sxc7885

TPG is reporting the new policy change and it is a lot more than most were reporting I think it will help a bit but might drive more to the Amex Platinum cards that seem to be except

• Memberships now restricted to medallion members only
• Membership prices increased
• Removal of membership from Diamond choice benefits
• Basic economy tickets no longer can enter
• Gold, Plat, Diamond members only long haul access on premium tickets starting Feb 2 (does not apply to SkyTeam Elite earned on other carriers)

https://thepointsguy.com/news/delta-...ccess-changes/

High Technology

I really don’t see these changes as reducing overcrowding, other than the membership fee increases potentially deterring a few. Rather, it’s just a money grab in my opinion.

I can’t imagine there are many club members without status, though I guess you can join and use the club if flying another airline. They aren’t booting those existing members, but just closing the door to future non-elite members. So unlikely to make much of a dent.

I presume many Diamonds have an AMEX platinum or the Delta Reserve card, so again, not likely to reduce loads. While it’s a take-away if you don’t, anyone clocking that many flight hours would likely pay for a membership. So again, not a reduction in load, just a revenue increase.

DLASflyer

None of this matters when millions of Amex cardholders have unrestricted access.

wakesetter93

Delta and AmEx have a massive partnership, those folks are going to be the last ones to have their access cut.

cubeman

Shows you that AMEX makes way more money then medallion members, they literally gutted any skyclub medallion benefits to reduce that population then hit AMEX holders. I was one of the few who bought individual and used a choice benefit to upgrade to exec. Guess I'll just use my purple amex now.

smartytravel

Dont you still need to pay extra fees to enter skyclubs even if you have credit cards?

hedberg1661

This part really has me scratching my head. There is no mention of expedited access for domestic first class. All of the tests I saw included that as part of the "fast lane" or whatever they want to call it.

PRIORITIZED ENTRY FOR DELTA’S MOST FREQUENT FLIERS AND CLUB VISITORS

Following a successful operational test in Atlanta over the summer, Delta Sky Club will roll out a dedicated entry lane for the airline’s most frequent fliers at high-capacity Clubs. Diamond Medallion and Delta 360 members and Delta One customers will enjoy expedited entry when Clubs are at capacity, just as they enjoy prioritized boarding on aircraft.

wakesetter93

Not unless you have a guest. My wife has an AU Plat on my Plat account and both of us can enter without any extra fees.

smartytravel

SO I have this card: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, and it does say: "Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi access, private restrooms, and more for yourself and up to two guests at a Delta Sky Club exclusive per-visit rate of $39 per person when traveling on a Delta flight.‡"

Does it mean that I don't need to pay $39 for my visit?

wakesetter93

For that card, yes, you would have to pay the fee. For free access, you would need the American Express Platinum Card. The Delta American Express Card that gets you access is the Reserve (Purple Card).

I don't blame you for being confused as SkyClub agents literally have a full color, double sided sheet that explains what cards give you access and what ones don't.

WillBarrett_68

Um, I'm not sure how to break this to you, but the skyclubs are (for practical purposes) Amex clubs. They just happen to be Delta-branded. You should be thankful that Amex has let you buy access on the side.

Delta doesn't even exist today without Amex.

sxc7885

The $39 dollar fee is actually increasing to $50 dollar per visit according to one site I read

smartytravel

LOL!!! Who would pay $50?

NYC Flyer

While these changes are likely just rearranging deck chairs in the short term, they set the stage for fee increases on both the Platinum Card and the Delta Reserve Card.

With or without a fee increase on the Platinum Card, it would not surprise me to see SkyClub entries capped, perhaps with a buy-up to unlimited entry available for something like $200 or in lieu of the annual airline credit.

Alternatively, I could also see a hefty discount on the Reserve card offered to Platinum Card holders that need unlimited entries (assuming the Plat Card benefit is diminished).

Reserve card fee likely going up too (perhaps within spitting distance of the new membership fee).

cubeman

I have my club membership because the price of food outside would cost me just as much as going inside or less and I have unlimited food and drinks versus outside. Why spend $30-40 outside at a resturant or fast food when I can have decent food inside the lounge in comfy chairs/quieter environment then outside or looking for a dead gate.

That being said, Purple card it and it's free to go in. $550 a year or whatever makes sense.