Scudsone

Just got the email from delta:

Important Policy Updates

• Effective February 2, 2023: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum or Platinum Business Basic and Additional Card Members will have access to the Delta Sky Club® at a per-visit rate of $50 per person (previously $39) when traveling on a same-day Delta or Delta partner airline flight. Card Members may also bring up to two guests or immediate family (spouse/domestic partner and children under 21) at a per-visit rate of $50 per person (previously $39), per location.*

• Effective February 2, 2023, Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion® Members flying internationally in Main Cabin or Delta Comfort+® will no longer receive Delta Sky Club access, unless they have access through a different entry method (such as a Delta Sky Club membership). Please note that Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion Status still permits entry to the Club if flying in Delta Premium Select internationally or Delta One®‡.

coke cans and winglets

I’m absolutely writing in about this, completely ridiculous. Good to know that me as a club member will be getting my membership jacked up when it’s the AMEX holders that are the problem, yet I’m paying the price for it. As a DM they’re also getting rid of the individual membership option for a choice benefit! Also nice to see that Delta is valuing AMEX Platinum holders more than its own elites which speaks volumes on how they actually view their customers. I’ve been very patient with Delta and let a lot slide in the past but if this is how I get paid back, you bet I’m gonna at least consider other options.

secretalcoholic

I was gonna say...isn't the overcrowding mostly because of the amount of Amex cardholders with free entry?
(I might be wrong on this)

itripreport

They have no reason or incentive to, Delta is locked in a contract with AMEX, there's no requirements or need for AMEX to change any of their policies as they are not being affected. Its crazy to believe how AMEX Skyclubs are prioritizing card holders. Especially with the no lounge access on INTL tickets, which was one of the sole features that made me reach for gold, especially during MEXICO/Canada travel. I wonder what this will mean for aeromexico Travel however.

rylan

Where is the part that states DMs can't use a choice benefit to get SC membership? That was not in the email communication from DL.

Summary of email:

Single access rates going from $39 -> $50 for guests
Membership price going up to $695 (and exec going to an outrageous $1495 - better bring companions a LOT to make up for that extra $800 over the individual)
Status required to buy a membership - no more general pax buying
Access eliminated for all STE+ elites flying international main cabin

secretalcoholic

No more individual membership. Have to get Executive for DM's (and uses 3 choice benefits)

atldiamond

It doesn't say so but TPG reporting it. Maybe they're wrong? EDIT per previous post

If they do remove the guest pass, people on this forum ought to be quite happy as most families with children between 2 and 13 won't be able to enter without paying $50/person or shelling out for an executive membership separately from credit cards.

ATLCDG

You can use 3 choice benefits for the executive membership.
" Effective February 1, 2023 for the 2024 Medallion year, Individual Club Membership and Guest Pass (Credit Card Access) will no longer be a Choice Benefit option for Diamond Medallions, and the price of the Executive Membership Choice Benefit will be valued at three Choice Benefits. We value our Diamond Medallion Members, and more information on the benefits we offer our highest Medallion Tier can be found here."

KOTAR1988

From what what said earlier, IF you're NOT in Delta One or Premium Select Internationally, you do NOT have access to SKYTEAM?Partner Lounges.

coke cans and winglets

• As of February 1, 2023, the ability to get Sky Club access with Diamond Medallion Choice Benefits will be changing; it will no longer be possible to select an Individual membership via Delta’s Choice Benefits program, and an Executive membership will require three Choice Benefits selections, rather than two

https://onemileatatime.com/news/delt...s_are_changing
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rylan

Nice that wasn't communicated in the email from DL with all of the other changes/downgrades to SC access.

So basically that means no more comp SC through choice benefits, since who in their right mind would ever use all 3 benefits for exec membership. Or, who would even pay for an exec membership at the outlandish cash price?

krazykanuck

No. It's perfectly clear to me, re-read the email you posted. The $50 only applies to the co-branded Delta Plat cards (well and the guest fee on the Amex unbranded cards will go up) but no change for the primary Amex Plat cardholder.

KOTAR1988

Please understand that is "PAID" Business and NOT a complimentary upgrade.

ATLCDG

I actually don't see in the email where it addresses this.

tfmeh

The best part about being a Diamond was the ability to have lounge access as a choice benefit. I use that more than anything. I don't need an executive membership because I'm the one who travels, not my spouse. Delta will be nice for the next year, but I don't see myself with them in the future.

One thing everyone forgets, a lot of people have been rolled over as Diamond for multiple years. I bet a bunch of them don't get get Diamond with the new requirements. This all seems very premature on Delta's part.