Yikes! HUGE Changes to Delta Sky Clubs and Status: Amex Platinum, Delta Platinum, Delta Reserve
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- Опубліковано 15 чер 2024
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Huge changes to Delta Sky Clubs and earning Delta elite status.
Timeline
0:00 Start Here
0:27 Delta Sky Club Changes
3:58 What should you do?
6:00 Why is this happening?
7:01 Changes to Delta Status
11:03 Optimal Strategy
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Hey Sebby, I'm planning on going to Japan next year and flying business class. I was thinking about applying for the Alaskan Airline and American Airlines credit cards and getting the sign on bonuses to cover the flight. Is this a good strategy or is there a better way to do this?
Thanks in advance!
Amex isn’t reducing their annual fee for Platinum, yet you can only access Delta Lounges 6x per year. Cutting service perks but not the annual fee. Not good.
Hopefully they don't increase the annual fee in 2024 🤐
Adorable. You know that's coming. 😂
It’s my fault. I visit Delta Sky clubs 20+ times per year.
We'll show leniency for turning yourself in. Take him away! 😄
but they do that all the time. In France they offered 400 Euros restaurant credit then just cut it in half with no warning or excuse.
🛩 The golden age of credit card rewards is coming to an end.
Does anybody else think it is ironic that channels like these built a career off of telling ppl about the loopholes in credit cards and then get upset when too many people know and utilize those loopholes so they are taken away?
So does this mean that American Airlines flight attendants will stop bashing us over the head in the middle of the night with their credit card solicitations? Then the end of “the golden age of credit card rewards” can’t come soon enough.
@@djparra41wait, are these really all loopholes? The majority of the items explained are clearly written rules and or policies.
Damn don’t say that lol I just started a year ago man :(
When everyone is an elite flyer then nobody is. These lounges are too crowded and noisy. A reset was needed.
✈I've been loyal to Delta because of the lounge access with Amex Platinum. It looks like I will start hopping airlines based on price after the changes are in place.
I dumped my Delta Skymiles Platinum AMEX today. Told AMEX it was because of their changes and they said they would pass that on to the their team as well as Delta. Saves me that $250 annual fee for something I am losing the benefit I obtained it for.
One big bonus for the Amex Platinum card for us is being able to get in Delta lounges when fly Delta. The nerf of this benefit will make us reconsider whether to keep our Platinum card or not.
(which is why they did it)
Exactly
The centurion lounge is usually better anyway. Skyclub is nice but the $5 upcharges for "premium" Stella Artois is pathetic and laughable.
Amex has really been screwing their customers over lately....
✈I think Delta had the right idea with the program but got a little too greedy where most people just aren't going to bother with it
by definition if everyone is special, then no one is special. i've been a diamond medallion for years and over the last 2 years i've only been upgrade about 20% of the time. about 10 years ago, I was always upgraded. As for the lounges, what good is a lounge if you have to wait 20 minutes to get in, and once you're in there's hardly any space to sit.
✈️ I used to be a big fan of Delta, and would often go out of my way to fly them, meaning passing up nonstop flights on other airlines because I felt like Delta was a nicer experience. Now however, since Delta has clearly decided that they hate anyone who isn’t some uber rich snob, I’ll be a free agent and look wherever has the best deal. Delta can compete on price now, and as for my Delta Amex 😂😂😂 forget it. That’s getting cancelled. Amex won’t lose a cent in that regard however, since all the spend that normally would have gone on my Delta card was moved to my Hilton Surpass instead.
😂 Fr
😂 Fr but all of the airlines think we are rich 😂
The über rich don't fly commercial.
Rich people don’t fly commercial airlines
Honestly, skyclubs were a big reason I preferred to fly Delta whenever prices were comparable. I only fly a few times a year, so being limited to 6 visits isn't even that big of a deal.
However, not allowing basic economy really makes those tickets a lot less competitive since I'm having to pay a higher rate, and we all know redeeming points with Delta has never been competitive either. Just a real bummer all around.
Something I don't see enough people bringing up is the fact that while skyclubs may get a bit emptier, the stress put on Centurion lounges is going to increase to compensate. Especially in airports like LGA or LAX where there were multiple skyclubs but only one Centurion. I wouldn't be shocked if Amex lounge access is further restricted because of this.
Just really downer news overall. I have less incentive to choose Delta now, and Centurion lounges are about to become even more of a hellscape. ✈️
I wholeheartedly agree with you. Just left a Sky Club at ATL today though, and can tell you that they have become so crowded and loud that you might as well be in the middle of the terminal. Of course the flight (domestic) wasn’t much better…entertainment screen not working, seat wouldn’t recline, WiFi would not connect, and all of this was in First Class. And don’t get me started on the past 4 International flights on “Delta One” on OLD equipment with tiny screens and worn seats…. This may send me elsewhere, too.
I wholeheartedly agree with you. Just left a Sky Club at ATL today though, and can tell you that they have become so crowded and loud that you might as well be in the middle of the terminal. Of course the flight (domestic) wasn’t much better…entertainment screen not working, seat wouldn’t recline, WiFi would not connect, and all of this was in First Class. And don’t get me started on the past 4 International flights on “Delta One” on OLD equipment with tiny screens and worn seats…. This may send me elsewhere, too.
@@fridayschild19 What terminal were you at? B? I've been through ATL four times in the last two weeks and didn't wait once. Well let me correct that...I did wait once only because it was 446am and it wasn't open yet. The problem is...if you fly at the busiest times of the day...you're going to be overcrowded and that's not going to change w/anything. If you plan your flights around those times...you're good to go. I honestly never have a problem getting in...but I also know to avoid the club in B altogether and not to fly on certain days/times. The more you fly or study how these places operate...the more you know and how to avoid disappointment.
I would burn through 6 visits in under 2 months. Just because it doesn’t affect you doesn’t make it a big deal.
Not everyone who has access to the delta sky club has access to the centurion. How much more taxing on the centurion is it really gonna be?
Man, Delta really hosed a lot of people. I wonder how many people will cancel the Delta Platinum (I'm assuming a ton), and the AMEX Platinum (maybe quite a few?). This is gonna be great for Capital One, but it'll crowd the Capital One lounges now so that'll be fun. I might actually switch over to the Platinum Card because of way less crowding I'm assuming in 2025.
I agree with you, but I think that is exactly what Delta wants. Only the most rich will be in the lounges and the regulars like most of us will be outside looking in. :(
@@cliffbarr1993 Yup and I bet it's because they want the lounges to feel like an actual lounge again instead of a zoo, which they've turned into. That just means the big spenders get that experience and everyone else is in the terminal.
There’s also tons of us that were going to get it but now aren’t because of this change. Delta just lost us as customers. I’m even thinking of downgrading now my delta gold and making it a sock drawer card
@@louisnvrr same here! I was waffling between Platinum Delta and Reserve because next year we're planning on some big trips and a bunch of smaller ones. Now? Hell no lol. Not only did Delta just devalue and make them awful choices now, but they also showed that they don't give a crap about the customer. Now I might sign up for the Hilton Aspire instead.
@@cliffbarr1993And for that reason I’ll avoid Delta from now on where I can, since I’m clearly not good enough for them.
Six trips huh, that could be one trip and you are done for the year. Not worth having the AMX platinum.
I was thinking the same thing. This was the one perk that made keeping the card attractive.
I totally agree. I fly monthly from DTW to PHX but I take the long route via DTW/JFK/PHX round trip and my six visits would be gone.
✈️ I work in a job where I travel every week and because of that I got the amex platinum. Because of the amex platinum, I usually book Delta so I can use the lounges. Now considering both cancelling the platinum and switching to either American or United once these changes take effect
If you’re traveling every week, how do you not have status yet? Haha
Same here. I fly every week. I can’t even get to platinum and often miss gold annually even with the card.
Delta Platinum not worth much anymore
Indeed, I was having it for the 25K MQDs waiver and the 10,000 bonus MQDs miles which granted me Gold status or platinum. With the new rules, the most I could hope for is Silver. There will be no reason for me to keep the Delta Platinum or flying Delta as first choice . American Airline status is much easier to get, especially as they are many option to get miles by shopping.
Just when I made into this “elite” circle Delta changes rule. I won’t stick around. I was flying delta exclusively last couple of years for these perks. Time to change that now.
Just made the switch to Delta Reserve and as a frequent traveler Delta HAD me locked in to their system. At this point I will not push for the $75k spend, rather focus on a more rounded travel card (i.e. VentureX) and not focus on booking only Delta moving forward. I’m am definitely curious what their analytics suggested…but it seems to me more will stop the status chase and start spending on other cards. For some reason I still hope this changes again before 2025. Spend data throughout 2024 might drive them to rethink the strategy.
Also, at a $300 premium for Reserve over Platinum (and 10 lounge visits/year)…a net cost of $30/visit just isn’t worth it.
We love the VX and I was considering going with the Delta Reserve or Amex Platinum, but now I think I'm staying with the VX and gonna get the Hilton Aspire for a double whammy.
I’m on the same boat, upgraded from Platinum to Reserve card 4 weeks ago and this. Feels like bait & switch. After next year, I’m canceling and going with an all around travel card instead of being brand loyal. Slap in the face.
As a frequent business traveler (4-6 flights per month) I’ve been saying the line “if everyone has status (because of credit card usage) then what does status actually mean”. Prime example, last week on a 737-900 there were 48 passengers eligible for 1st class upgrade, there were 2 available seats. This was the red eye from Portland to Atlanta on a Wednesday - hardly a high demand flight route.
It was fun while it lasted. I charge $50,000+ a year (which gave me gold) on AMEX but I cannot do $75,000+ to make it to silver. When I was silver, I really didn't seen any benefits. Going back to the gold card. I'll just get my free Hawaii trip every three years like in the past.
Could not disagree with you more. Delta is getting greedy and over-monetizing their points program. That's not good for anyone. They should have made smaller changes and allowed the algo to sort out who deserved what upgrade. These changes on top of other changes in prior years is not good for loyalty. Their larger customers won't do more with them and the middle to upper tier customers will depart and go for status matches elsewhere. Naturally everyone has their own opinion but I just think making everyone feel special is better business. We'll see and maybe I'm a focus group of 1.
Actually Delta flies 3-4 times daily between the 2 cities.
Having a quarter of the plane have status is the definition of a high demand flight route...These medallion changes won't change this I bet.
Having a quarter of the plane have status is the definition of a high demand flight route...These medallion changes won't change this I bet.
Sebby, I would appreciate if you made a video comparing most loyalty status to decipher which one is still somewhat worth it.
As someone who uses Delta every other week, trying to get a status with work travel, this is pretty bogus instead of disappointing. They saw the American Airlines approach, and implement it in an even worse way
I pay for my flights and got a good share of First class upgrades, this destroys the value prop of being able to book main and get FC depending on travel time. I'm not buying business or first ever out of my pocket so Delta went from best to worthless for me.
The best course of action is free agency. Straight up paying for first class is cheaper than jumping hoops for status.
@@SolidLiquidFox from NYC first class would double to triple my average ticket price. In comparison even with opportunity cost included I’m only paying $50 average for my first class upgrades, not including comfort+ for free
@henryzhang7873 are you shopping around even with other carriers? First-class upgrades are not guaranteed. Getting off the status wheel is controlling your own situation and getting first class because you paid for it and not hoping for it. That's true free agency. There is value in that.
People in the Delta and Amex subreddits are absolutely LIVID about these changes today. I think Ed Bastian will be getting quite a few angry emails in the coming days...
Maybe this is another occasion where a company floats a permanent change disguised as a trial balloon and walks it back after feedback
Tom Brady will be answering all the emails personally
So is the Flyer Talk forum
Thank you for this explanation. I found Delta’s explanation of the new changes VERY confusing!✈️ I wholeheartedly agree with you. Just left a Sky Club at ATL today though, and can tell you that they have become so crowded and loud that you might as well be in the middle of the terminal. Of course the flight (domestic) wasn’t much better…entertainment screen not working, seat wouldn’t recline, WiFi would not connect, and all of this was in First Class. And don’t get me started on the past 4 International flights on “Delta One” on OLD equipment with tiny screens and worn seats…. This may send me elsewhere, too.
It’s actually quite good to me because I typically use my skypriorty elite status to get in to their lounge anyway when I fly internationally. For domestic trips, I use priority pass instead.
I'll help solve Delta's lounge crowding problem by flying United.
As a Delta Skymilage member with a Delta credit card and a person that's constantly flying; I think one of the reasons they are doing this is because the lounges have become so overcrowded! It became too easy to enter the lounge that those that really deserve it can't even enjoy it... Multiple times I was either denied entry because it was too full or being inside to "relax" was worst than just being outside the lounge.
Who are you to say who deserves it
those that pay extra@@vantravisemoss9034
✈ I’ve been an American / OneWorld loyalist since 2019, and honestly, have been pleased overall. I take around 20-30 flights per year, and as a lowly gold member, get first class upgrades about 1/3 of the time (my home airport is a non-hub, which makes a big difference), but even the loyalty point shift I’ve found to have been a positive for me rather than negative. Unsurprised to see Delta follow suit, but I’m surprised by how badly they implemented it compared to AA. I don’t think you’ll regret AA! Just don’t bring too many people over, I can’t have that much upgrade competition!
You don’t have to worry I fly AA I have 17 round trip flights including 1 in premium economy to India and I’m still behind for gold status
How do you go about getting AA upgrades? Do you have to request them, or are they offered on check-in?
@@jyveturkie it’s automatic, I can choose premium economy at anytime for free, which honestly makes the status worth it. Upgrades is hit or miss. My airports are CHS and DCA. At DCA I get more upgrades than CHS.
After them taking away my Audible credit, limiting my delta sky club visits, and not allowing free guests at centurion lounges, I’m seriously considering closing my platinum card. I still use priority pass lounges but I have priority pass from my Aspire card so that perk doesn’t do anything for me either.
You can still go 6 times per year quit crying
Thanks for the update. ✈️
✈️ so then what was the point of them pushing the Delta Platinum card so hard for this last year if they knew they were just going to devalue the hell out of it honestly I don't think people get the Delta reserve card to put $75,000 worth of spend on it you do it for the companion pass and the multipliers I think most people aren't going to see this and either not apply or cancel their delta credit cards
Great explanation. THANK YOU!
Remember, the MQD spend excludes taxes, which can be ton of the fare, especially internationally. So you really need to spend MORE out of pocket than the requirements show.
well, I didn't notice this. As an international traveler its going to be even worse, so instead of 4 trips to europe to get to silver I will need 6 or more...awesome...
well, I didn't notice this. As an international traveler its going to be even worse, so instead of 4 trips to europe to get to silver I will need 6 or more...awesome...
✈ Don't fly Delta, but what a major bummer for those who do! Sounds much harder to get status now!
Thank you for breaking this down!
Thank you for the clarifications ✈️
✈️ awesome video. Is this going to get tighter in the future? Seems like they keep taking away stuff.
I don't particularly care about the lounge access as a Platinum Medallion. However, the changes to accessing status is extremely infuriating. I've been a loyal Delta flier for over a decade. This is probably where I shift gears and my business purchases over to American Airlines, which seems to want to grow their base of customers versus weeding them out. Very strange move on Delta's part.
Most business travelers can't book rental cars or hotels outside of Concur or other travel agencies that have negotiated corporate rates. Also unable to earn hotel points or Hotel / Rental Car status through Delta / Expedia. Sounds like they want zero business travelers?
Try visiting a Sky lounge in any major U.S. city. They can't keep up with the demand.
Sebby, in this changing rewards landscape it looks like your guidance is needed more than ever!
These travel companies really piss me off. When times are tough (like during the pandemic) they were crying about bleeding money and having to park planes.When fuel prices go up, they cry, and price the tickets out of the reach of most people. Then just as soon as things look up, they start cutting back services and again running ticket prices through the roof. Now people are starting to fly and they want to shut the doors to the lounges. Thankfully, I don't fly that much but when I do fly, I fly economy so that will affect me. I'll just have to use my spending power elsewhere.
Appreciate the heads-up on changes. ✈️
Another great informative video. Don’t really know what to think 🤔 with the new changes. Makes one think. ✈️
✈️ So much for the idea that Amex wouldn't let it happen because it would kill the dream of traveling more often. I know it's delta but negotiations with Amex must have happened and amex lost it because they couldn't afford to keep it. Sapphire reserve looks more appealing everyday.
Can you explain how the reserve is any better? $200 effective AF you can’t recover and also no access to delta lounge at all?
@@hwang1607it's called flexible currency. Ultimate Reward Points being able to be transferred to Hyatt or United will undoubtedly be better potential return on spend than being locked into $550 annual fee Delta SkyMiles Reserve earning 1x SkyMile and 1 MQD per $10 in annual spend with the companion certificate being the only avenue for otherwise deferring the annual fee. 😊
@@hwang1607furthermore, before you suggest the lower $95 CSP, that $200 more less $95 becomes only $105 more for a higher class card in the ecosystem of Chase. I hope these comments help clear up any confussion.
@@hwang1607better insurances, UR points have more flexibility, VISA network, and can get multiple SUBS in a lifetime.
@@hwang1607priority pass restaurants let you enjoy food in a less crowded space. Chase also has door dash and other coupon style offerings to offset the AF.
✈ Some interesting game analysis that you sort of glossed over: The people that only bought basic economy who still had access to the SkyClub via the AMEX Platinum will now be forced to either spend ~$50 more for main cabin (thereby paying for lounge access and MQD miles) or just forego the lounge and status all together. Personally, my strategy was to buy basic economy and enter Sky Clubs via the AMEX Platinum. Will have to reconsider if I want to pay that premium for main cabin now.
I will be a Diamond for 2024, and will likely rollover about 40,00mqm. Under the current system I will be close to starting 2024 as Gold for 2025. Under the new system, Delta is offering a 20 to 1 conversion, which means I won’t even be close to Silver for 2025. So much for all the flying and spending I have done with them. Second, my Delta AE Platinum will be less useful as well. I can see Chase benefiting, and I intend to use the Preferred card more. So Delta is losing a loyalist, and AE will be losing a fairly big spender. Chase had more travel partners anyway, so I will now branch out to other airlines. Beware of unintended consequences.
I like your videos. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!!!!❤
I love how all of the Tubers that have the cards needed to not be affected are like "Meh....hey you...this could be a great thing for you.". I just got the Delta Plat literally this week for lounge access. What a waste of time and money.
You still have all of 2024 to use the lounge. Downgrade or cancel after.
@@AskSebby not on the Delta Plat. Effective 1/1/24 it goes away.
I am in Atlanta, the Delta hub but recently I haven't seen any good deal on the flights. It's much more expensive and I prefer flying with either Southwest or some of the airlines.
But limiting the access to six visits is fine with me as we don't fly that much.
I'm not into too much of an airline status anyways because for family as a whole might not get upgraded and I always prefer to use points and miles to get that thing done if ever it is needed.
By the way, do you know if you can still purchase the $ 50 sky club access for guests through Amex?
You can still buy the $ 50 sky club access this year but will not be able to do it once the change is implemented.
Road Warrior here…✈️ Still running the numbers. The number I am shooting for is $75k, I hope to hit that one to get me lounge access for a year. That will seal my renewal.
Honestly, I am happy for these changes. The lounges have turned into dumps. I was just in ATL Lounge A17, it is in need of a remodel. Lots of stuff just worn out. It was jam packed, noise was louder than the gate. Grabbed my food and left.
The big question on spend your way to status using credit cards is one of opportunity cost. If I am going to spend $240k to get status on delta I would have to determine whether it would be better idea to put it on my venture x card and get 480k capital one miles. The real question is what is status worth? The answer for me, who takes maybe two long and four short trips per year is probably not much if they are going to make me jump through hoops.✈
Well damn, these Delta ✈ changes are wild. I was lukewarm on Delta anyway. Thanks for the updates!
My biggest gripe and part of the overcrowding is families. Especially the centurion lounges at LAX and MIA. crawling over strollers and watching the kids stick their fingers in the buffet while mommy has a Chardonnay. The host at the Miami location was literally pulling his hair out whilst trying to manage romper room.
Thank you
Always fire d/d thanks as always. 🥃🥃🥃
I have enjoyed my Amex platinum this year along with the Priority Pass. I have had around 10 trips so far this year (several over seas) and a couple more to go. I was able to enjoy lounges everywhere. However, there were a couple times where the lounges were full and I had to wait to get in. I think for next year I am switching to Chase Sapphire.
AMEX Platinum has been on the chopping block for our family for a while now. Seems like the perks are slowly being chipped away.
We are Keeping the AMEX Gold, Hilton Aspire (better status/perks than Platinum), upgrading Delta Platinum to Reserve, and BBP.
I used to be a high mileage traveller and used lounges often. About 10 years ago I started disliking lounges as crowding and noise increased an many locations… finally my job switched to minimal travel and I hardly even go to airports anymore…. I do NOT miss the hassle of travel so its not impactful on me for these changes in this vid. You have a great channel and I frequently check out your content but its now for nostalgia and seeing ‘what the modern person is having to deal with’ (grin)…
I don’t see the big deal because if you’re flying first or business then you still get access to the lounges unless I missed something. If it’s regardless of cabin class, then it’s a problem. Otherwise I’m all for attacking the overflowing crowds. The lounge currently feels like an airport Walmart. I like how Amex is trying to return a prestige feel to the card.
You only get first or business if you are flying international. Well, you can get into AA business class lounge with their AA AAdvantage credit card, but hose lounges are so packed to the brink.
✈ I was a huge Delta flyer, but between moving to the Denver area, and these changes, United is my airline of choice moving forward. No more free drinks in premium, but frankly I can afford the drinks (or use my Airline credit with the Platinum) with the ticket price difference! Definitely some crazy changes. Also the 1% GDP thing is nuts! Love your content, thanks for what you do. :)
Sebby, excellent description of the upcoming changes. A question: as a holder of a personal (non-business) Centurion card, will the changes be the same as those you describe for Platinum?
The partnership with American and Hyatt made me fly more with American this past year. Which makes it more appealing. They have recently done a promo that may cause me to consider flying more with them in the future. I don’t mind United but they tend to screw over their regional airports in this past year. Also, a bit off topic, United has been enforcing an unusual rule with military using their lounges. They created this “leave only” policy which is an oxymoron. Majority of the time any service member is flying is either for leave or business reason. My are they reducing it for leave only members and that’s something we don’t carry orders stating “bbwe are on vacation.” It’s the dumbest rule of the major three airlines with lounges. ✈️🇺🇸🌎🔺
Man, I was thinking about the delta reserve card too. This is too limited for me now with how much I travel.
Switched to delta as my status airline so I could access the lounge with the platinum card. The centurion lounge is always full and so delta is a nice and often better option. Going to be leaving Amex and delta in 2025.
My main ✈ is Southwest, because they can take me nonstop to my usual destinations, and I love free changes and free checked baggage. Centurion and Delta lounges are in a different terminal at SFO and don't exist at OAK (the larger Southwest hub in the Bay Area) and I'm not going through security more than once just for lounge access. I have only used the AmEx/Escape lounge at OAK once and it was OK but nothing to go out of my way for. I've never used Priority Pass since AmEx ditched the restaurant option. So Delta's changes really don't affect me. The only time I'd fly with them is transcontinental or overseas, and I don't do that very often, so 6/year is fine.
Ask Sebby I have Platinum Pro status and will say it is the sweet spot. When flying out of Barcelona we were able to use the priority line there and were through security in 5 minutes. So changing to American won’t be so bad. And the flagship lounges are not that crowded as compared to the Centurion lounges
✈ I knew the writing was on the wall. I started making an effort to pursue BA status for the same one world benefits (because most of my flights are to europe or around the east coast so it's easy to fit in DCA/CLT.
✈️ Most places I fly to have a Centurion lounge including my home airport. I rarely find myself at an airport that has a Sky Club but no Centurion lounge. So the access change isn't a huge deal for me I don't think I'll hit 6 visits a year
✈️ Abandoning my plans to pursue Delta status next year, now focusing my energies on trying to get a status match from Hyatt Globalist to AAdvantage Platinum Pro, then use that to obtain benefits flying on Alaska Air out of SFO/OAK in the immediate future or maybe Starlux later on. Now if only Hyatt would send me that (apparently targeted) status match email... 😢
How are the Delta Sky miles Shopping programs affected by these changes? What about the Skymiles dining program?
How about earning Flying Blue Gold status to gain domestic Delta lounge access?
As always, nice video. My thoughts are similar. I’ve been a delta diamond for 3 years now, but I’m now moving to Alaska (instead of AA). Benefits are the same but miles are worth a bit more. Thoughts?
Ouch, that really hurts. Being able to stop in made the requisite connections through SLC and ATL bearable: guess American is going to get more of a look.
Cap 1 and Sapphire are rejoicing with this news probably..
If I were them I’d be concerned because they would cause the overcrowded problems in their lounges and would strongly consider restricting access to people who only have their respective cards
I live in Atlanta where there’s no Amex lounge, and tons of delta lounges. But now I have to pay more for main cabin to get into the lounge..? AND pay $700/year.. I’m really reconsidering my Amex platinum card.
There is a new Centurion lounge in ATL.
✈️ Earning my to plat pro status right now on aa. Totally agree that the delta change is just a worse version of loyalty points.
✈️ Great content! Enjoy your videos.
Any videos in the pipeline to talk about an optimal oneworld wallet? If no, can you break down a potential setup in the comments?
✈️ Thanks Sebby!
This was probably some consultant’s plan to boost profits while cutting services. These policies cater to consultants because who else flies this much? Seems McKinsey or BCG was biased when developing this plan
The last 2 x I flew out of San Diego the Delta lounge and United lounge are within 40ft of each other. The lounges open at 5 and the Delta lounge had a line of 30 people outside and United had zero. I left United 15 years ago and went exclusively with Delta. Gonna look at United hard again.
This video has a ton of great points for the Amex Platinum, but what’s your outlook for the value of the Delta Reserve? I question if with all these changes will the Reserve actually be worth it. Companion tickets are great but the companion fares are so hard to use and so few are available.
Thank you for posting this video. Next year will be my last hurrah with Delta Diamond Status. This really is a much worse version of the AA Loyalty points program. No frequent flier is going to use the Delta rental car a& hotel portal through expedia just to get $200 MQDs and loose all their rental car and hotel perks.
How do guests work with the platinum 6 sky lounge visits? Can you use 2 visits at once? ✈️
A bit of clarification, please...Basic economy and main cabin are not the same for club access, correct?
✈️ it’s different for me. Through my work in the PNW our preferred airline is Delta. I got status this year because we were gifted status and given a challenge to keep status for this year.
I typically spend for work 400/month for two one-way tickets per trip refundable main. So that puts me at 4.8k before leisure
My wife just started a job and she needs to fly every week from Atlanta to Minnesota, we were going to apply for the American Express card beginning of October and cancel our American airlines executive card($450). With these new changes not be signing up for the AMEX card.
ATL to MSP route is pretty much dominated by Delta. The Skyclub changes don’t take effect until February 2025 so I would get the Reserve, enjoy the Skyclubs for a year, and then downgrade the card in 2025
Thanks!
Thank you! :)
✈I travel domestic monthly and I don't like the changes. I travel internationally two to three times a year. I'll use Priority Pass overseas going forward. Starting 2025, goodbye Delta and hello American. Delta will loose a large number of loyalist and Amex may see a similar lost.
(Amex cards used Amex Plat and Delta Plat).
✈ I only fly Delta and hit the sky clubs when its a hub and I am going back home so like 2-4 times a year in Salt Lake City. Denver arport has an Amex lounge I frequent a lot.
✈️. Right on the edge for future platinum status limit 😬
✈On the surface this does not appear like it will affect me very much. I have an Amex Platinum and I have yet to go to a Delta lounge more than 6X in a year. My major question is what effect, if any, will this have on guest access? I gain entry with the Platinum and use the airline credit to pick up the tab for bringing in my wife. Are they dropping paid guest access?
✈️ I will not be switching cards, but this is disappointing. I was an Alaska MVP Gold (oneworld Sapphire) for about 18 months and the lounge benefit on international flights is amazing! I love how Alaska does status and the integration with other oneworld airlines is really well done. No friction getting into the incredible Business lounge in Helsinki when flying Economy. Made for a great experience before my flight, will be a oneworld loyalist for a long time.
✈️ where does this leave United? Currently running with an Amex Platinum but I'm a United Mileage Plus Gold member. I've tossed the idea of switching to the Club Card around and I'm currently thinking of switching for the upcoming year.. I think I'd miss the credits though from the Platinum Card.
✈ I have the Delta Plat Amex and Gold Medallion status. It's looking like there is no way for me to maintain my status-even Silver and with no access to lounges. I'm new to all of this and have just started traveling more (empty nester) and recently got the Capital One Venture card. Wondering what you would suggest I do about getting rid of the Delta Plat (I do fly Delta, but probably only because I was chasing staus-they almost always seem more expensive) and getting possibly a Gold AMEX or another airline loyalty card like Alaska- I fly with them the most. Am I missing something? I'd love your thoughts.
Only reason I have the Amex Delta Reserve Card is for the lounge access. I fly many short hops (east coast / Mexico mostly) for business so I don’t accumulate that many miles annually compared to international long haulers, but it feels like I’m living at the airports sometimes.
The overcrowded lounges from my observation recently are due to large groups / families. Just yesterday I saw a group of 15 older ladies headed for a cruise, I found it hard to believe they all had status / Delta credit cards.
Back in the day lounges were mostly filled with single business travelers like myself, now they are like a hangout for group parties.
As an Atlanta resident I’ll probably still fly Delta. I hit silver for the first time this year. I don’t spend a lot on my Delta Plat card, so I’m leaning towards cancelling it. I only travel 3-4 times per year. So this doesn’t move the needle too much. If that increases I will probably apply for the Reserve. I really did like the 10k MQM boost on the delta platinum. ✈️
If you’re chasing AA status, don’t sleep on their shopping portal. Every mile earned also converts to loyalty points. It can help speed up the status chase.
And it pairs well with the Walmart+ benefit on the AMEX Platinum!
Canceling the Delta AMEX Reserve moved to a brand neutral travel card had been Diamond headed towards no status on Delta and not using Sky Clubs
✈️ Not surprised they're making it harder to access lounges. On my last 2 JFK flights (Oct and Dec 2023) the line for Delta sky club was halfway around Terminal 4.
Question. Is the platinum paid authorized user card (not the free AU card) also eligible for their own 6 visits also?
This is so confusing. I expect to travel mostly Delta in the future (they seem to be the only airline that has not switched to hard seats that make my rear end hurt), but there is no way I will qualify for their lounge with this kinds of rules.
My wife and I make 2-3 round trips a year (usually with connections, so about 4 lounge uses per trip) in economy plus. What is the cheapest way to obtain lounge access (any lounge)?
I have the Delta Reserve card for reference. So in order to get the bonus MQD's with spends do you have to hit a certain spend threshold or is it regardless of how much you spend on the card?
✈️ I have never really use the lounges and the change, since I have a Platinum card, might have me head to one during a connection with the free visit instead of the $50 fee.