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Delta Tightens Sky Club Access: What You Need to Know

Starting February 1, cardholders not meeting a $75,000 annual spending threshold will have visit limited visits

by George Gomez

February 3, 2025

American Express for Digitas

Delta is tightening the reins on Sky Club lounge access, imposing stricter limitations on travelers who rely on their American Express credit cards for entry.

As of February 1, cardholders who fail to meet a $75,000 annual spending threshold will face caps on the number of times they can visit Sky Clubs each year—a significant change that could impact the airline’s most frequent flyers.

This policy shift is the latest in a series of moves by Delta to curb overcrowding in its highly sought-after lounges. But will it actually ease congestion, or will it simply frustrate loyal customers?

What Are the New Access Limits?

Under the new policy, Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express cardholders will be limited to 15 Sky Club visits per year, while American Express Platinum cardholders will only receive 10 annual visits.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

For travelers who surpass $75,000 in annual spending on these cards, however, the restrictions won’t apply. These high-spending cardholders will retain unlimited Sky Club access, along with the added benefit of complimentary entry to American Express Centurion Lounges.

Delta has clarified that multiple lounge visits within a 24-hour period will count as a single visit, offering some flexibility for travelers with layovers or multi-leg journeys.

Why Is Delta Making This Change?

The new rules are part of a broader overhaul of Delta’s SkyMiles loyalty program, first announced in 2023. The airline has spent the past year adjusting qualification criteria for Medallion elite status and tightening access to its Sky Clubs.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

Lounge crowding has been a persistent issue for Delta, with long lines and packed seating areas frustrating travelers. The airline hopes that limiting access for credit card holders can ease congestion and improve the experience for premium passengers.

However, not everyone is convinced this will work.

Many travelers who rely on their credit cards for lounge entry aren’t necessarily frequent flyers—they may only travel a few times a year but hold a premium card for the perks.

Meanwhile, Delta’s most loyal customers—those who fly regularly but don’t hit the $75,000 spending threshold—will bear the brunt of these new restrictions.

The Financial Power of Amex for Delta

Despite these new limitations, Delta’s partnership with American Express remains a financial powerhouse for the airline. In 2024 alone, Delta raked in nearly $7.4 billion from its co-branded Amex credit cards, including almost $2 billion in the year’s final quarter.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

This revenue stream highlights the continued demand for premium credit card perks, even as Delta trims lounge access for many cardholders.

What This Means for Travelers

If you hold an Amex Platinum or Delta SkyMiles Reserve card, these new limits could change how you plan your lounge visits. Here are a few key takeaways:

  • Track Your Visits:

If you don’t meet the spending threshold, keep an eye on how often you use Sky Clubs to avoid running out of access mid-year.

  • Consider Alternative Lounges:

Amex Platinum cardholders can still access Centurion Lounges, while travelers with Priority Pass may have other options at major airports.

  • Evaluate Spending Habits:

If unlimited Sky Club access is important to you, reaching your card’s $75,000 spending threshold might be worth considering.

As Delta rolls out these changes, the question remains: Will they truly alleviate lounge crowding or alienate frequent flyers? Only time—and traveler feedback—will tell.

Expanding Lounge Network

Even as Delta tightens Sky Club access, the airline has significantly expanded its lounge portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to providing premium spaces for its travelers.

Last year, Delta added five brand-new Sky Clubs to its network, enhancing the pre-flight experience for travelers in key markets:

  • New York (JFK):

A Delta One Lounge debuted in June 2024, catering to the airline’s high-value international travelers flying in Delta One.

Market at the Delta One Lounge at New York-JFK / Photo: Courtesy of Jason Dewey

  • Charlotte (CLT):

Delta introduced its first-ever Sky Club in Charlotte in the fourth quarter of 2024, giving flyers a new premium option in this East Coast gateway.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

  • Seattle (SEA):

A second Sky Club in Seattle opened in late 2024, providing more space for Delta’s growing presence on its West Coast hub.

  • Los Angeles (LAX):

An all-new Delta One Lounge opened in late 2024, further enhancing the airline’s offerings at this West Coast transcontinental hub.

Delta One Lounge at LAX / Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

  • Boston (BOS):

The airline’s third Delta One Lounge was inaugurated in the fourth quarter, reinforcing Boston’s role as a critical market for Delta.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

Delta also expanded two of its busiest Sky Clubs to accommodate growing passenger numbers:

  • LaGuardia (LGA):

The Terminal C Club underwent an expansion, including a Sky Deck, which opened in the early summer of 2024.

  • Miami (MIA):

A major expansion of the existing Sky Club was completed in the second quarter of 2024, providing more space for premium travelers.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta

While these new spaces improved the Sky Club experience, 2025 is set to bring even more enhancements—especially for Delta’s most elite travelers.

What’s Next?

Even as Delta enforces stricter entry limits, the airline is doubling down on its premium lounge offerings. In 2025, Delta will open multiple new lounges and expand several existing ones, ensuring that elite travelers continue to experience world-class comfort before their flights.

One of the year’s most anticipated openings is Delta’s first-ever Delta One Lounge in Seattle (SEA), set to debut in June 2025. Spanning nearly 11,000 square feet, this ultra-premium space will cater exclusively to Delta One passengers, featuring a tranquil open-air terrace with views of Mt. Rainier, a locally inspired fine-dining menu, and wellness amenities such as relaxation pods and massage chairs.

Photo: Delta One Lounge, Seattle. Courtesy of Delta

Additionally, Delta is opening a second Sky Club at SEA near Gate 11 in Concourse A. At nearly 14,000 square feet, this lounge will provide additional capacity and amenities, alleviating congestion in the airline’s existing lounge.

As part of its ongoing renovations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Delta will unveil a 23,000-square-foot Sky Club near Gate D16 in spring 2025—its first new Sky Club in Atlanta since 2016. This massive addition will ensure more passengers have access to premium amenities. Additionally, Delta plans to enhance existing Sky Clubs in Concourses A and C to further elevate the guest experience.

Photo: Delta Sky Club, Atlanta Concourse D. Courtesy of Delta

By late 2025, Delta will open a second Sky Club at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), covering 34,000 square feet—one of the largest Sky Clubs in the airline’s entire network. This expansion aligns with SLC’s broader terminal redevelopment, designed to streamline passenger movement and modernize the airport.

Beyond these major openings, Delta is also expanding Sky Clubs in several cities:

  • Orlando (MCO):

An expansion adding 3,300 square feet and seating for 75 additional guests is expected by February 2025.

  • Philadelphia (PHL):

The Sky Club near the Terminal D/E connector will expand by 2,000 square feet, with a completion target of late 2025.

With 56 Sky Clubs nationwide spanning over 700,000 square feet, Delta currently boasts the largest lounge network of any U.S. airline. While the airline refines access policies, these expansions highlight its strategy of offering more exclusive, high-end spaces for its most loyal travelers.