Oct 18, 2023, 2:25 pm
Last edit by: audidudi
Thread Wiki created based on 18 October 2023 Program and SkyClub access updates
Greater Flexibility for Delta Sky Club Access
Select Card Members will benefit from increased access to Clubs during their travel days as well as the option to purchase Club access after exhausting their allotted Club entries. Starting Feb 1 2025 (except where noted eg Jan 1 2024)…updates include:- Redefining Club visits: A Delta Sky Club visit now includes all entries within a 24-hour period after first Club entry, including your departure city, connecting airports and arrival at your destination. If you are traveling on a same-day roundtrip and use the Club on your outbound and return flight, both would be included within the same visit.
- Adding Club visits: Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business Card Members will now receive 15 visits per year (up from 10). Card Members with the Platinum Card® and the Business Platinum Card® from American Express will receive 10 visits (up from 6).
- As previously announced, Members can unlock unlimited Club access after spending $75,000 on their eligible Card in a calendar year and will have unlimited club access for both the remainder of the current program year and the following program year.
- Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Card Members and those customers traveling in Basic Economy, regardless of card type, will no longer be eligible for Club access.
- Additional flexibility to purchase Club access: Delta will also introduce the ability for Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business Card Members, as well as Card Members with the Platinum Card® from American Express, to purchase Club access at a per-visit rate of $50 per person after exhausting their allotted Club visits. Medallions will also have the option of purchasing an annual individual Delta Sky Club membership for $695.
SkyClub Access Changes in 2024
Sep 13, 2023, 3:52 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: DL PM 1MM, AA PLAT, UA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 10,356
I won't be shocked if there is significant Reserve card cancellations in the wake of this (and possibly AmEx Platinum card cancellations too though I suspect the impact there may be less, especially outside of DL hubs). If my DL Reserve wasn't free, I'd probably be dumping it.
Sep 13, 2023, 3:56 pm
#17
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
I have to agree. The Reserve is now a "BOGO" card where you pay about as much for card as you would for the "free" ticket. And you can access the SC a few times a year with it.
I won't be shocked if there is significant Reserve card cancellations in the wake of this (and possibly AmEx Platinum card cancellations too though I suspect the impact there may be less, especially outside of DL hubs). If my DL Reserve wasn't free, I'd probably be dumping it.
I won't be shocked if there is significant Reserve card cancellations in the wake of this (and possibly AmEx Platinum card cancellations too though I suspect the impact there may be less, especially outside of DL hubs). If my DL Reserve wasn't free, I'd probably be dumping it.
Sep 13, 2023, 3:57 pm
#18
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Programs: DL Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 139
I have to agree. The Reserve is now a "BOGO" card where you pay about as much for card as you would for the "free" ticket. And you can access the SC a few times a year with it.
I won't be shocked if there is significant Reserve card cancellations in the wake of this (and possibly AmEx Platinum card cancellations too though I suspect the impact there may be less, especially outside of DL hubs). If my DL Reserve wasn't free, I'd probably be dumping it.
I won't be shocked if there is significant Reserve card cancellations in the wake of this (and possibly AmEx Platinum card cancellations too though I suspect the impact there may be less, especially outside of DL hubs). If my DL Reserve wasn't free, I'd probably be dumping it.
Edit: Appears the Reserve is going to earn MQD at double the rate of the Plat. That makes the argument a bit more interesting if I want to stay fully in the DL ecosystem, though I think that makes the argument for going to low level status on both DL and AA a lot more appealing.
Sep 13, 2023, 4:09 pm
#19
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 235
I mean, the change is still a year and change away. Could have kept the card another year.
Sep 13, 2023, 4:14 pm
#20
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: On the run
Programs: DL 2MM/DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriot Titanium
Posts: 573
I'm almost certainly going to cancel mine. I don't value SC access at $30 a visit and aside from the upgrade tiebreaker (which honestly I don't think does much for me, I usually either clear at the PM window and or am nowhere close), that'll be the only benefit. AF posts in a couple weeks so debatable if I want to keep it for one more year or work on building AA status next year while I still have PM on DL. That'll probably get answered tomorrow once we see how brutal the medallion changes are.
Edit: Appears the Reserve is going to earn MQD at double the rate of the Plat. That makes the argument a bit more interesting if I want to stay fully in the DL ecosystem, though I think that makes the argument for going to low level status on both DL and AA a lot more appealing.
Edit: Appears the Reserve is going to earn MQD at double the rate of the Plat. That makes the argument a bit more interesting if I want to stay fully in the DL ecosystem, though I think that makes the argument for going to low level status on both DL and AA a lot more appealing.
Last edited by DrMilano; Sep 13, 2023 at 4:43 pm
Sep 13, 2023, 4:22 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,722
Not sure if we will keep our generic Amex Plats but if we do I can live with 6 visits.
Do AU cardholders get 6 visits as well?
Do AU cardholders get 6 visits as well?
Sep 13, 2023, 4:25 pm
#22
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,752
6 sounds like a good number. In another thread, I had thought the average American flew domestically 6 times per year, only to be shown by some fellow FT'ers that it was more like 2. So, 6 seems plenty for your avg cardmember!
Sep 13, 2023, 4:36 pm
#23
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: On the run
Programs: DL 2MM/DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriot Titanium
Posts: 573
AmEx Platinum (non-branded aka 'Vanilla") is capped at 6 visits per year unless $75,000 yearly spend will then grant unlimited access.
I believe the reduction in lounge changes for Reserve and AmEx Platinum starts 2025 (not 2024 in original post), as spending needs to be tracked for 2024.
I believe the reduction in lounge changes for Reserve and AmEx Platinum starts 2025 (not 2024 in original post), as spending needs to be tracked for 2024.
Last edited by DrMilano; Sep 13, 2023 at 4:44 pm
Sep 13, 2023, 4:43 pm
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,237
The average American is a VERY different universe than the average Amex Platinum cardholder.
Sep 13, 2023, 4:44 pm
#25
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
I can see the JFK Centurion really getting stretched with this change (and maybe others).
Last edited by NYC Flyer; Sep 13, 2023 at 4:45 pm Reason: amplification
Sep 13, 2023, 4:44 pm
#26
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,320
Flying six times per year might not equate to six visits though. On a single roundtrip with one connection, there would be 4 potential lounge visits.
Sep 13, 2023, 4:46 pm
#28
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: DL DM; Hyatt Globalist; etc
Posts: 540
I'll likely keep my card through next year given this doesn't take effect into '25, but I will certainly be cancelling after that. $75k of spend costs more in missed benefits before you even get to the AF. The rest of the card just isn't worth it to me.
Will DL continue to sell individual memberships? $695 is fine with me if I end up sticking with DL around their FF changes. Easier than wasting spend on an Amex card.
Will DL continue to sell individual memberships? $695 is fine with me if I end up sticking with DL around their FF changes. Easier than wasting spend on an Amex card.
Sep 13, 2023, 4:47 pm
#29
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC, BOS, ORD
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM
Posts: 843
It seems for the weekly (or semi-weekly) PM traveller who wants unlimited access and isn’t able to spend $75K on a personal credit card, they’re steering us to buying memberships rather than accessing by card? I’m sure this will have a sizable impact at the hubs but do places like MCI or IND become deserted?
Sep 13, 2023, 4:54 pm
#30
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: bouncing C1&2
Programs: DL*DM/AA*G
Posts: 521