you got to the airport too early.
I got the Reserve card to help with upgrade chances - it's probably helped get me 5 or more C+ seats, and maybe even an F seat or two over the past year - which is worth the extra $250 on top of the Delta Plat card (and I'm generally able to use the companion pass so that's "free"). The SkyClub access is incidental. I probably wouldn't have done the SkyClub choice benefit even if I didn't have the Reserve card. I feel like the SkyClub is really only useful to those who have connecting flights.. and if I'm connecting, I'm not flying Delta. if you're at the SkyClub on an originating segment it just means you got to the airport too early.
Nov 19, 2018, 1:14 pm
#113
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BNA/SAN
Programs: DL PM 1.5 MM , Hilton Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 754
As an aside, as I was entering the cubicle area, some minion intercepted me and told me his boss (the only occupant of the area) was engaged in an important conference call and asked if I would go someplace else.
I said no. I am so unworthy, but I enjoyed doing so.
I said no. I am so unworthy, but I enjoyed doing so.
Nov 19, 2018, 2:27 pm
#114
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SE USA
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Posts: 2,020
To me this is a lot to do about nothing.
But I do occasionally use the KL or AF lounges in IAH on a domestic ticket; I suppose the SC membership was how I got in? But I can still get in with PP.
But I do occasionally use the KL or AF lounges in IAH on a domestic ticket; I suppose the SC membership was how I got in? But I can still get in with PP.
Nov 19, 2018, 2:52 pm
#115
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,051
Both lounges are listed on the PP website (along with a couple of restaurants) at IAH. It's not entirely clear to me that the lounge attendants understand the entrance requirements. When I visited the AF lounge a couple months ago on a domestic flight, I went to pull out my SC membership card, but the attendant wanted to see my BP and whether or not I was in FC. I had been upgraded and that seemed to be good enough for her.
Dec 22, 2018, 9:49 pm
#116
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM. 1MM
Posts: 2,045
I Had a disconcerting experience at LGA Term D Sky Club on Friday 12/21 afternoon. Arrived at Club about 3pm.
AMEX CARD access restrictions.
Airport and of course the club was super crowded with all the weather related flight delays.
I was accessing sky club using my delta Amex Gold with $29 fee. The agent pointed to the sign that said no single pass visits due to capacity issues. He allowed me to enter with exception due to PM status but explained that the single visit pass restrictions does apply to some AMEX cards.
The agent had a 8x11 laminated flow chart that explained access. Essentially only AMEX PLAT and Reserve are exempt from capacity restrictions. I’m not sure if that is AMEX DELTA PLAT or AMEX PLAT not DL branded.
The club was very crowded—literally standing room only. But guests and staff were all friendly and accommodating trying to make the best of a busy travel delay with lots of weather delays.
All worked out for me (this time). But I am concerned about capacity restrictions with AMEX gold. I didn’t realize that applied to Delta Amex cards. UGH!!
AMEX CARD access restrictions.
Airport and of course the club was super crowded with all the weather related flight delays.
I was accessing sky club using my delta Amex Gold with $29 fee. The agent pointed to the sign that said no single pass visits due to capacity issues. He allowed me to enter with exception due to PM status but explained that the single visit pass restrictions does apply to some AMEX cards.
The agent had a 8x11 laminated flow chart that explained access. Essentially only AMEX PLAT and Reserve are exempt from capacity restrictions. I’m not sure if that is AMEX DELTA PLAT or AMEX PLAT not DL branded.
The club was very crowded—literally standing room only. But guests and staff were all friendly and accommodating trying to make the best of a busy travel delay with lots of weather delays.
All worked out for me (this time). But I am concerned about capacity restrictions with AMEX gold. I didn’t realize that applied to Delta Amex cards. UGH!!
Dec 22, 2018, 10:44 pm
#117
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: HSV
Programs: Bellevue Lifetime Premiere Mega Elite Supreme
Posts: 1,509
The agent had a 8x11 laminated flow chart that explained access. Essentially only AMEX PLAT and Reserve are exempt from capacity restrictions. I’m not sure if that is AMEX DELTA PLAT or AMEX PLAT not DL branded.
But I am concerned about capacity restrictions with AMEX gold. I didn’t realize that applied to Delta Amex cards. UGH!!
But I am concerned about capacity restrictions with AMEX gold. I didn’t realize that applied to Delta Amex cards. UGH!!
As to your last paragraph, it doesn’t apply to all Delta Amex cards, just all non-Reserve cards.
Personally, I don’t understand why anyone would go with anything other than either a Platinum or Reserve card. Once you factor in companion certificates, MQM boost, UG tie-breakers, MQD waivers, PWM, etc, I just can’t see the value in any other DL branded cards.
Dec 23, 2018, 7:33 am
#118
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I added this in the SkyBonus thread but figured it was relevant here, too.
Ordered single visit SC passes a few weeks to use up some SB points expiring this year. Arrived a few days later as usual with a 12/31/2019 expiration date.
I believe this is still a redemption option on the SB page and will be curious to see if it stays after the new year, since the SB passes are supposed to be valid for a minimum of 1 year past ordering them (and the expiration dates are printed in a way that looks like they run them in big annual batches - I've always ordered a set sometime in Q4 and gotten the next-December expiration).
Ordered single visit SC passes a few weeks to use up some SB points expiring this year. Arrived a few days later as usual with a 12/31/2019 expiration date.
I believe this is still a redemption option on the SB page and will be curious to see if it stays after the new year, since the SB passes are supposed to be valid for a minimum of 1 year past ordering them (and the expiration dates are printed in a way that looks like they run them in big annual batches - I've always ordered a set sometime in Q4 and gotten the next-December expiration).
Dec 23, 2018, 7:38 am
#119
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
I added this in the SkyBonus thread but figured it was relevant here, too.
Ordered single visit SC passes a few weeks to use up some SB points expiring this year. Arrived a few days later as usual with a 12/31/2019 expiration date.
I believe this is still a redemption option on the SB page and will be curious to see if it stays after the new year, since the SB passes are supposed to be valid for a minimum of 1 year past ordering them (and the expiration dates are printed in a way that looks like they run them in big annual batches - I've always ordered a set sometime in Q4 and gotten the next-December expiration).
Ordered single visit SC passes a few weeks to use up some SB points expiring this year. Arrived a few days later as usual with a 12/31/2019 expiration date.
I believe this is still a redemption option on the SB page and will be curious to see if it stays after the new year, since the SB passes are supposed to be valid for a minimum of 1 year past ordering them (and the expiration dates are printed in a way that looks like they run them in big annual batches - I've always ordered a set sometime in Q4 and gotten the next-December expiration).
Dec 23, 2018, 7:48 am
#120
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
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Posts: 10,745
Yeah, I know it shouldn't be a problem to use existing ones. I'm more curious about whether DL removes them as an option. I usually end up with enough expiring/leftover SB points each year to pick up a set to dole out to family/colleagues/etc.