hotturnip

RE: crowding at ATL B-lounge, I don't travel nearly as much as most of you, but the last several times I've dropped by there, there's been a long line at that particular lounge. On my visits, it didn't seem to be a capacity problem (although the lounge certainly was full); it was just a glut of pax trying to enter at once, and some of them were arguing with the dragons about things, or trying to get tickets fixed, etc., and things backed up to 30-40 people. I think B is probably my least favorite ATL Skyclub, but it seems like all my recent flights go in and out of there.

ChurnieEls

They should probably do that tbh unless you actually hold a (non-credit card) membership.

WillBarrett_68

I don't think arrival access is adding a very significant amount to the crowd. Would love to see some numbers, though. Not sure why membership should be exempt if they do move to restrict arrival access, tbh.

TomMM

Happy to repot no issues with access lines at my favorite ATL SC.

Goodoldflyer

Which one is your favorite?

flyerCO

D1 can get access upon arrival, as long as can get to the club.. ie you'll need an onward flight to get past security.. No gate passes.(note, I'm only discussing Skyclub access, other clubs like AF/KL/partners won't grant D1 passengers arrival access)

STE+ access however is not granted access upon arrival. However I've seen people get in despite this being officially a no. (Again only referencing Skyclubs)

TomMM

Goodoldflyer

That's what I thought.

MSPeconomist

I've been told (and I tested this once at MSP when my checked bag was arriving on the next flight) that you can go through TSA airport security (but not use PreCheck) if you have a boarding pass for a flight that arrived into the airport on the same day.

SOBE ER DOC

So I'm just going to put it out there and then duck and cover.

The situation in the SCs has become unacceptable and DL needs to address it. It feels like very time to walk into a SC it's [email protected]@es to elbows. I don't care if DL is using the SCs as a revenue generator, they market them as a premium experience. Standing in line for 30 minutes to then have to scrounge for space in an overcrowded club that is constantly running out of food and now charging for low-end liquor like Jack Daniels is ridiculous. The clubs are showing their wear from overuse and a lack of cleaning.

The two clubs I use the most (ORD and FLL) are routinely overcrowded. The new FLL SC is nice, but it's been overcrowded since day one. I'm hoping ORD's new SC in T5 will be sized properly, but I'm not holding my breath. Until DL can get this figured out they need to dial back more on who is eligible to use the SCs. I don't an answer for how they do it and I'm sure they have a number of smart MBAs sitting in Atlanta that can figure it out.

Between this, the seriously eroded in-flight service and the often astronomical fares, I am struggling to fly DL over UA right now.

TomMM

They don’t care what you do and the United Club situation at hubs ain’t any better.

MSPeconomist

Maybe the one-time use fees for guests etc. should be raised. Several alcoholic drinks and a hot all-you-can-eat buffet dinner are worth more than $39 and might well cost DL this amount, including cleaning, etc. IMO $60 would be fair......and now it's my turn to duck and run.

Adelphos

Nothing will solve crowding as too many people have cards, too many flyers enjoy the lounges, and too many people are flying. Maybe additional fee increases for the cards, but fees were already increased the past few years, and with big sign up bonuses and Amex retention offers, I don't see big annual fees as a deterrent to the current traveler. They already got rid of lounge access for the Amex Gold card.

Best to try to access the club during off peak periods, if possible.

MSPeconomist

When did the (unaffiliated) AmEx Gold charge card ever have lounge access? Or do you mean that people with the Delta AmEx Gold Credit card once could purchase lounge admission at the door?

sydneyracquelle

The easiest (but impractical) solution is no guests permitted during peak periods.