How do most SkyClub visitors get access?
Apr 17, 2019, 7:56 am
#106
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
I guess it never hurts to ask. I will have my guests retain their original receipts and see what happens at the next SC. I have no problem paying again and having them reimburse me later (a secretly smiling inside knowing I'm earning double miles on the purchase from Delta). 
On the other hand, it may not be worth paying to enter at your point of departure if you have a long enough layover to enjoy the club. I don't personally think that Sky Clubs are worth spending $60 on in a day to use.
Sep 30, 2019, 9:34 am
#107
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,888
Based on Amex's announcement today (removing $29 access for Delta AMEX Gold, increasing access fee for Delta AMEX Platinum to $39), I am guessing those Amex day passes make up a significant percentage of visitation
Sep 30, 2019, 10:09 am
#108
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 583
Maybe the revenue they've been getting from the $29 swipes is being balanced out by complaints and displeasure from higher-spending DL customers.
Sep 30, 2019, 10:57 am
#109
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
See also: post-booking upsell success.
Sep 30, 2019, 7:49 pm
#110
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Atlanta Metro
Programs: DL , AC, BA, Hhonors Diamond, IH Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,351
cre95 , Feb 12, 19 2:51 am
Quote:Originally Posted by GRALISTAIR
Of course you are strictly speaking correct but I personally find it unbelievable that a DM would not choose Skyclub membership as one of their 3 Choice Benefits
Many exceptions as several have pointed out:
• Reserve card holder
• Amex Platinum holder
• Int’l J traveler
• Ability to expense membership
• 360 member
Of course you are strictly speaking correct but I personally find it unbelievable that a DM would not choose Skyclub membership as one of their 3 Choice Benefits
Many exceptions as several have pointed out:
• Reserve card holder
• Amex Platinum holder
• Int’l J traveler
• Ability to expense membership
• 360 member
Oct 1, 2019, 7:39 am
#111
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 117
I really believe there are behavior differences between getting in through membership and paying cash. If someone has to pay cash to get in, s/he will definitely make sure to get the money's worth and stay as long as possible.
Oct 1, 2019, 10:10 pm
#112
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: Delta DM
Posts: 26
Guess they listened to this fellow...
I wish DL would raise the price on those $29 admissions to reduce the crowding ands be merciless about charging for every person. In fact, I wish that animals (other than genuine service animals but including ESAs) were charged as a guest admission. However, I don't expect Santa to grant me either wish belatedly.
Oct 1, 2019, 10:32 pm
#113
Join Date: May 2016
Location: ATL
Programs: DL GM, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,240
For me at $29, the skyclub made sense especially if I was going to basically have a meal. Unlikely for me to visit at $39, as I’d probably use the money to get a meal at a restaurant instead. Though DL has probably figured that it’ll lose revenue from people like me but make up for it with the $10 raise in prices.
Oct 2, 2019, 6:17 am
#114
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: ATL
Posts: 1,911
Just turned away at ATL in F. Flying Southwest ATL-MEM for $200 cheaper than Delta (albeit with a connection at HOU) but returning this evening on Delta, so have a same-day Delta boarding pass which was scanned. Have access with unbranded AMEX Platinum card. Didn’t fight it, walked across hall to The Club at ATL
Oct 2, 2019, 1:03 pm
#115
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, DC, Chapel Hill, NC (RDU)
Programs: DL Plat (won't hit DM again) 2MM (2.5), HH Gold, PC Gold, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 5,626
I think this may be true of Flyertalkers, but here in Atlanta I think we have a lot of Diamonds who aren't that into working the system. They just fly all the time for their jobs, and for them this benefit comes with Diamond status. They would see balancing and managing Diamond benefits vs. a bunch of cards, etc., as being too much trouble. (Heck, just about anybody I talk to about this stuff says it's way too complicated.)
Oct 3, 2019, 6:28 pm
#116
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
Just turned away at ATL in F. Flying Southwest ATL-MEM for $200 cheaper than Delta (albeit with a connection at HOU) but returning this evening on Delta, so have a same-day Delta boarding pass which was scanned. Have access with unbranded AMEX Platinum card. Didn’t fight it, walked across hall to The Club at ATL
Oct 3, 2019, 6:48 pm
#117
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: ATL
Posts: 1,911
I was successful doing this a month ago, twice on the same day. Wife and I flew Southwest ATL-DEN-SEA for $176 total (with Companion Pass), then later that day SEA-ANC for 7k Skymiles each. Used the Sky Clubs in ATL and DEN with our SEA-ANC Delta boarding passes and AMEX PLAT unbranded cards already in the system.
Oct 4, 2019, 11:30 am
#118
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: Delta Gold, Marriott Platinum, Former Amtrak Select, Former Hilton Gold
Posts: 422
For me at $29, the skyclub made sense especially if I was going to basically have a meal. Unlikely for me to visit at $39, as I’d probably use the money to get a meal at a restaurant instead. Though DL has probably figured that it’ll lose revenue from people like me but make up for it with the $10 raise in prices.
Oct 4, 2019, 3:10 pm
#119
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,041
Just turned away at ATL in F. Flying Southwest ATL-MEM for $200 cheaper than Delta (albeit with a connection at HOU) but returning this evening on Delta, so have a same-day Delta boarding pass which was scanned. Have access with unbranded AMEX Platinum card. Didn’t fight it, walked across hall to The Club at ATL
Oct 4, 2019, 3:21 pm
#120
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: ATL
Posts: 1,911
And if it's based on a scan of the barcode, it seems systemic to me?