American Express Cuts Delta Lounge Access Benefits — Is It Time to Re-Evaluate Your Frequent Program and Card Strategy?
Delta Sky Club airport lounges have long been a haven for weary travelers, offering a peaceful respite amidst the hustle and bustle of airports. Access to these lounges has been made easy and affordable for many American Express cardholders, making it a valuable perk of holding certain Amex cards. However, recent changes in Delta’s lounge access policies might prompt you to re-evaluate your credit card strategy.
Delta’s decision to revamp its lounge access rules is driven by a desire to strike a balance between the popularity of its lounges and the premium experience they aim to provide. While the changes may inconvenience some, they are part of Delta’s ongoing efforts to enhance the lounge experience for all guests.
Here’s what you need to know about the changes and how they might affect you.
Amex Cards with Delta Lounge Access
Several American Express cards have historically offered Delta Sky Club lounge access as an ongoing benefit. Here’s a breakdown of airport lounge access rules for some popular Amex cards:
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: This card provides unlimited access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge locations when traveling on a Delta-operated or marketed flight. Centurion Lounge access is available exclusively when booking with a U.S.-issued Amex card.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card: Similar to the personal version, this business card offers unlimited access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge locations when traveling on eligible Delta flights and booking with a U.S.-issued Amex card.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Cardholders enjoy unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Delta Sky Club access for Delta flights, and unlimited Centurion Lounge access.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: This business card mirrors the personal Platinum Card’s lounge benefits, providing unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Club access for Delta flights, and Centurion Lounge access.
Delta’s Loyalty Program Changes and Impact on Amex Cardholders
Delta Air Lines is undergoing significant changes in its loyalty program, especially in how it evaluates passenger status. These changes may not sit well with American Express card members, particularly those who rely on their Amex cards for Delta lounge access.
Starting in 2024, Delta will base passenger status entirely on the dollars spent, introducing Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) as the primary status metric. To attain different Medallion status tiers, passengers will need to meet specific MQD thresholds. The MQD requirements for each tier are as follows:
- Silver Medallion: $6,000 MQDs
- Gold Medallion: $12,000 MQDs
- Platinum Medallion: $18,000 MQDs
- Diamond Medallion: $35,000 MQDs
The good news is that not all of these MQDs have to be spent on flights; they can also come from car rentals, hotel stays, and select vacation packages. Additionally, Delta loyalty credit cardholders will earn one MQD for every $10 or $20 spent on everyday purchases, depending on their specific Delta card.
Delta American Express cardholders will no longer receive status boost benefits or waivers for MQD requirements, which can impact their status qualifications starting in 2025.
Changes to Delta Sky Club Access
Beyond alterations to its frequent flyer program, Delta is implementing changes to access its Sky Club lounges. Starting on January 1, 2024, Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Card Members will no longer have club access. Basic Economy ticket holders, even those with qualifying credit cards, will be denied access.
Starting on February 1, 2025, American Express Platinum Cardholders and Delta Reserve American Express Cardholders will face visitation limits. Platinum Cardholders will be allowed six annual visits, while Delta Reserve Cardholders will have ten annual visits.
These changes represent a shift in Delta’s approach to lounge access and frequent flyer status, emphasizing passenger spending as the primary criterion. While they may inconvenience some travelers, Delta’s goal is to enhance the overall lounge experience and ensure that guests receive the premium service they expect.
As Delta and American Express continue to adapt their offerings, it’s wise to re-evaluate your credit card strategy to align with your travel priorities and preferences. Consider your lounge access needs, loyalty to Delta, and the value each card provides to make an informed decision about which credit card best suits your travel lifestyle.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, fortune.com, apple.news, delta.com