Delta, Sky Club access rules change for the worse
In America, lounge crowding has become an issue again now that everyone, but everyone, has returned to [...]
Delta
SkyTeam
In America, lounge crowding has once again become a problem now that everyone, but everyone, is back in the air. It is a problem that plagues all types of lounges from exclusive Centurion by American Express, to independents to, of course, official lounges.
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Each owner/operator has found different solutions over the years to reduce or quota access to waiting rooms, and some have even decided to build new and larger ones. The problem is not easy to solve especially in this period with so many users holding elite status, thanks to automatic renewals due to covid, and the many credit cards that give away access as a benefit.
What changes in Delta Sky Clubs
The latest airline to take countermeasures is Delta, the world's largest carrier has decided to significantly limit its passengers' access to official lounges. Delta was the most generous, now it will become as rigid and selective as (almost) all other operators.
Starting June 1, access will be restricted based on flight time. This means that, as is already the case in other lounges, It will not be possible to enter if there are more than 3 hours left at departure. Today Delta was one of the few operators that did not look at the time and gave access to all passengers departing on the day, for example, the last time I stopped by JFK before going to the most beautiful Centurion Lounge I spent time in the Delta lounge precisely because in the American Express lounge they had not let me in for that reason.
There was also a second change, and it involved the use of lounges upon arrival. Initially, the ability to enter the In the Sky Clubs at the airport where you land. A few days after the communication, the U.S. carrier sent a new email where it announced a step backward as a result of the feedback received.
All arriving passengers will be able to continue using the lounges after landing. Allowing them to stop by the lounge for a shower, a meal, or simply a coffee before leaving the airport.
On the other hand, nothing changes for passengers who are waiting for a connecting flight; they will be able to access it immediately and without waiting. Sky Club use for Italian passengers is possible, free of charge, as benefit included in the annual fee of American Express Platinum, convenient when flying to the U.S. in economy to be able to Take advantage of the services of these lounges without having to spend anything.
In conclusion
It is a change for the worse, but let's say that for us European travelers it has very little impact. I personally have never used the lounges on arrival because I always try to leave the airport as soon as possible. As for the 3-hour time is a relative problem, except in exceptional cases you go to the airport to leave, not to be there for hours. It's different for domestic flights, but even then it's not once a year that makes a difference for people who don't live in the U.S. and are there on vacation.
