Delta frequent fliers livid after Sky Club access limits
MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Delta Air Lines has clamped down on access to its Sky Club for Amex card holders — a “terrible business decision” that has angry frequent flyers ready to cut up their cards and pack their bags for another airline.
“I spend at least $60k a year on the card and now I will not have access to lounges. I was mad you wanted me to pay $50. Now no access? You should be falling over backwards for my loyalty in flights and spend,” one furious user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “What a terrible business decision.”
“I will be taking my business elsewhere,” another tweeted. “As a Platinum member who frequently travels internationally, I am disappointed with the new lounge and miles standards.”
Delta’s new terms affect travelers with American Express’ Platinum, Business Platinum, Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business cards who, as of Feb. 1, 2025, will no longer get unlimited access to the airline’s airport lounges in the three hours leading up to departure.
Delta Reserve and Delta Business Reserve cardholders, who pay a $550 annual fee, will be restricted to 10 visits to Delta’s Sky Club per year, though infinite access can be unlocked by spending $75,000 within one year.
Amex’s Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders — who pay the highest annual fee, a cool $695 — will be limited even further, only getting six complementary lounge visits per year unless they spend $75,000 using the premium credit card.
Spend tracking for unlimited lounge access begins on Feb. 1, 2024, in order to determine club status for the following year.
Delta replied to a thread of complaints, saying: “We want to express our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience or disappointment that the recent changes to the SkyMiles Program may have caused you and we want you to know that we value your loyalty and commitment to Delta and American Express.”
However, a string of responses that followed didn’t seem to buy the apology, bashing the airline for “trashing years of loyalty” and “not understanding what loyalty is.”
“I’ve been loyal & exclusively Team @Delta even when they were the most expensive option. I signed up for American Express because of their mutual relationship. I’ll no longer be flying Delta & will no longer be using my Amex & paying the exorbitant annual fees. Do better, Delta,” an additional user shared.
Representatives for Delta and American Express did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
As travelers have been looking into Delta’s new terms further, they’re uncovering…
Read More: Delta frequent fliers livid after Sky Club access limits