Arrival access to SkyClubs restored!
May 27, 2022, 7:49 am
#107
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
lol the level of anger I've generated by making a simple point that happens to have some basis in logic/reality has been entertaining.
My theory that the Platinum cards are responsible for the overcrowding is just a theory, but the SkyClubs were not this bad pre-pandemic. The difference between now and then is that Amex basically paid people last year to sign up for the Platinum, and now the clubs are massively overcrowded.
If you can't admit that there's at least a plausible linkage between the two, I have nothing for you.
We shall see if overcrowding eases in the next 6 months as AFs come up, and card holders no longer have a massive signup/upgrade bonus and a 10x point multiplier to offset the cost. If things are still this bad this time next year, I'll gladly concede the point.
My theory that the Platinum cards are responsible for the overcrowding is just a theory, but the SkyClubs were not this bad pre-pandemic. The difference between now and then is that Amex basically paid people last year to sign up for the Platinum, and now the clubs are massively overcrowded.
If you can't admit that there's at least a plausible linkage between the two, I have nothing for you.
We shall see if overcrowding eases in the next 6 months as AFs come up, and card holders no longer have a massive signup/upgrade bonus and a 10x point multiplier to offset the cost. If things are still this bad this time next year, I'll gladly concede the point.
Last edited by KDCAflyer; May 27, 2022 at 8:02 am
May 27, 2022, 8:03 am
#108
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,404
In response to DenverBrian's post #99:
This reminds me of the behavior of some Titanic passengers who were lucky enough to get into a lifeboat.
This reminds me of the behavior of some Titanic passengers who were lucky enough to get into a lifeboat.
Last edited by MSPeconomist; May 27, 2022 at 8:06 am Reason: forgot to quote post
May 27, 2022, 8:12 am
#109
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,404
That’s absurd. How much do you think Amex grew the Plat card base over the past year? Unlikely much more than 10%. Do you think they significantly relaxed credit standards vs prior years?? Platinum was never that difficult to get. Also remember they jacked up the annual fee mid-year for new cardholders too. “Anyone with a pulse” is not spending $700 on a credit card no matter the value of the benefits. I can pretty much guarantee that the vast majority of guests in the club who got in via Amex Plat have had the card for years.
When the Plat card was first introduced (there was the basic green AmEx charge card and the Gold charge card which came with a bank-type line of credit) in about the early 1980s, it was invitation only (like Centurion later became) and to be invited, one must first have a successful history with another AmEx card (Green or Gold didn't seem to matter) as well as a high income and a good credit rating. It was viewed as somewhat exclusive beyond having high annual fee.
Now I'm not convinced that the standards are significantly higher than the requirements to obtain a standard Visa or MasterCard.
May 27, 2022, 9:06 am
#110
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,894
Not just over the past year. AmEx has been greatly expanding the Plat charge card for much longer.
When the Plat card was first introduced (there was the basic green AmEx charge card and the Gold charge card which came with a bank-type line of credit) in about the early 1980s, it was invitation only (like Centurion later became) and to be invited, one must first have a successful history with another AmEx card (Green or Gold didn't seem to matter) as well as a high income and a good credit rating. It was viewed as somewhat exclusive beyond having high annual fee.
Now I'm not convinced that the standards are significantly higher than the requirements to obtain a standard Visa or MasterCard.
When the Plat card was first introduced (there was the basic green AmEx charge card and the Gold charge card which came with a bank-type line of credit) in about the early 1980s, it was invitation only (like Centurion later became) and to be invited, one must first have a successful history with another AmEx card (Green or Gold didn't seem to matter) as well as a high income and a good credit rating. It was viewed as somewhat exclusive beyond having high annual fee.
Now I'm not convinced that the standards are significantly higher than the requirements to obtain a standard Visa or MasterCard.
What I still don’t get is why some people seem to “rank” Delta Reserve holders as more deserving of SkyClub access than Amex Platinum holders.
May 27, 2022, 9:10 am
#111
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,404
Maybe it's because the Plat card gives access to other lounges, such as PP (in addition to Centurion and Escape/AmExStudio). Could the attitude be that those with the Plat card can use other lounges?
May 27, 2022, 11:13 am
#112
Join Date: Jan 2022
Programs: DL, UA, AA
Posts: 1,996
May 27, 2022, 11:21 am
#113
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
While I am an avid arrival user, I still prefer to get the hotels/home as quickly as possible. In no way would I change my flight schedule for a 15 minute's trip to SC. Frankly, I do not even go to SC after most arrivals due to 1) I need to pick up Checked-in luggage, 2) The particular SC is below average or 3) there is a line to check in.
May 27, 2022, 12:12 pm
#114
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
If your connection is on Delta the three hour rule doesn't apply anyway, but there is no time limit on arrival and they really wouldn't have anyway of enforcing it since you're already in the club.
If you have a ten hour layover I'd just take CTA into city for the day. Ten hours is a long time to spend in the skyclub.
If you have a ten hour layover I'd just take CTA into city for the day. Ten hours is a long time to spend in the skyclub.
May 28, 2022, 2:34 pm
#115
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
And there have been reports that centurion and Platinum AMEX cardholders have been given priority to the centurion lounges when they are at capacity. If this is truly the case then Delta Reserve members should be given priority over other AmEx cardholders
May 28, 2022, 4:09 pm
#116
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: Delta Platinum Medallion, Hyatt Explorist, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 313
Does anyone know if transcon D1 arrivals are allowed skyclub access? The only thing I’m certain of is that longhaul D1 overseas arrivals are allowed access but not sure about domestic D1.
May 28, 2022, 8:49 pm
#117
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,884
May 29, 2022, 12:25 pm
#118
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,231
My theory that the Platinum cards are responsible for the overcrowding is just a theory, but the SkyClubs were not this bad pre-pandemic. The difference between now and then is that Amex basically paid people last year to sign up for the Platinum, and now the clubs are massively overcrowded.
If you can't admit that there's at least a plausible linkage between the two, I have nothing for you.
If you can't admit that there's at least a plausible linkage between the two, I have nothing for you.
More likely - a much higher mix of leisure vs business travel in recent months, which means families and checked bags and earlier arrivals at the airport…and more crowded clubs.
May 29, 2022, 1:26 pm
#119
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
In my experience, restuarants in the terminal are often the same or worse. I've observed long lines for tables while only 60-75% of the space is being used due to staffing issues.
May 30, 2022, 1:42 pm
#120
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 64
Platinum AMEX is more "elite" than Delta Reserve across the board. Delta Reserve will never be given any priority over the holder of a AMEX Platinum, except in the goofy upgrade algorithm. But an AMEX Platinum card holder is paying for first class anyway, not begging for the Reserve upgrade. Haha.