Delta Eliminates SkyClub Access to Medallion Members Travelling in Economy Cabin

[kangarooflyer88]

Received this email earlier today from Delta Air Lines:



Given Delta Medallion members cannot access the SkyClub lounge whilst travelling domestically in the US in economy this essentially means that your Medallion membership is virtually worthless in terms of lounge access unless you are travelling Premium Cabin (which in all likelihood already gives you lounge access), hold a lounge membership or hold a credit card that provides lounge access whilst travelling Delta (i.e. AmEx Platinum).

I'm unsure how much this will impact me being AU based and primarily flying out of airports that don't have a SkyClub lounge (but may have say a KLM or SkyTeam lounge). Would be curious for those who have Delta Medallion status what their thoughts on this are.

-RooFlyer88

 

[jpp42]

Wow that's a troubling precedent though. Wonder which airlines will follow.

 

[Daver6]

That's crazy. The single biggest benefit of status is lounge access when flying Y.

 

[kamchatsky]

Yes I also got this email. I thought this is ridiculous. Imagine QF does this to their (lifetime) Gold or Plat members.

 

[levelnine]

The funniest part is that they've cut lounge access for frequent flyers, but not for Amex card holders.

Shows you that these days airlines are just banks with some planes attached.

 

[dk4]

That's crazy. The single biggest benefit of status is lounge access when flying Y.

Well for you, in your preferred programs it is!

But I would argue that the single biggest benefit of status in Y is "free upgrades"! (Now, I assume that your preferred program doesn't offer that at all, but Delta's does.)

Remember that Delta didn't offer "domestic departure" lounge access based on status anyway, so this is just removing the international benefit, so it is highly likely that any status customers who valued lounge access, would probably have got a suitable membership or credit card (etc) already!

Or, Diamond (top level status) will still be able to choose to add a complimentary Sky Club membership, as their (if chosen, singular) choice benefit.

I doubt this move is going to have much effect on over-crowding in Delta lounges.

 

[Daver6]

Well for you, in your preferred programs it is!

But I would argue that the single biggest benefit of status in Y is "free upgrades"! (Now, I assume that your preferred program doesn't offer that at all, but Delta's does.)

Remember that Delta didn't offer "domestic departure" lounge access based on status anyway, so this is just removing the international benefit, so it is highly likely that any status customers who valued lounge access, would probably have got a suitable membership or credit card (etc) already!

Or, Diamond (top level status) will still be able to choose to add a complimentary Sky Club membership, as their (if chosen, singular) choice benefit.

I doubt this move is going to have much effect on over-crowding in Delta lounges.

Very good points. I hadn't considered that.

 

[mrsterryn]

Just out if curiousity is that economy and premium economy ? I just looked and delta seems to have five classes of travel

 

[kangarooflyer88]

The funniest part is that they've cut lounge access for frequent flyers, but not for Amex card holders.

Shows you that these days airlines are just banks with some planes attached.

I've been saying this for quite some time, now. That being said, it's unclear how this change impacts those travelling internationally on other partner airlines. For instance, if I'm booked in economy on Virgin Atlantic from LAX to LHR can I access the SkyClub as a Medallion Gold? At the same time, the AmEx Platinum perk is limited only to those travelling on Delta marketed flights which for many isn't as appealing as travelling on the Air France marketed flights (i.e. accrual of more award miles or MQD since it's mileage based and not $$$ based)

Well for you, in your preferred programs it is!

But I would argue that the single biggest benefit of status in Y is "free upgrades"! (Now, I assume that your preferred program doesn't offer that at all, but Delta's does.)

Not all airlines offer complimentary domestic upgrades (i.e. QF). What I will say is different people value different perks differently. Pre COVID I valued the additional baggage allowance greatly since I could fly LHR to LAX in basic economy for £250 return and check in 3 bags for free.

Remember that Delta didn't offer "domestic departure" lounge access based on status anyway, so this is just removing the international benefit, so it is highly likely that any status customers who valued lounge access, would probably have got a suitable membership or credit card (etc) already!

Who this affects is those of us who earn Delta status almost entirely through international travel (since you can earn Delta elite status strictly through flying the requisite number of miles with Delta and their partners) and aren't US residents. For instance, I am planning on travelling SYD to LHR via LAX flying on DL to LAX and VA to LHR. Having access to the SkyClub at LAX would be nice especially since the Centurion lounge doesn't have showers IIRC.

Or, Diamond (top level status) will still be able to choose to add a complimentary Sky Club membership, as their (if chosen, singular) choice benefit.

I doubt this move is going to have much effect on over-crowding in Delta lounges.

Clearly Delta has the data to predict the impact various lounge access policies have on lounge crowdedness. Surely they must know how many medallions were let in on international itineraries with them. What will be frustrating is if the quality of the lounge be it crowdedness or food stays the same or gets worse given how exclusive they are now making these lounges.

-RooFlyer88

 

[dk4]

I could fly LHR to LAX in basic economy for £250 return and check in 3 bags for free.

Who this affects is those of us who earn Delta status almost entirely through international travel (since you can earn Delta elite status strictly through flying the requisite number of miles with Delta and their partners) and aren't US residents.

Clearly Delta has the data to predict the impact various lounge access policies have on lounge crowdedness.

1. Perhaps Delta is showing you just how important to their bottom line you aren't, by this move!

2. I think many might argue that the situation at Delta lounges at the moment demonstrates, that they clearly don't have any such data. YMMV

 

[kamchatsky]

Does this impact accessing the SYD Skyteam lounge? Or just Delta branded international lounges only?

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Does this impact accessing the SYD Skyteam lounge? Or just Delta branded international lounges only?

My understanding is this should only impact Delta SkyClubs but clearly more information needs to be provided by the airline here, especially when they drop a bomb like this one!

-RooFlyer88

 

[Daver6]

Just out if curiousity is that economy and premium economy ? I just looked and delta seems to have five classes of travel

They have two kinda of premium economy. One like we all know and a lesser one which is just Y with more leg room, meals and amenity kit.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Wow that's a troubling precedent though. Wonder which airlines will follow.

Clearly not Qantas. They've invested a lot in the lounge infrastructure, far more than many other airlines of comparable size and frankly I think QF sees it as a selling point when it comes to status, lounge memberships and credit cards. Heck, QF even gives away lounge access for Silvers (albeit just 2 passes). If anything, I'm more inclined on thinking airlines will make it more difficult to attain status to keep the "freeloaders" out.

That's crazy. The single biggest benefit of status is lounge access when flying Y.

Correct and it's a huge miscalculation on Delta's part. Yes it may improve the experience slightly, but there will be a sizeable chunk of travellers who travel almost entirely in economy because that's what company policy states. Heck there are some people in government in the states who must be booked into full fare Y/B as part of their employment agreement. I would argue DL is making a bigger profit off these economy passengers than those who bought a cheap discount business fare or heaven forbid used miles to upgrade from a cheap economy fare.

And if the whole point of this is to attract business class travellers, then what's the point of loyalty? Why bother with any airline's frequent flyer program if you are travelling in business? What tangible benefit does anyone get with higher tier frequent flyer status over someone travelling in BusinessFirst? In this case, the traveller would be much better suited to selected whichever airline provides the better fare, routing, onboard and ground experience. And to be frank, United is by far ahead of Delta when it comes to lounge experiences for premium passengers. One only compare the Polaris lounge to SkyClubs. They're not even on the calibre. Polaris lounge has sit down a-la carte dining whereas at the SkyClub you're lucky if there are sandwiches in the buffet.

1. Perhaps Delta is showing you just how important to their bottom line you aren't, by this move!

People who fly regularly in economy are likely more profitable than the occasional traveller in business, especially if they are working for a company that has negotiated rates with the airlines meaning they aren't paying bottom dollar for their fares.

2. I think many might argue that the situation at Delta lounges at the moment demonstrates, that they clearly don't have any such data. YMMV

Remains to be seen. What is clear though is they really need to deliver on the lounge. If it's the same old lounge with a couple spare chairs available it's gonna be a huge letdown, and many who rely on Delta status for lounge access will jump ship!

-RooFlyer88

 

[Doctore1003]

The funniest part is that they've cut lounge access for frequent flyers, but not for Amex card holders.

Shows you that these days airlines are just banks with some planes attached.

It’s likely they’re locked into a contract with Amex and can’t unilaterally reduce lounge access.

 

[SYD]

The comments about Domestic lounge access is probably moot because no? US airline offers that to their own elites but removing longhaul international is pretty stingy.

How does that stack up with the broader SkyTeam lounge access rules? Is the work around you just fly another ST airline?

 

[kangarooflyer88]

It’s likely they’re locked into a contract with Amex and can’t unilaterally reduce lounge access.

That's true and quite frankly I don't see DL removing that perk from future negotiations with AmEx for a couple reasons. First, AmEx is a huge customer of DL having launched a number of co-branded credit cards with them. Second, to this day AmEx (rightfully) boasts having the best lounge network of any credit card out there and it's quite plain to see. Most credit cards that offer complimentary lounge access just give you a priority pass membership (i.e. Capital One and Chase come to mind). AmEx on the other hand gives you those lounges, plus their own Centurion lounges plus access to several airline lounges when travelling with them (i.e. Lufthansa, Delta and Virgin Australia). I highly doubt AmEx wants to reduce this competitive edge they have on credit and charge cards dedicated to high flyers like yours truly!

The comments about Domestic lounge access is probably moot because no? US airline offers that to their own elites but removing longhaul international is pretty stingy.

Pre-today if you were a mid-tier elite or better on United, American or Delta you would not have access to lounges when travelling domestically within the US but would have access when travelling internationally (including to Canada and Mexico City). What's different now is that with Delta even if you are flying internationally you must be ticketed in a premium cabin to access their lounge as a medallion member. But at that point if you are flying international business class with Delta or any airline you'll have access to a lounge, so it's sort of a moot point.

How does that stack up with the broader SkyTeam lounge access rules? Is the work around you just fly another ST airline?

Unsure what's meant by that? Are you saying if you are a member of a SkyTeam program that's not Delta what are the lounge access rules? In general you would be able to access any SkyTeam lounge you want (including Delta) regardless of class of service or domestic versus international provided of course that you are flying a SkyTeam airline. And this change in policy doesn't affect them either, it's just for those "unlucky" to hold Medallion status and expect for some strange reason to have the ability to access a lounge.

In terms of accessing a SkyTeam (non Delta) lounge as a Delta Gold medallion member or better that shouldn't impact you at all, even if you are travelling domestically in the US, since those lounges only care if you are a SkyTeam elite or not. The last part which is up for debate is what happens if you are flying say Air France in economy as a Delta medallion Gold, would you have access to the Delta lounge? I believe the answer is yes given the wording of the policy update since it specifically mentions flying on a Delta flight.

-RooFlyer88

 

[encryptededdy]

In general you would be able to access any SkyTeam lounge you want (including Delta) regardless of class of service or domestic versus international

This is not true. Unlike OneWorld and Star Alliance, SkyTeam Elite Plus is explicitly only for International travel with regards to lounge access. An Air France elite will not get lounge access flying DL domestically within the US.

Pre-today if you were a mid-tier elite or better on United, American or Delta you would not have access to lounges when travelling domestically within the US but would have access when travelling internationally (including to Canada and Mexico City)

I don't think American allows access when flying in North America (except Mexico City). So Canada and northern part of Mexico is excluded.
(although with that said American allows elites into their Flagship lounge when flying internationally, so imo this is a reasonable tradeoff)

edit: correction, it seems like AA members can currently access the Admirals Club when flying to Canada and Mexico. However, this is noted on their website as a "For a limited time" thing.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

This is not true. Unlike OneWorld and Star Alliance, SkyTeam Elite Plus is explicitly only for International travel with regards to lounge access. An Air France elite will not get lounge access flying DL domestically within the US.

I did not know that! Thank goodness I've got the AmEx Platinum card which will get me into Delta lounges so long as I'm on a Delta flight. Which makes me wonder whether it's even worth chasing Delta status next year (I'm presently DL Gold via status match through 2024). At this point it'll really depend on where I'm travelling and what the fares look like I suppose. Not to beat a dead horse here (and frankly who hasn't done that on this forum one time or another?), I am floored by the Emirates lounge and quite frankly want to maximize my visits to those lounges be it in Sydney, Melbourne or Auckland.

I don't think American allows access when flying in North America (except Mexico City). So Canada and northern part of Mexico is excluded.
(although with that said American allows elites into their Flagship lounge when flying internationally, so imo this is a reasonable tradeoff)

edit: correction, it seems like AA members can currently access the Admirals Club when flying to Canada and Mexico. However, this is noted on their website as a "For a limited time" thing.

Correct, American had some questionable lounge access rules for Canada back in the day, whether they'll revert back to those lounge rules in a few months is an open debate although I will point out that it doesn't cost them much since it's literally just one-way traffic (i.e. US to Canada) where lounge access comes into play as there are no Admirals clubs in Canada... and before you bring up Toronto, that lounge has been closed for refurbishment for ages now. One nice benefit of being a QF Gold is I can waltz into any American lounge I want irrespective of itinerary, so long as I'm flying OneWorld.

For United, specifically, I can say that flights to/from Canada would get you United Club access including at all connection points in the US even if your onward flight was a US domestic. For instance, flying Toronto to Honolulu (via O'Hare) back in December 2019, I had access to the Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge in Toronto and the O'Hare United Club. Similarly when flying back to Toronto from Honolulu via LAX and Chicago, I had access to the Honolulu United Club, the Star Alliance, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and United Club at LAX and again the United Club at O'Hare.

-RooFlyer88

 

[encryptededdy]

as there are no Admirals clubs in Canada

Yeah, and annoyingly no transborder oneworld lounges anywhere in canada AFAIK