Popular airline makes unwelcome change for anyone who flies in economy

14 September 2023 , 21:20

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Delta's changes are not expected to go down well with passengers (Image: Getty Images)

Popular American airline Delta Airlines is changing how customers spend their time before they board in a move that's going to be unpopular for anyone flying economy.

As part of a range of changes being brought in by the airline, customers who book a basic economy ticket will no longer be allowed in Delta's lounges. This is set to come into effect from January 1, 2024, and entry for economy ticket holders will be refused even if they carry a Platinum Card or any other premium credit card which would still allow business and first-class flyers entry.

The Atlanta-based airline is set to change how customers gain entry to its Sky Club and earn elite frequent flyer status in 2025. Currently, American Express Platinum and Platinum Business cardholders get unlimited visits.

Passengers have faced overcrowding at the popular lounges (Getty Images)

But from February 1, 2025, they will get just six visits per year, unless they spend $75,000 on the card in a calendar year. Dela SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders will get 10 visits to the Sky Club each year unless they also spend a minimum of $75,000 per year on their card.

Delta's SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express cards will also no longer get club access unless a club membership is bought or they have elite status with Delta that allows them to pick a club membership as a perk. A yearly membership for Delta's lounges costs $695.

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The updates come as the airline has struggled to handle overcrowding at popular lounges. Major hubs like JFK Airport and Atlanta have faced issues, with Delta set to open a second lounge at JFK's Terminal 4 to help relieve some of the original club's overcrowding.

Delta passengers will find it harder to access their SkyMiles programme (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

On top of the lounge cutbacks, Delta is also going to make it even harder for customers to qualify for status on its SkyMiles program. Passengers will no longer earn status based on the number of miles they've flown with Delta, but instead on how much money they spend with the airline.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express card members earn one Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) for every $10 spent on the card. For Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Card Members meanwhile earn one MQD for every $20 spent.

New status requirements mean SIlver Medallion status requires 6,000 MQDs and Gold Medallion requires 12,000 MQDs. For Platinum Medallion status it's 18,000 MQDs, while Diamond Medallion status is 35,000 MQDs.

The news does not impact access to American Express' 15 Centurion-branded airport lounges, which American Express owns and operates. In a statement, AmEx said they expect that despite the changes "the vast majority" of card members will continue to have access to the Sky Club based on how much they fly.

Fiona Leishman