So my friend sends me an Instagram post. The post, from Delta Airlines, kind of reads as a “Dear John” letter to those who visit Delta Sky Clubs. Dear John, yes people, I’m solidly in my 40’s, LOL.
The post, which is actually an email that Delta has sent to customers, advising of changes coming to accessing their Sky Lounge.
Now, let me back up for a second.
As a blissfully single mom who travels for work, Delta’s Sky Club has always been a haven of peace for me in the midst of the madness of travel.
Although to many it may seem glamorous, but work travel is arduous. There are the 4:00 am wake ups for an early flights, the nightmare that is security and those redeyes from Las Vegas. It’s not easy.
Having access to the Sky Lounge made things a little bit more comfortable as I make my way to a different state to work and back home to my waiting, adorable, baby boys.
Not to mention, the tough times. These are the times when the finances weren’t great and I was employed by a cheapie Event Management Agency that did not provide corporate credit cards (at the time, my personal cards were maxed out). Access to Delta’s Sky Lounge meant not worrying about how I was going to eat during a trip; Delta had me covered during my travel.
Delta’s Sky Lounge, a quiet oasis of peace, food and unlimited drink, held me down for years.
Delta Sky Club Changes
Due to over crowding, Delta is coming in heavy with the changes. This overhaul includes:
Membership Requirements
In the past, in order to gain access to a Delta Sky Club, anyone could the pay the annual membership fee of $545. As of January 1, 2023, you’ll need to be a Silver, Gold, Platinum or Diamond Medallion Elite member to purchase a Sky Club membership.
But you know what? I was always under the impression that Sky Club Memberships were only sold to Medallion Elite members. Why would Delta offer membership to folks who do not fly and have status with Delta?
In any case, I’m in full agreement. As a Medallion Elite Status member, access to the Sky Club is a perk that should be reserved for those who fly exclusively with Delta.
Annual Fee
You guessed it. The annual fee is most certainly increasing. An individual membership will now cost $695 (originally $545) and an Executive Membership $1,495 (originally $845).
Flight Type Restriction
This one’s really the kicker here. Sort of like, when you’re losing a fight, and you get that one final blow that lays you out? Delta isn’t playing at all…
As of Feb. 2, Delta Basic Economy tickets will not have access to the Sky Lounge, regardless of membership. This new measure is quite strategic in that not only will Delta profit more (because, yes, I’m paying for the upgraded ticket to access the lounge), but it further thins out access, even into the membership level.
Delta Sky Club Guests
Delta will continue to cap guests at two; however, the cost for the guests will increase. To have someone join you in the Sky Club, you’ll now have to pay $50 per person. This cost is up from $35 per person.
Delta Updated Sky Club Policy Access Changes – Yay or Nay?
Before I share my opinion on Delta’s overhauls to Sky Club access, let me share my most recent Delta Sky Club Experience.
I took my children to NY for Thanksgiving week. Thinking about dinner, it dawns on me to take them to the Sky Lounge. It’s a bit pricier than taking them to the the Popeyes inside of the airport; but I know I’m paying for the experience.
Well, we get to the Sky Lounge and my oldest son (who’s never impressed by anything) is in fact, impressed. This is his entry -point to the airport lounge experience, so he’s excited and I think a bit proud that his mom’s a member. I, an experienced traveler though am highly annoyed.
Delta’s Sky Lounge is crowded, so much so that it was difficult to find seats for the three of us. I was really hoping to find seats overlooking the tarmac, as that’s my favorite spot to watch the planes as I sip on my pre-flight mimosa’s.
Understanding that we were on a later flight, I tried to reason with myself that there may be a little bit more than usual in the lounge. However, it was so crowded, that my Delta Sky Club experience became reflective of the pandemonium of the outside doors to the airport that I was trying to escape.
The Delta Sky Lounge didn’t feel exclusive anymore; seems like they were letting every and anyone in.
Full Agreement with Delta Sky Lounge Changes
So yes, I am in full agreement with Delta’s overhaul of their Sky Club policies.
While this means I’ll need to pay more out of pocket for my membership and for my children to enjoy the Sky Club when we travel together, these policies will ultimately work in restricting access.
Now I know, I’m giving a Karen-like energy with my stance; at least, that what my kids tell me. However, as a woman who travels for living and flies exclusively Delta, when I enter their lounge, there shouldn’t be a line to get in and there should be ample choice of seating, with access to an outlet. These are the perks that we pay for as Delta customers.
I, for one, am excited for the changes. Hoping to see a shift back to heightened exclusively in the Delta Sky Lounge.
Blissfully Single and Yours,
