Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, has announced significant changes to its Sky Club access and frequent flyer status policies, set to take effect on February 1, 2025. These changes are expected to impact a wide range of Delta’s loyal customers.

Currently, American Express Platinum and Platinum Business cardholders enjoy unlimited visits to Delta’s Sky Club lounges. However, starting in 2025, they will be limited to six visits per year, unless they spend a minimum of $75,000 on their card within a calendar year. Similarly, Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders will be granted 10 Sky Club visits annually, provided they meet the same spending threshold of $75,000.

This shift in policy also affects Delta’s SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express cardholders, who will lose complimentary club access. To gain entry to the Sky Club, they will need to either purchase a club membership or have elite status with Delta, which allows them to select a club membership as a perk. The cost of an annual lounge membership with Delta is set at $695.

In addition to these changes, Delta is rolling out restrictions earlier, commencing on January 1, 2024. The airline will no longer permit passengers who book basic economy tickets to enter Delta’s lounges, even if they hold a Platinum Card or any other premium credit card.

These revisions come in response to Delta’s struggle with overcrowding at its lounges, particularly at major hubs like JFK Airport and Atlanta. By limiting access, the airline aims to provide a more exclusive and comfortable experience for its passengers.

Furthermore, Delta is introducing a fundamental shift in how customers can qualify for elite status in its SkyMiles program. Instead of earning status based on the number of miles flown with Delta, passengers will now attain status solely based on their spending with the airline.

For Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express card members, one Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) will be earned for every $10 spent on their card. On the other hand, Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Card Members will earn one MQD for every $20 spent.

These changes mark a significant departure from the traditional loyalty program model, where miles flown played a central role in determining status. The shift to a revenue-based system aligns with industry trends and reflects Delta’s commitment to rewarding its most financially valuable customers.

Delta Air Lines has not yet provided an official response to inquiries regarding these alterations to its Sky Club access and frequent flyer status policies.

As these changes take effect, Delta’s loyal customers will need to adapt to a new landscape of benefits and restrictions within the airline’s loyalty program. Whether these adjustments will lead to a more streamlined and exclusive experience for frequent flyers remains to be seen.

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