Delta Sky Club crackdown is coming: Looking to the future of the popular lounge network
This week, Delta Air Lines announced big plans for expanding and improving its lounge portfolio in 2025.
But accessing those new and improved Sky Clubs — along with other clubs across its network — will soon require a bit more strategy for SkyMiles members.
Beginning on Feb. 1, the Atlanta-based carrier will begin deploying stricter access rules for its Sky Club portfolio.
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Specifically, members who get Sky Club access via an American Express credit card will be limited to a set number of annual visits.
These new limitations are the final piece of sweeping changes Delta first announced for its loyalty program well over a year ago — changes that, you may recall, sparked fervent backlash at the time.
While Delta loyalists have now had more than a year to contend with tougher Medallion qualification requirements unveiled in the fall of 2023, a big part of the lounge access crackdown will come when the calendar flips to February.
Delta Sky Club access limitations
Here are the Sky Club access changes:
- SkyMiles members who carry the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card will be limited to 15 Sky Club visits per calendar year.
- Members with The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express will be limited to 10 annual visits.
Note that you can make multiple lounge stops within a 24-hour period without it counting as more than one visit.
So, for example, I could stop at my home Sky Club at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) before a morning flight, and then visit another in Atlanta during a layover — and that would count as just one visit.
My new Sky Club strategy
As a frequent flyer who gets Sky Club access via the Amex Platinum card, I’ll probably be a bit more strategic with how and when I visit Sky Clubs as these new rules go into effect.
With 10 visits over the 12-month calendar, I'll likely avoid checking into the lounge for a quick cup of coffee, and instead save my allotment for long layovers or airport visits when I need a full meal or a quiet place to work.
At airports where there's an Amex Centurion Lounge available, I'll almost always opt for that outpost, since there is no limit on the number of visits cardmembers can make to those facilities.
We should note that Delta Reserve, Reserve Business and Amex Platinum cardmembers can earn unlimited Sky Club visits by spending at least $75,000 in purchases with their card in a calendar year.
Stemming lounge overcrowding
Delta’s limits on lounge visits is part of a larger, multiyear effort to crack down on overcrowding in its outposts — a trend that in recent years has often taken the form of packed clubs and long lines to enter.
Larger, more differentiated lounges
Along with tightening access rules, the airline has expanded or built new (often larger) lounges at a host of airports, like the new facility in the A gates of Terminal 4 at its John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) hub in New York.
The airline this week announced plans to open one of the biggest clubs in its Sky Club network at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in 2025. It's also planning upgraded facilities in Atlanta and Philadelphia.
Delta executives further hope its growing business-class-only network of Delta One Lounges will help alleviate overcrowding at some of its biggest hubs by funneling its highest-cabin flyers to the higher-end outposts. The carrier opened three in 2024, and is planning to debut a fourth in May at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) — along with a second Sky Club at the Pacific Northwest hub.
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More are expected in the future.
“I would be surprised if you don’t see a Delta One-type lounge at every major international hub that we operate — or certainly the gateways,” Delta chief communications officer Tim Mapes told me in a recent interview.
Could another lounge crackdown be coming?
But have efforts to stem overcrowding been successful? Or does Delta envision a further crackdown in the future?
The carrier is striking an optimistic — if measured — tone.
“It’s gotten much better. In fact, if anything, I think you might see us make some adjustments that are a bit more favorable for some of our top customer segments," Mapes said. "But we’ve still got lines sometimes."
More grab-and-go options on horizon?
Mapes noted that Delta may also ponder whether it could benefit by adding more grab-and-go offerings at more airports — a tactic that’s historically been offered as a consolation for members when a lounge is overcrowded or closed for construction.
“If all you wanted was a cup of coffee in the morning, you don’t necessarily need a seat, how do we get you that cup of coffee?” Mapes posed. “So, I think even the concept and the … configuration of what we’re providing through Sky Club, and a membership-based program, could evolve.”
On its face, expanding grab-and-go options could conceivably offer Sky Club members some helpful perks — that is, if it merely takes the place of shelling out $6 for a bottle of water while running to catch a flight. That's especially true as Sky Club members keep a closer watch on their tally of annual visits.
That said, if grab-and-go increasingly becomes a substitute for actual lounge access — and part of some additional future tightening of access rules — it’d likely be a far less welcome evolution for members.
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Sky Clubs at sporting venues?
As part of a star-studded event Delta hosted last week at the Sphere in Las Vegas, airline executives talked extensively about broadening the airline, and its SkyMiles program, to be about more than the airport or flight.
Look no further than its new partnerships with DraftKings and Uber.
Asked about the long-term vision of Delta's loyalty program, Mapes was frank:
“I don’t think it in any way needs to be limited to travel,” he said.
We’ve seen more and more airlines dictate this vision, from launching shopping portals that allow you to earn miles on retail purchases to airline-hosted hotel and home rental platforms — to say nothing of credit card spending now counting toward elite status with many carriers.
With respect to Sky Clubs, this vision begs the question: Could you hypothetically see full-blown Sky Clubs at, say, an NBA arena or baseball stadium? After all, the airline already offers VIP experiences at a handful of major stadiums and arenas (United Airlines does something similar).
“One hundred percent,” Mapes said.
Now, Delta has no such plans in the works currently, Mapes cautioned.
But, he added: “I don’t think that’s a huge jump at all when you think about the affinity for sports that our customers already have, and our interest in being where they are.”
We should point out, American Express, Delta’s lucrative partner, operates a Centurion Lounge experience at the U.S. Open in New York each year — and a Centurion restaurant in Manhattan. Chase similarly operates an outpost for its members at the annual late-summer tennis tournament.
$7.4 billion from Amex
Speaking of the lounges, despite Delta’s crackdown on Sky Club access for its credit cardmembers in 2025, there are no signs of customers’ interest waning for its Amex cobranded card suite.
Delta made nearly $7.4 billion through its Amex partnership in 2024, the company announced last week on its year-end earnings report. That included nearly $2 billion in the final three months of the year.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.