Only Delta Flights Will Give You Access to Delta Sky Club Under New Policy

Only Delta Flights Will Give You Access to Delta Sky Club Under New Policy

The race to the bottom continues for airlines!  Last week we wrote about how American Airlines will soon require a same-day boarding pass to access the Admirals Club.  Now, it seems that Delta is following in their footsteps, requiring the same effective January 1, 2019.  Even worse for Delta Reserve card holders is you will be required to be on a Delta or Delta-coded flight.  The new policy was written about last year, but it’s set to take effect in a couple of months.

According to the new policy, a Sky Club must be flying same-day on a Delta or partner airline flight in order to be eligible for entry.  This means you will not be able to access the club without having a same-day boarding pass.  The rule specifically states, “Effective January 1, 2019, Delta Sky Club members may only use the Club in conjunction with same-day ticketed air travel on Delta or its partner airlines and will no longer have access to partner lounges.”

This new rule also applies to credit card holders that have the Delta Reserve Credit Card, except the policy also requires that the cardholder be on a Delta or Delta-coded flight.  However, the wording is different for those with the Centurion and Platinum American Express cards.  According to the new rules, it seems to relate only to guests of the card holder.  The policy states, “Effective January 1, 2019, guests of Platinum and Centurion American Express Card Members must be traveling on a Delta coded or Delta operated flight to access the Club.”

The rule is definitely worse than American Airlines’ new rule because AA will at least let you in with a same-day boarding pass with a OneWorld partner as a card holder of the Citi Executive card.  The new rules for Delta Reserve Credit Card holders, however, specifically state you have to be flying Delta.  That is a significant change.

American Airlines’ new policy of same-day boarding pass takes effect November 1, 2018.

H/T: The Gate