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Delta thinks its cushy airport clubs have become a little too popular.
On Wednesday, the airline announced that it will be changing the requirements for access to its Sky Club lounges from early next year to “maintain a first class experience”.
The updates include restricting who can buy memberships, increasing prices and blocking access for frequent flyers who don’t have premium tickets. Travelers with eligible credit cards will still have access.
In a press release, Delta said the lounges have “experienced visitor growth that has exceeded the club’s capacity – causing frustration for some customers who wait in lines or search for seating once inside.”
What does “first class” even mean anymore?
Under the new rules, annual club memberships will only be available to travelers who have achieved frequent flyer status – broken down into four Medallion tiers ranging from Silver to Diamond – and not to passengers. To earn Silver Medallion Status, customers must earn 25,000 qualifying miles and spend $3,000 in qualifying payments. Delta discontinued single-visit passes for its Sky Club Lounge in November 2018.
Fees increase from $545 to $695 for an individual and $845 to $1,495 for Executive membership, which includes access for up to two guests. Guest fees increase from $39 to $50. For a senior Medallion Member, selecting Executive Membership is also more expensive within the benefits that come with elevated status.
Even if they’ve paid for a membership, travelers booking the most restricted fare — called Basic Economy — can only access the lounge if they have an eligible credit card.
Previously, frequent flyer status was granted access to departure airport lounges when traveling internationally in any part of the aircraft. Now, the same flyers seated in the main cabin or in the “Comfort Plus” area cannot use the lounge unless they have other access options such as a paid membership. Customers who have tickets for “Premium Select” (a mix of economy and business) or premium “Delta One” seats can continue to use the clubs.
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The latest changes, which will come into effect in January and February, follow efforts earlier this year to reduce the time people spend in lounges before flights. Back in June, Delta introduced a policy that travelers can only enter clubs within three hours of their scheduled departure time. At the time, Delta said it took the step to ensure the experience could be “widely enjoyed” by customers.
The lounges offer complimentary Wi-Fi and drinks, dedicated help with flight issues, and a place to wait for a flight away from the larger crowds at the gate.
Starting next month, travelers in Detroit and Atlanta will be able to use the airline’s app to find out how crowded the clubs are. Officials said they chose these airports to launch because each has multiple clubs, which would allow passengers to choose an alternative if their first choice was too busy. The capacity check will also be available at other airports in the first half of 2023.
“It is incredibly important to us that Delta Sky Clubs continue to provide our guests with an industry-leading experience,” said Dwight James, senior vice president of customer engagement and loyalty and CEO of Delta Vacations, in a press release. “While we are thrilled that so many customers are enjoying the fruits of our team’s hard work, our aim is to continue the club’s popularity with the premium service and atmosphere for which it was designed – and which our guests deserve – in to reconcile. ”
Kyle Potter, editor-in-chief of travel site Thrifty Traveler, said he was not surprised by the new changes.
“Delta made an initial attempt in the spring and it was really clear within a few weeks that it wasn’t really moving the needle, if at all,” he said.
Some travelers on social media complained that the moves were a slap in the face for loyalty members who had built status for access to the lounges – particularly if certain credit cardholders could continue to use the clubs.
Wow, @Delta just slapped us international medallion travelers in the face. This is really shocking. Honestly, what’s the point of going platinum or diamond if we can’t even get lounge access? It seems that international travelers are no longer valued. I am so disappointed pic.twitter.com/ulSXSGyIA9
— Sarah Murdoch (@sarahmurdoch) November 30, 2022
Private jet travel is booming. No, you still can’t afford it.
Potter said banks and airlines have been reaching out heavily to travelers willing to shell out hundreds of dollars in annual fees for credit cards that give them perks like points and lounge access.
“There’s a battle between credit cards and elite status, and credit cards are winning,” he said. “Not only is it the number one way to get into a Delta Sky Club, it’s also the number one problem as to why Delta Sky Clubs are so crowded.”
In a statement, Delta said it has not taken the lounge changes lightly.
“Our top priority is to provide our members with a premium experience, so we must balance the popularity of the Delta Sky Club experience with the premium atmosphere and service by which we measure ourselves,” the airline said.