How do most SkyClub visitors get access?
Dec 29, 2018, 9:32 am
#31
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 75
I assume the issue is that the people who get their access the “legit” way by buying a membership, flying first class etc feel that it’s not “exclusive” enough now that some many plebs are in the lounge.
Well the business model is changing and companies make more this way so..,
Well the business model is changing and companies make more this way so..,
Dec 29, 2018, 10:15 am
#32
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@MitzEclipse mistakenly (but understandably) thought that "Reserve" referred to the Chase Sapphire Reserve rather than the Delta Reserve card. The CSR does not come with Sky Club access.
Of course not since DL is affiliated with AmEx, not Chase.
Dec 29, 2018, 10:26 am
#33
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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.
Dec 29, 2018, 10:28 am
#34
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I assume the issue is that the people who get their access the “legit” way by buying a membership, flying first class etc feel that it’s not “exclusive” enough now that some many plebs are in the lounge.
Well the business model is changing and companies make more this way so..,
Well the business model is changing and companies make more this way so..,
In any case, everyone thinks the way they access the club is the "legit" method and it's the OTHER people who are the barbarians who need to be corralled and controlled.
Of course, the reality is that all methods are "legit" and all of us are filthy savages.
Dec 29, 2018, 11:20 am
#35
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It would be nice if AmEx restricted the platinum card and only allowed the centurian card. Its perks have dropped dramatically
Dec 29, 2018, 11:34 am
#36
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Maybe there should be some kind of quarterly limit on Amex Platinum admissions, or maybe prices should go up aceoss
the board (membership fees, credit card annual fees, one time passes, etc).
Dec 29, 2018, 11:47 am
#37
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,882
I entered the SEA Sky Club through the side door last month, and didn't have to show my boarding pass, swipe a credit card, or even speak to any of the lounge attendants.
I was escorted up the exterior stairs from the tarmac by the driver of the DL Porsche!
I was escorted up the exterior stairs from the tarmac by the driver of the DL Porsche!
Dec 29, 2018, 11:49 am
#38
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Dec 29, 2018, 12:18 pm
#39
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Haha. To me it means (1) you can't find two seats together (for a companion, not for my bag!) or you have to hunt around for 5-10 minutes before you do, (2) a wait at the bar for a drink (even a diet coke...), and/or (3) crowds at the buffet where food is emptied out faster than it can be refilled. JFK T4 usually hits the trifecta of all these in the evenings...
Dec 29, 2018, 12:23 pm
#40
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Tahoe
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Posts: 474
I'm sure access varies quite a bit from one SC to another, and with the day of the week/time of day. LAX T2 and JFK T4 probably have a greater share of international biz class and STE+ flyers in the clubs than most other SCs. Weekday mornings at MSP/SLC/ATL etc... it's a lot more domestic business travelers with either paid membership, DL reserve, or DMs choice benefit. Most people I see entering when I'm coming or going seem to be scanning their BP so I'm not sure if Amex Plat users are adding all that much to the SCs.
Dec 29, 2018, 12:30 pm
#42
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I've come to like using CLEAR to enter so that I don't have to dig out my boarding pass and ID, especially if I've just used CLEAR for TSA security at MSP or have arrived on a connecting fligh so that I probably don't have these items handy. AFAIK you can only use your fingers if otherwise your boarding pass would have worked. I don't think AmExPlat cardholders are coded in the SC system.
Dec 29, 2018, 12:33 pm
#43
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Haha. To me it means (1) you can't find two seats together (for a companion, not for my bag!) or you have to hunt around for 5-10 minutes before you do, (2) a wait at the bar for a drink (even a diet coke...), and/or (3) crowds at the buffet where food is emptied out faster than it can be refilled. JFK T4 usually hits the trifecta of all these in the evenings...
I like how they as of this year have those little handhelds that scan your BP and in my case, prompt them to ask for my Plat card since that's my most common method of entry.
Dec 29, 2018, 12:36 pm
#44
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: Delta Diamond , Marriott Ambassador, Alaska MVP Gold, American Airlines Gold
Posts: 77
I seriously doubt this. The Amex plat card offers significantly more value for the annual fee and also has been around much longer than the Reserve card. Lots of people have the Amex card.
Also, remember that the Amex-Delta partnership is reported to be extremely profitable for both companies. I don't see DL turning away the income it gets from all of those Amex swipes, but more importantly, I don't see DL doing anything to turn down the massive income it gets from the Delta branded Amex cards, and this is likely all part of one negotiated deal.
With Sky Club being the only remaining legacy lounge network that the Amex plat card grants access to, I would think that Amex would work very hard to preserve that benefit as they would risk loosing many cardholders were it to go away.
Also, remember that the Amex-Delta partnership is reported to be extremely profitable for both companies. I don't see DL turning away the income it gets from all of those Amex swipes, but more importantly, I don't see DL doing anything to turn down the massive income it gets from the Delta branded Amex cards, and this is likely all part of one negotiated deal.
With Sky Club being the only remaining legacy lounge network that the Amex plat card grants access to, I would think that Amex would work very hard to preserve that benefit as they would risk loosing many cardholders were it to go away.
Hell, I got free access last week at DTW b/c the SC attendant thought the new Amex gold got me free access. It doesn’t — I have a DL Amex Gold that I usually pay $29 for and then expense — but she didn’t even swipe she just let me in.
I usually expense lounge access so I haven’t bothered with the Amex Platnium but I’m going to jump on it next time the signup offer is good just for Centurion lounges. The free SC membership will just be a nice extra.
Dec 29, 2018, 12:52 pm
#45
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,882
Just a small clarification - the Amex Platinum grants you Sky Club *access*, not Sky Club *membership*. It's a small distinction that is meaningless most of the time, but during times of capacity control, those Amex Platinum users are more likely to be denied access than folks with an actual membership.