Over the weekend, new access requirements went into effect for Delta Sky Clubs. In an effort to reduce crowding, the Atlanta based carrier has imposed limits on Sky Club access for holders of its top tier Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express and American Express Platinum cardholders.
As of February 1, 2025, American Express Platinum and Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders will have their annual visits to Delta Sky Clubs capped if they didn’t reach the $75,000 spending threshold to unlock unlimited visits. The complimentary limits for each card are as follows:
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express: 15 Sky Club visits per year.
- American Express Platinum Card: 10 Sky Club visits per year.
Cardholders that have cleared the $75,000 threshold should have received an email from American Express indicating the fact that they have unlocked unlimited access to Delta Sky Clubs. The $75,000 threshold also unlocks complimentary guest access to American Express Centurion lounges.
I find that Delta has the best domestic lounges of the big three U.S. carriers but crowding has been an issue for quite some time. I’m curious to see how these changes impact crowding in the lounges as Sky Clubs have developed a reputation for crowding and long lines.
I’m hopeful that these changes do limit crowding, however, I’m not convinced that there will be a material impact. Based on what I’ve seen, the bulk of visitors to the Delta Sky Clubs fly 1-2x per year but have a premium, travel focused credit card for lounge access on these trips.
Delta frequent flyers are the ones most impacted by this change. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to access Sky Clubs though, the credit card route was (and maybe still is) the cheapest and easiest.
Summary
As of February 1, 2025, Delta has placed new entry requirements to access its Sky Clubs via credit card. Travelers who don’t spend at least $75,000 per year on their American Express Platinum of Delta SkyMiles Reserve cards will have their access capped to a set number of visits per year. While this was done in an effort to alleviate crowding, it likely punishes Delta’s most frequent, and highest value, flyers.
(Image: Delta Air Lines)
