Delta changes rules for Skyclub access: no more lounges if you don't fly premium

Chaos in lounges in the United States has reached unprecedented levels, the motivation is the combination of increasing passengers above 2019 levels and The presence of a large number of elite status and credit card holders, with the result that entering lounges overseas, but not only, has become a mystical experience with waiting lists, reservations, and obstacle courses.

The revolution in Sky Clubs

Between January and February next year Delta, the world's largest airline, will significantly (and for the worse) change the rules of access to Sky Clubs, or official lounges.

Fortunately changes impact only Delta Skymiles loyalty program members, but everyone will be affected by the changes, including us Italians traveling to the U.S. with the American carrier.

At present, the change does not impact those who hold status with ITA Airways, now a member of the same alliance in waiting to see how the sale to Lufthansa will end, or equivalent to Skyteam's Elite Plus in any other alliance company.

For everyone else, there will be no more access to Delta lounges except when flying premium economy or business class.

"It is incredibly important to us that Delta Sky Clubs continue to offer our guests an industry-leading experience," said Dwight James, Senior Vice President - Customer Engagement & Loyalty and CEO - Delta Vacations. "While we are thrilled to see so many customers enjoying the fruits of our teams' hard work, our goal now is to balance the clubs' popularity with the premium service and atmosphere they were designed for and that our guests deserve. "

It is unclear what will happen to Italian American Express Platinum holders, this card today allows cardholders free access to Skyclubs, when flying Delta, but at the moment it seems that the benefit is intended to remain active.

Priority access comes to lounges

Just as there is priority lane for boarding, there will now be the same for accessing Delta lounges.

All Delta Sky Clubs will implement a dedicated entrance lane in the busiest lounges. Diamond Medallion and Delta 360 members and Delta One customers will enjoy fast-track entry when clubs are full, as well as enjoy priority boarding on planes.

It is unclear how this path will impact Skyteam frequent flyers traveling to the U.S., for example from T4 at JFK on a KLM or Virgin Atlantic flight who wanted to use the American airline's lounge.

Delta has tried to sweeten the pot by announcing expansions of already operational lounges, openings of new lounges, and the activation of a feature in the official app to monitor Skyclub crowding.

In conclusion

Lounge crowding is a real problem, locking out high status passengers who book an economy ticket does not seem to me to be the right solution to this issue. At the moment it is only a problem for Skymiles loyalty program members, and not to others frequent flyers of Skyteam carriers, let's hope it stays that way.