Delta SkyClub: Moderate access nerf

[wasCB14]

We're seeing some Centurion Lounge-like access nerfs.

The email I got mentioned Delta Platinum Amex cards, but I think this applies to nearly all ways of getting access according to the FAQ.

https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access

Beginning June 1, 2022, guests will be able to access Clubs anytime within 3 hours of their scheduled departure time† (and connecting customers can continue to access Clubs at any time prior to departure). All departing and connecting customers will have access to Clubs. With the exception of arriving Delta One customers, Club access will be unavailable for arriving customers without a connection†. Note that a same-day round-trip does not qualify as a connection. Customers will be able to access Clubs within 3 hours of their scheduled departure flight and within 3 hours of their return flight.

In the fine print, the † says Delta 360 (super-elite) members are exempt.

I for one liked landing at LAX near rush hour, having a nice free meal, and then getting a cheaper Uber when traffic had died down.

[K-in-Boston]

Delta Air Lines wrote:

K,

As a valued Delta SkyMiles® Reserve or Reserve Business American Express Card Member, we’re grateful for your loyalty and hope you are enjoying your complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club.

We continue to invest in an elevated experience for you with new and modernized Clubs, robust food and beverage offerings, and premium amenities to enrich the value of Club access. So many of you have shared positive feedback on the benefits of these investments. As even more customers come to value the Delta Sky Club experience and an increasing number of customers return to travel, our Clubs have seen a growing number of guests in recent months.

To help ensure the best possible Delta Sky Club experience for you, we’ll start taking steps to implement the following policy updates beginning on Wednesday, June 1:

• Guests will be able to access Clubs anytime within three hours of their scheduled departure time (and connecting customers can continue to access Clubs at any time prior to departure).
• All departing and connecting customers will have access to Clubs. With the exception of arriving Delta One customers, Club access will be unavailable for arriving customers without a connection.

Rest assured that if your travel is impacted by a flight delay, you can still enter up to three hours from your originally scheduled departure time. If you have a layover, you can use the Club in your connection airport for the full duration of your connection.

You can review Frequently Asked Questions for more details on these policy changes.

Our goal is to ensure that the best Club experience remains available to you, while making certain you can enjoy the service and exclusive atmosphere you’ve come to expect through the Delta Sky Club. As we continue to invest in our long-term growth with bigger and better Clubs across our network, we appreciate your understanding as we strive to balance the popularity of our Clubs with the elevated experience you deserve.

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I actually didn't realize they still allowed passengers arriving at their final destination to enter.  For some reason I thought that changed on Reserve and with paid admission when access using The Platinum Card changed at the beginning of 2020.

[pizzadude]

Well I guess it's time to upgrade to the Centurion card, they're also granted unfettered club access.

Or just buy the cheapest refundable ticket upon landing to get back in

Delta 360 Members and American Express Centurion cardholders will be exempt from this policy change. Delta One customers will be partially exempt from this policy change in that they will still be able to access Clubs upon arrival to their final destination

[JLRDC909]

I just don't see that limiting the club to 3 hours prior to departure or prohibiting visiting Skyclubs upon arrival will make much difference. 

I don't think that most people arrive 3 hours prior, or not enough that would put it in an overcrowded situation. I have only used clubs upon arrival for a quick bathroom break. Upon arrival most people are waiting for rides to pick them up, have a rental car reservation, or needing to get to baggage claim. 

They (along with Centurion lounges) are doing this to say "well the clubs are still busy, but we can't control all the capacity". So, it makes them appear that they are doing something. 

[redpat]

I feel like a hostage in the airport so when getting to my destination I liked to be released ASAP.

[wasCB14]

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@redpat wrote:

I feel like a hostage in the airport so when getting to my destination I liked to be released ASAP.

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True in general. But sometimes if I'm staying at a certain relative's house it's less stressful for them if I can show up at 5 pm fed rather than 2 pm hungry.

[redpat]

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@wasCB14 wrote:

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@redpat wrote:

I feel like a hostage in the airport so when getting to my destination I liked to be released ASAP.

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True in general. But sometimes if I'm staying at a certain relative's house it's less stressful for them if I can show up at 5 pm fed rather than 2 pm hungry.

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Lol, I would call that getting out of one hostage situation and being put into another......That would definitely be the case with some of my relatives.

[K-in-Boston]

Change has been undone. 

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Last week we announced updates to our Delta Sky Club access policy with the intention of improving your experience during the busy summer months. We heard your feedback in response to the updates, including that some customers want to visit a Club to refresh after landing or to recharge ahead of a meeting.

We value your input – and we’ve acted on it. Just as you can today, customers with Delta Sky Club access may continue to use Clubs upon arrival.

[iced]

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@wasCB14 wrote:

We're seeing some Centurion Lounge-like access nerfs.

The email I got mentioned Delta Platinum Amex cards, but I think this applies to nearly all ways of getting access according to the FAQ.

https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access

Beginning June 1, 2022, guests will be able to access Clubs anytime within 3 hours of their scheduled departure time† (and connecting customers can continue to access Clubs at any time prior to departure). All departing and connecting customers will have access to Clubs. With the exception of arriving Delta One customers, Club access will be unavailable for arriving customers without a connection†. Note that a same-day round-trip does not qualify as a connection. Customers will be able to access Clubs within 3 hours of their scheduled departure flight and within 3 hours of their return flight.

In the fine print, the † says Delta 360 (super-elite) members are exempt.

I for one liked landing at LAX near rush hour, having a nice free meal, and then getting a cheaper Uber when traffic had died down.

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I'm actually impressed you actually target the club for the food. I usually leave the lounge to go to a restaurant within the terminal for a meal, then return to the lounge if my boarding is still more than ~15 mins out.

[pizzadude]

Interesting development, I'm sure they received a lot of pushback from the community on these changes.

Wondering if they reduced club capacities during COVID and haven't ramped back up yet, or if there really are that many more people flying now.