Delta Air Lines has announced significant changes to its Sky Clubs, which will affect the access and privileges of certain passengers. As of February 1, 2025, Delta will be implementing a cap on the number of entries to its Sky Clubs for American Express Platinum Card holders and Delta Reserve American Express Card holders. Specifically, Platinum Card holders will be limited to six visits per year, while Delta Reserve Card holders will have a maximum of 10 visits annually.
Additionally, starting from January 1, 2024, passengers traveling on basic economy tickets will no longer have access to the lounge. This restriction applies to both Platinum Card holders and any other premium credit card holders.
These updates were initially leaked on a Portuguese-language website and have since been confirmed by a Delta spokesperson.
The changes may not be surprising for frequent Delta travelers, particularly those who have experienced long lines at Sky Clubs, particularly at major hubs like JFK Airport in New York and Atlanta. In response to overcrowding, Delta plans to open a second lounge in Terminal 4 at JFK.
It is worth noting that the Platinum Card from American Express is particularly popular among Millennials and Gen-Z individuals despite its high annual fee, largely due to the included travel perks. Access to Delta’s Sky Clubs has been a significant selling point for American Express in justifying the card’s annual fee. As a result, some AmEx customers may now reconsider their decision to maintain this card.
It is important to highlight that access to AmEx’s Centurion-branded airport lounges will remain unaffected by these changes, as these lounges are owned and operated by American Express.
In addition to the alterations in lounge access, Delta is also revising its SkyMiles program requirements for earning elite status. Instead of basing status on miles flown with the airline, Delta will now determine status solely on the amount of money spent by passengers.
These adjustments to the Sky Clubs and the SkyMiles program reflect Delta Air Lines’ ongoing efforts to enhance and accommodate the needs of its customers while also managing the demand for its premium services.
