Delta Making Big Cuts to Lounge Access, Increases Prices

Delta Making Big Cuts to Lounge Access, Increases Prices

Delta Air Lines is taking steps to curb overcrowding at Sky Clubs, which has been an issue in recent years and especially now with increased travel demand. Earlier this year it limited Delta Sky Clubs access to within 3 hours of scheduled departure time, and even briefly ended access on arrivals.

The airline has now announced big cuts to lounge access starting next year. However those that are hardest hit are membership holders and Medallion elites, and not cardholders.

Besides these cuts and changes Delta will also expand priority lanes at some lounges. 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.

Check out more details below.

Pricing

Delta will increase the prices and requirements to gain access to its Sky Club airport lounges. Starting next year membership packages for Delta’s lounges will only be available to SkyMiles Medallion members. Currently, anyone can purchase a membership.

“We want to invest in our customers who invest in us,” said Dwight James, Delta’s senior vice president of customer engagement and loyalty.

Delta is also raising membership fees. The price of an individual Delta Sky Club membership will increase from $545 or 54,500 miles to $695 or 69,500 miles. Executive membership, which includes guests, goes up from $845 or 84,500 miles to $1,495 or 149,500 miles. The fee for bringing companion guests into Sky Clubs will will also go up from $39 to $50, regardless of whether you’re a member, or bringing a guest based on credit card access.

Access Cuts

Delta Sky Club members flying on basic economy tickets will no longer have lounge access. Also Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion elite members will no longer get Sky Club access when traveling on international itineraries on account of their status, unless they’re flying in premium economy or business class.

Starting on that same date, Diamonds will no longer be able to select an individual membership or guest pass access as part of their Choice Benefits. Executive Membership will still be an option but will count as three selections, up from two.

Full Details

Starting in 2023, with these updates, Delta Sky Club access will be available to:

MEDALLION MEMBERS WHO PURCHASE A SKY CLUB MEMBERSHIP

• Annual Club memberships will be available for purchase by Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members only. Effective for new membership purchases and renewals starting Jan. 1, 2023.
• The fees for an annual Club membership will increase as follows (effective Jan. 1, 2023):  
  • Individual: From $545 or 54,500 miles to $695 or 69,500 miles.
  • Executive: From $845 or 84,500 miles to $1495 or 149,500 miles.
• The fee for companion guests will increase from $39 to $50, or from 3,900 to 5,000 miles for Club members who wish to pay with miles. Effective Feb. 2, 2023.

DIAMOND MEDALLIONs WHO SELECT EXECUTIVE CLUB ACCESS VIA THEIR CHOICE BENEFITS

• Members who reach Diamond Medallion status for the 2024 Medallion Year and beyond: The cost for an Executive Membership will increase from two to three Choice Benefit selections.
• Individual Membership and Credit Card Guest Pass access will no longer be offered via Choice Benefits for the 2024 Medallion Year and beyond. Effective Feb. 1, 2023 for the 2024 Medallion Year.

DELTA SKY CLUB MEMBERS FLYING IN MAIN CABIN OR A MORE PREMIUM CABIN

• Delta Sky Club members flying on Basic Economy tickets cannot enter unless they have a benefit through an eligible American Express® Card which allows for access*. Effective Feb. 2, 2023.

CUSTOMERS FLYING IN DELTA ONE AND SELECT MEDALLION MEMBERS FLYING IN DELTA PREMIUM SELECT INTERNATIONALLY

• 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). Effective Feb. 2, 2023.
• Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion Status still permit entry to the Club if flying in Delta Premium Select internationally or in Delta One.

AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD MEMBERS WITH DELTA SKY CLUB ACCESS

• Note: The fee for companion guests of customers entering via an eligible* American Express card and for customers and companion guests entering via their Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card will increase from $39 to $50. Effective Feb. 2, 2023.

There are no updates to Delta Sky Club access eligibility for: Delta 360 Members; Elite Plus members of other SkyTeam airlines; Delta and SkyTeam Elite Plus members flying in Delta Premium Select and Delta One (or partner airline equivalent) cabins; any customers in Delta One (or partner airline equivalent) cabin.