GG

Sorry, but based on conversations with Delta CRC agent today AND NW WorldClub agent, it does not look good for any reciprocity between lounges based on Sk***am. The DL CRC agent was fairly snarly. (She was pretty obsequious 3 months ago when I was still a DL PM!) I had to ask, What's the difference then with Northwest joining Skyteam? She just kept repeating that we had to be flying DL... so we oiled out. Never complained or explained.

The Worldclub agent was a bit more forthcoming. She said that it was still business as usual, which we'd already heard, and that that was entirely DL's call.

I said, "But what's the point of Skyteam, then?" I also pointed out that even among the Sk***am members, Skyteam Elite Plus do get access to each others' lounges. She said, "Delta absolutely refused on that."

That is a direct quote.

I am still not entirely sure how this will work. Anyone who has been holding off to buy a lounge m'ship because of Sk***am might be advised to think about it.

There IS a reason some of us type it that way...

RobertH

Interesting.

So, when NW joins Skyteam will NW Platinum members become Skyteam Elite Plus members? If so, then they should have access to all Skyteam lounges (including NW lounges) on day of flight - even when flying in coach. I know a bunch of NW Platinum members who will be happy about this - no need to purchase a WorldCLub membership!

ironmanjt

Remember, this applys only to INTERNATIONAL itinteraries. Flying LAX-MSP-DCA you still need a WorldClub (etc) membership to get in.

milerunner

Cant beat AMEX Platinum... get access to all the lounges, NW, DL, CO..

Annual membership is $300.. but you get the card and other benefits as well as access to the lounges!

Great benefit!

-Milerunner

ironmanjt

Yeah, but won't get you into AMS or other overseas lounges. That's where this Skyteam thing comes in handy.

I hope to cancel my Worldclubs after this, and rely on NW Platinum + AmEx Centurion for club access.

milerunner

I agree with that... not getting into AMS is real bummer.. used to be different tho..

NRT is no problem..

DL is always traditionally resistant to change... their aircraft is a perfect example

-milerunner

Xyzzy

$395 -- but you have to be ticketed on and flying on the airline that owns the lounge.

fromYXU

So, if you mostly fly NW, you are better off with the WC since you still get access to CO clubs.

sllevin

I'm sure there's a longer list of locations than the ones that come to my mind...

LGW -- a President's Club, so flying NW wouldn't get you in there with Amex

AMS -- Doesn't sound like you'd get in with the Amex regardless of NW/CO flights

NRT - if you were flying NRT-EWR/IAH on CO, you wouldn't get into the WorldClub (but it's also in the wrong terminal)

SIN - No Amex entry regardless of flying NW

BKK - No Amex entry regardless of flying NW

I suspect there are other locations as well, but I don't know them.

I am interested in knowing because I am seriously considering dropping my WC membership and getting the Amex Plat.

Also, does anyone know if/how it would work if one was, say, flying CO FLL-IAH, then NW IAH-MSP -- would you be able to use the IAH President's Club based on the boarding pass from the flight you just arrived on? (Although these routings seem to appear less and less these days)

Steve

jiburi

With Amex $300 plan, it's $900 for three years.

If you are platinum or gold, it might be better to pay for the 3 year Worldclub plan, which is much cheaper than $900.
$625 3 year platinum
$760 3 year gold
$895 3 year silver
$1170 3 year general.

I think I prefer the $625 World Club platinum plan.

Jiburi '04

chrisny2

As knowledgeable and helpful as some agents are about current rules and procedures, I don't think that the desk agents in the airline clubs are privy to the goings-on of Skyteam negotiations in the boardrooms... I'd take what they say about the future with a grain of sale.