American Express cuts Delta lounge access benefits

American Express Reduces Delta Lounge Access for Premium Cardholders

Changes are coming to how American Express cardholders access Delta Sky Club lounges, and the news isn’t favorable for many. Delta Sky Clubs are among the best domestic airport lounges, and previously, having the right American Express card was the easiest and most affordable way to gain entry. However, due to complaints of overcrowding, Delta is implementing new restrictions to maintain the premium experience of their lounges.

Key Changes Effective January 1, 2024

No Sky Club Access for Basic Economy: Cardholders flying in Basic Economy will no longer have Sky Club access.
No Purchase Option for Sky Club Visits: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Cardholders will no longer be able to purchase Sky Club visits.

Additional Restrictions Effective February 1, 2025

For holders of Amex Platinum and Delta Reserve cards, significant changes include:

Delta Reserve Cards: Limited to 15 Sky Club visits per program year (Feb. 1 to Jan. 31). Cardholders can pay $50 per person for additional visits or $25 per person at Grab and Go locations. Two free guest passes are included annually for consumer Delta Reserve cardholders.
Amex Platinum Cards: Limited to six Sky Club visits per program year. Additional visits can be purchased at $50 per person or $25 per person at Grab and Go locations.

Unlimited Access Option

Delta Reserve and Amex Platinum cardholders can still earn unlimited Sky Club access by spending $75,000 on their eligible card in a calendar year. If this spending threshold is met, unlimited access is granted through the end of that year and the following year.

What These Changes Mean for You

Previously, American Express premium cards were the best option for accessing Delta Sky Clubs. Now, this benefit has been significantly devalued:

Sky Club Membership Costs: Membership costs $695 per year for an Individual membership (with paid guest access) and $1,495 per year for an Executive membership (with up to two free guests per visit). Delta Medallion elite status is required to purchase a membership.
Delta Reserve Cardholders: Frequent visitors (more than 10 times a year) may need to reconsider their card benefits and possibly switch to a paid Sky Club membership or another option.
Amex Platinum Cardholders: May need to explore other lounge options like Centurion Lounge or Priority Pass locations.

Alternative Cards for Lounge Access

With the devaluation of Delta Sky Club access, other premium credit cards may offer better value:

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: $395 annual fee, includes an annual travel credit of $300 and a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus. Unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges for cardholders and two guests.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: $550 annual fee, includes an annual travel credit of up to $300. Unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges and Chase Sapphire lounges.

Bottom Line

Starting January 2024, accessing Delta Sky Club lounges with certain American Express cards will become more challenging. Cardholders flying in Basic Economy will lose Sky Club access, and from February 2025, the top-tier Amex cards will limit lounge visits unless a high spending threshold is met. This significant reduction in benefits may lead many to reconsider their choice of card for airport lounge access.

For detailed information on rates and fees for the affected cards, please visit the respective links provided in the original article.

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