Few things make travel better than visiting an airport lounge before departure. And Delta Sky Clubs are better than most … if you can get in.
On one hand, it's not so hard: There are plenty of ways everyday travelers can gain entry to Sky Clubs, including some popular travel credit cards. But Delta keeps making it harder and harder as it tries to combat overcrowding, including a slate of changes that took effect to kick off 2024. The worst limits yet are coming early next year.
Flyers who bought the cheapest Delta basic economy tickets or planned to buy a day pass with their *delta skymiles platinum card* can no longer get into the club, period. Travelers who get unlimited Sky Club access through premium travel credit cards will soon see their visits capped, too.
But for now, the right top-dollar travel credit cards can get you into Delta lounges as much as you want. You can also get in with a business class ticket on Delta (or their partner airlines); buy an annual lounge membership; or get a free pass with your top Delta Medallion Elite status.
Hoping to hit the Delta lounge before your next flight? Here's how.
4 Best Ways to Get Into Sky Clubs: Credit Cards, Biz Class or Status
1. Carry the Right Credit Card
Let's start with the easiest path to visit Delta lounges. A handful of top-tier travel credit cards will get you in the door for free, no questions asked.
While none of the cards on this list are cheap, they're still among the most cost-effective ways to get Delta lounge access.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
When it comes to lounge access, you won't find a better card option than *amex platinum*.
Just for holding the card, you get complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club when flying with Delta that day. You won't be able to bring in guests for free, but you can bring up to two guests into the lounge for $50 each. But you can cover that cost using your card's $200 annual Amex airline credits – just be sure to select Delta as your preferred airline.
Add someone else to your Platinum Card account? Authorized users get their own lounge allowance!
But this benefit is taking a big hit next year.
As of Feb. 1, 2025, Platinum cardholders will be limited to visiting the Sky Club just 10 days each year. On the bright side, you'll be able to visit several lounges in the same 24-hour period – it still counts as just one of 10 annual passes. Once you've used up all 10 of those days, you can buy additional access for $50 per day.
In addition to Delta lounge entry, the Platinum Card will get you into Amex Centurion Lounges, Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, and 1,300-plus Priority Pass lounges. Unlike with Delta, there won't be any access limitations for these lounges starting in 2025.
Have *biz platinum*? Your lounge access is identical with the personal Platinum card.
Read our full review of the Platinum Card from American Express.
Learn more about *amex platinum*.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Much like the Platinum Card from American Express, the *delta reserve card* or the *delta skymiles reserve business* can get you into a Delta club – once again, only if you're flying with Delta that day.
But the Reserve Card is even better in one regard: You also get four free guest passes each year. That means you can bring four guests with you into the lounge – or bring the same pal four times. After that, you can simply pay $50 per guest. Like the Platinum Card from American Express, there's no limit to how many times you can bring guests in with you.
But next year, Delta is also cracking down on its own top-tier Amex card. As of Feb. 1, 2025, Reserve cardholders will be able to access the Sky Club just 15 days a year – a bit more than with the (non-Delta) Amex Platinum Card mentioned above.
You can visit several Delta lounges in the same 24-hour period and still count as just one of 15 annual passes. Once you've used up all 15 of those days, you can still buy additional access for $50 per day.
If you have both a Reserve and Amex Platinum Card, you'll get a total of 25 days of Sky Club access annually. Just as with the Platinum Card, authorized users on the Reserve also get their own lounge allowance.
You can avoid these limits altogether by spending $75,000 per calendar year on either of the cards. If you do so, you'll get unlimited complimentary lounge access with Delta for the remainder of that year and all of the following year.
Learn more about the *delta reserve card*
What about Delta SkyMiles® Platinum & Gold Cards?
For years, travelers with the *delta skymiles platinum card* in their wallets used it to get into Sky Clubs. You could buy one-time lounge passes for $50 per entry. You could also bring in up to two guests for another $50 each.
It was a great way for occasional travelers to hit the Delta lounge before a flight … but it's no longer an option, period. At the start of 2024, Delta nixed the option for SkyMiles Platinum cardholders to buy these day passes.
Cardholders with the *delta skymiles gold card* used to be able to purchase lounge access, too. But Delta eliminated this card benefit many years ago.
2. Book an International First or Business Class Ticket
Flying up front in a lie-flat seat? Your ticket will get you into the Delta club.
You can get into the Delta Sky Club if you fly first or business class internationally with Delta or a Sky Team partner airline like Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, SAS, and more.
Certain transcontinental routes within the U.S. in a Delta One business class cabin also get free entry. It must be branded as a Delta One flight to get free lounge access. You won't be able to bring any guests with you, though.
What About Delta One Lounges?
If you're flying business class out of New York City (JFK) or Los Angeles (LAX), you can do even better: Visit one of the exclusive new Delta One Lounges instead!
Delta opened its very first exclusive business class lounges at its East and West Coast hubs in 2024. These extra-special lounges – with a la carte dining and more amenities – are also expected to open in Boston (BOS) and Seattle (SEA) in the months to come. Locations in Salt Lake City (SLC), Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), and other Delta hub airports are expected in the coming years.
But holding a certain credit card won't do you any good here. The only way to get in is by flying Delta One or in business or first class on some (but not all) partner airlines: Air France, LATAM, KLM, Korean Air, or Virgin Atlantic.
Flyers with the airline's invite-only Delta 360 status can get in, too … but only with a departing or arriving first class ticket.
No Sky Club Access Just for Domestic First Class
Just because you're flying up front with Delta doesn't mean you can get a free pass into the lounge.
Most domestic first class fares with Delta (or even to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and even some parts of South America) will not qualify for free Sky Club access. You need to fly in a Delta One cabin, domestically or internationally. Just having a standard domestic first class boarding pass won't work.
3. Earn Top Delta Status
If you fly Delta a ton and make your way up to Delta's top-tier Diamond Medallion Status, you can select a complimentary Sky Club individual membership as one of their three annual choice benefits. As of 2024, there are two options for top Delta flyers:
- An Individual membership, using two of three choice benefits for unlimited Delta lounge access for the year.
- An Executive membership, using all three choice benefits, will get you and up to two guests into lounges at no additional charge. You can pay for up to two more guests (for a total of four) for $50 each.
Flyers with lower levels of Delta status can get into the club, too – but only on certain flights.
As of 2024, travelers with Delta's Gold or Platinum Medallion status flying internationally in Delta Premium Select or Delta One can use the Sky Club before their flight. You can also bring one guest with you for free.
But an economy or Delta Comfort Plus seat will no longer get you into the lounge, even if you've got Delta Gold status or higher.
4. Purchase a Delta Sky Club Membership
Delta allows members to purchase an individual annual membership to the Delta Sky Club. Consider yourself warned: It's expensive.
An individual membership now costs $695 (or 69,500 SkyMiles) each year – with no free guest privileges. You can also purchase an executive membership with two free guests for a whopping $1,495 each year (or 149,500 SkyMiles).
But there is one caveat: You need some level of Delta Medallion status in order to buy an individual membership.
Even then, this method makes little sense. For the same (or less) amount of money, you could get complimentary lounge access by holding either the American Express Platinum Card or the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card. Plus, both cards offer a host of other benefits.
That calculus might change in 2025 once Delta starts limiting the number of times cardholders can get into the Sky Club. But for now, you're better off holding one of the cards rather than buying an individual membership.
Delta Sky Club Locations
Delta has been on a tear recently, building new lounges across the country while expanding and renovating existing locations.
All told, there are nearly 60 Delta Sky Club lounges – including one across the Pacific Ocean at Tokyo-Haneda (HND) and two new Delta One Lounges available for business class passengers. Check out our full list – or head to Delta's roster of Sky Club locations for more details on each lounge.
| Airports with Sky Clubs | Location(s) |
|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA (ATL) | 9 Lounges |
| Austin, TX (AUS) | 1 Lounge |
| Boston, MA (BOS) | 3 Lounges |
| Chicago-O'Hare, IL (ORD) | 1 Lounge |
| Cincinnati, OH (CVG) | 1 Lounge |
| Dallas, TX (DTW) | 1 Lounge |
| Denver, CO (DEN) | 1 Lounge |
| Detroit, MI (DTW) | 5 Lounges |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) | 1 Lounge |
| Honolulu, HI (HNL) | 1 Lounge |
| Indianapolis, IN (IND) | 1 Lounge |
| Jacksonville, FL (JAX) | 1 Lounge |
| Kansas City, MO (MCI) | 1 Lounge |
| Los Angeles, CA (LAX) | 2 Lounges |
| Memphis, TN (MEM) | 1 Lounge |
| Miami, FL (MIA) | 1 Lounge |
| Milwaukee, WI (MKE) | 1 Lounge |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (MSP) | 3 Lounges |
| Nashville, TN (BNA) | 1 Lounge |
| New Orleans, LA (MSY) | 1 Lounge |
| New York-Kennedy, NY (JFK) | 2 Lounges |
| New York-La Guardia, NY (LGA) | 1 Lounge |
| Newark, NJ (EWR) | 1 Lounge |
| Orlando, FL (MCO) | 1 Lounge |
| Philadelphia, PA (PHL) | 1 Lounge |
| Phoenix, AZ (PHX) | 1 Lounge |
| Portland, OR (PDX) | 1 Lounge |
| Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) | 1 Lounge |
| Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) | 1 Lounge |
| San Diego, CA (SAN) | 1 Lounge |
| San Francisco, CA (SFO) | 1 Lounge |
| Seattle, WA (SEA) | 1 Lounge |
| Tampa, FL (TPA) | 1 Lounge |
| Tokyo-Haneda, Japan (HND) | 1 Lounge |
| Washington, D.C.-Reagan (DCA) | 1 Lounge |
| West Palm Beach, FL (PBI) | 1 Lounge |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Buy a Day Pass to the Delta Sky Club?
For years, any and all Delta travelers could buy a single-visit pass to get into the Delta Sky Club. Both United and American Airlines still do the same.
But they're no longer available with Delta. The airline stopped selling them years ago to combat overcrowding in its lounges. As of 2024, it's no longer possible to buy Delta Sky Club access, no matter which card you have.
How Long Before Your Flight Can You Get Into the Sky Club?
Delta only allows flyers to enter the lounge within three hours of their departing flight.
Longer layovers are an exception. There is no time limit for flyers making a connection to use the Sky Club – though Delta specifies that same-day roundtrip flights do not qualify as a layover.
Only top-tier, invite-only flyers with Delta's vaunted 360 Status or the Amex Centurion Card in their wallets are exempt from this restriction.
Can You Get Delta Sky Club Access Upon Arrival?
Of course, you can get into the Sky Club before your flight. But what about after you land?
A while back, Delta had planned to ban access upon arrival. But after a major uproar from some of the airline's most valued customers, Delta backtracked on that policy. That means you can still access the Sky Club upon arrival.
Can You Get Into the Sky Club with a Delta Basic Economy Ticket?
Flyers who buy the cheapest Delta basic economy tickets can no longer use the Sky Club, period. You must be flying on a main cabin ticket or higher to get in.
Last month I used my skymiles to purchase a DL award ticket for my adult grandson. The redemption was very cheap, so I went ahead and bought a First Class seat.
Not understanding the rules, he mistakenly thought he was allowed access to the Delta Sky Club and so he confidently entered the place at a serendipitous moment when the desk just happened to be unattended.
I found out about this when he texted me a photo of a bowl of chowder with a note: “Enjoying some delicious clam chowder and a drink before the flight. Thanks.”
I got a real chuckle out of this.
My friend and her daughter are flying First class from LAX to Amsterdam on Aug 3rd. Are they allowed to use the lounge in LAX while waiting for their flight ? Then can my friend use a lounge in Berlin for her
return flight home ?
I’m flying from YUL to LGA on a Delta Flight in First Class (Operated by Endeavor Air DBA Delta Connection). My ticket indicates Sky Priority, however I am confused about Lounge Access. I do not have any C/C nor am I a higher level member. Will I be able to access the lounge?
Thanks
I flew SEA-PTY in March 2023 r/t per Delta. Two flights both ways, ATL was hub for 1st & 3rd. Upon arrival (flt 1) I approached Delta lounge and although I was 1st class for entire booking, was not allowed access, even though was international flight. Delta lounge concierge said only for int’l passenger in 1st class w/seat-into-bed crossing water was allowed. Not much chance of that on four 738-/9 flights. Was I just being told outright untruth or is this the actual case?
I have a Delta Sky Club life membership, do any of these changes affect me?
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First class ticket does not let you access to Sky Club, they turn you away, don’t be fooled, I had international First Class and I was not allowed in
Thank You Ramon, that answer was what I needed and confirmed going right back to United after this trip. Definitely won’t be using Delta again. First and last.
Hi Nick,
Thanks for the wonderful post, really helpful. Just a quick question: We have Amex Platinum credit cards but flying on KLM flight to AMS (from Austin). We have purchased our flights on Delta, so can we still access the Sky Club lounge in Austin?
How is the Amex verified to be let in the door? I don’t have one by my mother does, could I theoretically use hers to get in? Or is there another protocol?
It would need to match the name on the boarding pass so you wouldn’t be able to use your mothers.
I am on the flying blue program as plat. I dont expect to get lounge access when flying delta domestically. But if I pay for first class aka business class. And drop 3-4 times more than ecomony, i expect to be able to access the lounge for free. But it isnt. I really dont understand how this make any sense.
I’m sorry that you did not get access when, perhaps, you should have. There are a few technicalities; however, Delta posts Sky Club access “When traveling on a Sky Team flight (excluding Delta): 1.Customers traveling on a same-day international (*international is defined on Delta.com) First or Business class ticket on a SkyTeam-operated flight; 2. In order to qualify for Club access, the customer must be confirmed in the First or Business class cabin for all segments of their journey.” We are flying KLM BOS>AMS>GOA in Business Class. Based on what Delta posts, I expect to get Sky Club in BOS (terminal E). There will be alternatives if, for some reason, access is denied, but I will ask for clarification if that happens.
I am a Delta retiree, non rev passenger. DO I have access to the lounge if I have an AMEX Platinum card? Or are non rev travelers never allowed to use the lounge? Thank you.
Flying Delta One Fra to JFK, First Class JFK to ATL and First Class Atl to Ags
Can I access the lounges at JFK and Atl?
Eliminating the option for those with diamond status to select guest access for the delta reserve card as a choice benefit only affects Delta’s top customers who are both Diamond and have their highest card. This is also the group that can immediately status match to any other airline. Seems a very poor choice to target that group.
Since I purchased an Executive Delta SkyClub membership back in November 2022, can I assume that I will continue to have free access along with my guest until my renewal date realizing I still need to honor the 3 hour rule?
Hi Bob, my assumption would be that this works until your renewal date.
According to a 2021 article, Delta Airlines and WestJet have partnered to have reciprocal flight arrangements. As a Delta airline partner, it is also stated in a 2023 article, that for the Delta Sky Club, passengers flying premium on a partner airline will have access to the Delta Sky lounge. 1. What is required to enter the Delta Sky lounge – for example at the HNL Airport? Will the boarding passes, same day flight in Premium class be sufficient? Please respond.
My wife has an executive membership that won’t renew until May 2023, and I’m trying to figure out if it’s worth renewing early at the lower $845 rate before it increases on Jan. 1. My wife uses the Sky Club for business travel once every couple of months, but we see the best value in it when traveling as a family of three since she can bring in two guests for free. We’re spending the next year and a half looking at schools, so we expect to take at least five trips next year for that on top of other travel.
I just got a Delta Skymiles Reserve card that would give me access, but at $50 a visit to have the ability to bring in our teen-aged daughter would be at least $500 round-trip for the trips we have planned. My hope is that by renewing the executive membership early, doing that would tack on an extra year of unlimited free access for up to two guests all the way to May 2024. At that point, paying over $1,000 for a membership definitely won’t be worth the privilege, and my wife can piggyback on my club access from the Reserve card as an additional card member for an extra $150 on top of the $550 annual card fee.
Does this make sense? If our experience this summer with a ton of kids in the Sky Clubs changing the atmosphere, I understand if they’re trying to make the lounges less family friendly, but we’re trying to find a way to preserve our family’s travel perks without breaking the bank.
Virgin Atlantic economy ticket on a Delta operated US domestic flight. Does my Amex platinum get me sky club access?
“But effective Feb. 2, 2023, only travelers with status flying internationally in Delta Premium Select or Delta One can use the Sky Club before their flight. That means an economy or Delta Comfort Plus seat won’t get you in with Delta Gold status or higher.”
Currently, flights to Mexico give GM+ Skyclub access. Since there is no D1/PS to Mexico, will a FC ticket count as a ‘premium fare’ and allow access in 2023?
That’s a great question. We are not seeing anything in the terms of the new rules that specifically answer it.
In a few weeks I’ll be flying into JFK on Delta First Class, and then going to Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic Upper Class (shared Virgin/Delta flight). The Virgin Clubhouse is closed in the middle of the day – would I be able to access the Delta Sky Club? If so, how strict are they being on the 3 hour before the flight limit?
Thank you,
Likely yes, however, they are pretty strict on the 3-hour rule. The system is hardcoded not to allow it.
Thank you!
I’m super confused about this whole thing. I wish @Delta would just add a link to see if you qualify or not… I am a Platinum Medallion who bought a coach ticket with my Delta Plat AmEx, was immediately upgraded to first flying GEG-SEA-ATL-CUN. When I arrived at SEA I went in to check and – boom! They let me in? Same when I arrived at ATL the next morning? And again on my way home at SEA traveling CUN-SEA-GEG? To make it even more confusing I had messaged with Delta on my app and the person I was chatting with said that I did not qualify since I was in first class and not “Delta One”…
Next week I Have a flight seated in Delta Comfort+ GEG-SEA-CDG and am trying to figure out if I can use the clubs in CDG or SEA – outgoing or incoming. My flight doesn’t have “first” class cabin; rather it has a “Delta One” and a “Delta Premium Select”. It currently is not looking like I will receive any upgrades beyond comfort plus and I’ve heard that I cannot be upgraded higher. I do have some upgrade certificates, however they are “regional” and not global… They’re making it all too complicated!
Hi Nick, thank you for this forum. Late 70’s/early 80’s I purchased a Delta Crown Room Club Lifetime Membership, but I haven’t flown Delta for many years since joining Alaska Airlines’ Frequent Flyer Mileage Program – They honored the Delta membership for access to the AA Board Room up until the two airlines parted ways. Is my Delta Lifetime Member card just a worthless piece of plastic now or are they “grandfathered” in for access to Delta’s lounges if I’m flying Delta?
We are traveling to Punta Cana from Detroit with a layover in Atlanta on a Delta flights. If I purchase the $39 passes with my Delta Sky Miles Platinum American Express are they good all day at both lounges? Or do you have to pay $39 for each lounge?
You would need to pay the $39 at each lounge.
My brother in-law gave me one of his guest passes. I won’t be traveling with him. Will I be able to access the lounge if I am flying Delta that day using the guest pass?
Unfortunately, you need to be traveling with the cardholder who the guest pass came from to use it.
I have got delta Gold madellion statue, flying international on economy, can I get access to use
I am flying from Grand Rapids to Lima Peru with a connection in Atlanta, the segment from ATL to LIM is in Delta One and the segment to ATL from GRR in first class. Will I be able access the skylounge in all 3 airports? If not which ones?
The guest rules for the Amex Delta Reserve card say that the Amex Delta Reserve card must be used to pay the $39 guest fee in order to use the guest privileges. I also have the Amex Platinum card. After I use my 2 guest passes that come with the Amex Delta Reserve card, will I be able to pay the $39 guest fee using the Amex Platinum card so that I can use the $200 airline credit (Delta is my selected airline) to cover the $39 guest fee? Recently, I noticed that the Delta app knows that I have the Amex Delta Reserve card and I can simply scan my boarding pass at the kiosk for access to the SkyClub without having to show the Amex Delta Reserve card. I can even use one of the guest passes that come with the Amex Delta Reserve card at the kiosk without having to show the Amex Delta Reserve card. All that is very convenient, but my concern is that the $39 guest fee (after my guest passes are used) will be charged to the Amex Delta Reserve Card (at kiosk check in) without giving me the option or ability to select the Amex Platinum card as the form of payment for the $39 guest fee (even though the Amex Platinum card also allows a guest in the the SkyClub for $39).
My husband and I just flew Delta Premium Economy from Amsterdam to the East Coast and got into the Amsterdam lounge with no problem. We were in the system.
My husband and I have 2 first class tickets from JFK to FAI, with 2 layovers. Will just having 1st class tickets allow us to use the Delta Lounge? Thank you
It will not. You’ll need to have access from one of the other methods outlined in the story above.
We will be travelling First Class from Orlando to NY with a long layover until our Business Class flight to Paris. Please tell me we will be able to use the lounges. Coming back we will be leaving Amsterdam Business Class to Atlanta and changing planes for first class to Orlando.
Hi Nick,
I am traveling with my 11 year old son on Delta to London-Heathrow in August. We are flying from DC to Detroit and have a 3 hour and 45 minute layover before we leave for London. I have the Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card, so I should be able to get into the Delta lounge if I pay $39 for each of us correct? Thanks in advance for your help.
That is correct.
Hey Nick, I purchased a flight from MIA to LHR directly from Delta, but the flight is operated by Virgin Atlantic. Both my wife and I are Amex Platinum card holders and we’re wondering if we would be allowed to use the delta lounges. Thanks!
This shouldn’t be an issue.
Hi Nick, I am traveling from Texas to New Delhi on delta economy with 7 hour layover at Amsterdam, I am sky miles member , can I have access to lounge , if not , how can I buy it. Thanks!!
I have the following question. We are flying Delta from Tampa to Atlanta in comfort class and then Delta One out of Atlanta in the evening to Amsterdam. Will be able to have enter the Sky Lounge in Tampa before the flight without paying due to the Delta One flight the same day?
I have been a Lifetime Member of Delta’s Crown Room Club for a long time. It appears they have changed the club name to Delta Sky Club. Will my existing Crown Room Club card allow access to all Delta Sky Clubs at the executive membership level?
Hi Nick, could you verify if I have a Delta AmEx Reserve card and my signficant other has a card that is linked to my account, do we both have access or do I need to use a guest pass for him? Thanks!
You would need to use a guest pass or pay $39.
Hi. We are flying later this year IAH/MIA/LIS. We purchased premium select comfort economy, will we be granted lounge access at MIA airport and LIS airport? We do not have any status with Delta nor any of the stated credit cards. Thanks.
So i know that you can access the lounge when you have a delta one ticket… but I’m traveling from JFK to BOG on first class not delta one. can I still access even if its international… I did once Delta one to BOG from JFK and I got into the lounge and I know there is a difference btwn first and delta one.
Hi Nick,
I am traveling international on a Delta First Class ticket, I have Amex Gold and Delta Amex Gold, will I be able to go into the Club for a fee or did they eliminate that as well? Thank you
If you’ve got Delta’s Gold or Platinum Medallion status, you can get into the Sky Club when traveling internationally on Delta or a SkyTeam airline – even if you’re flying economy.
Hi Nick,
I am traveling tomorrow and have a Amex Skymile Platinum, I have my wife and 2 kids, 1 of them under 2. Also my inlaws are coming. My wife is a authorized user for the Platinum, could she get her parents in as the guest and then I bring the 1 child as a guest?
Hi Nick. I’m flying from Sarasota to Athens with a layover at ATL and JFK. I purchased a Delta one business class ticket. Will I be able to use the sky club in Atlanta? Thanks.
Hi Kari. Yes, a Delta One business class ticket will get you access. Even if it isn’t departing out of that airport. As long as you have a same-day boarding pass in Delta One you should be good.
I am using Virgin points to buy a Delta One seat from ATL to DUB. Does that still qualify to get into the lounge given that the seat is purchased through Virgin points? Also, I was only able to get an ecomomy seat from FLL to ATL will I still be able to get access to the lounges in FLL and ATL given my connecting flight is in Delta One? Thank you 🙂
Hi Andrea. As long as you have a delta one flight that day, you should be able to get into the Sky Club in both locations. Cheers and have a great trip!
Hi Nick
I am going to Paris CDG in May. Do you know if I can use any of the Delta lounges in Paris CDG after my arrival? Do you know much about those Delta lounges in CDG? I think they’re probably operated by Air France. Thanks1
If we have a delta skymiles gold card and buy the delta sky club individual membership, can you get into the sky club? I read something about gold card members not being allowed into the sky club anymore. Do I have to use my delta skymiles gold club card to get additional people in to the sky club? We are traveling delta same day flight as well. Thanks!
Hey Michael, there would be little reason to buy a Sky Club membership as it costs $545. You could upgrade your Delta Gold Card or apply outright for the Delta Reserve card which includes a Sky Club membership. Once you have membership, you will still have to pay $39 to bring up to two guests in with you.
I meant to say Gold Medallion and Platinum Medallion.
Doesn’t matter in terms of getting into the Sky Club
Four of us are flying from Atlanta to Quito next week. Two of us are first class and two are Delta comfort. One of us travelling in first class has the Platinum card. Will the two first class passengers get free access to the Sky Club, and can we bring the other two in for a charge as guests of the platinum card member?
The first-class passengers will not get free Sky Club access. The Delta Platinum cardholder can get in for a fee of $39 and bring up to two additional guests at $39 each.
What if two of the passengers are Delta Gold and Delta Platinum travelers?
Hi Nick,
I hold the Delta Skymiles American Express Reserve Card and have several guest passes not used. Can I use them to bring in three family members into the JFK Delta Lounge? I will be travelling from New York to LAX on Main Cabin.
Thanks!
Hey Richard. Unfortunately, you can only bring up to two guests in with you on each visit to the Sky Club.
I have American Express Platinum card for entry to the Delta lounge, I tried to pay my wife’s $29 free with my Hilton Amex card I currently get an $250 Delta airline credit, they wouldn’t take has payment, the lady working there seem new and wasn’t quite sure about the rule, does Delta lounge take other American Express cc?
They wouldn’t take the amex card? Or they wouldn’t take the airline credit? IIRC the way the airline credit works is that it gets applied to your monthly statement after you use your card.
Good day I am a gold medallion member flying from Germany to the US would I be eligible to access the lounge +- guest ?I also use my gold card all the time over $10k.a year !
Hi Sandra. Not unless your flying on a Premium cabin ticket like Delta One. Your Delta SkyMiles Gold card doesn’t have any Sky Club access privileges.
This is incorrect. As a gold medallion member you can access the lounge on international flights as long as you are flying delta (or a skyteam partner) that day.
Thanks. You are correct. I misspoke
Nick, as a gold medallion member, can you access the lounge while making connection flights after international flight on the same day?
When I was in Minnesota (or Detroit…) back in September 2021, I was able to “SkyClub hop” for no cost during my duration as I waited for my next flight with my wife. I had AMEX Platinum, Delta Reserve and was a Gold Medallion then while my wife only has the AMEX Platinum.
Those cards will allow you to do that as long as you have a same-day Delta boarding pass.
I have the Delta Skymiles Amex Platinum. If I go to a Delta Skyclub in my departure city then go again in Atlanta while connecting flights in the same day is that considered one $39 charge or would that be $39 charge per location? Someone mentioned at one time the ability to go between multiple lounge locations in Atlanta but didn’t know if that still applied or possible with multiple cities.
Hi Trent. This would be considered multiple visits and you would need to pay the $39 in each location, unfortunately.
Would anyone know if I am still able to use the one day lounge pass I received while holding my Amex Reserve? After I downgraded to Platinum I discovered I received 10 passes. They have not expired and are in my Delta wallet.
Unfortunately I don’t believe these will work. I tried this recently and as soon as I closed my Delta Reserve card the passes were deactivated and wouldn’t scan.
I am flying Virgin Atlantic from Manchester (UK) to Atlanta and then getting a connection to Greensboro. Both flights in premium economy. I have Gold medallion status. Will I be able to use the lounges in Atlanta?
Can I access Sky Club with my Delta Amex Platinum but not flying Delta?
You need to be flying Delta with a same day boarding pass to access the lounge.
I am flying flat-bed from HLN-SLC in October, but I noticed that it is being referred to as “first” instead of Delta One, even though I’ve confirmed that it is a Delta One seat and cabin. Will I be granted lounge access in HNL? Thanks!
It is a Delta One seat and cabin but it’s only considered Delta One service on select transcontinental and international routes. And unfortunately, that means you won’t get automatic lounge access in HNL.
I have a Delta SkyMiles Blue card, I’m flying Delta. Will I be able to access the lounge?
Hi Dave, the SkyMiles Blue card does not grant any sort of Sky Club lounge access. Sorry
It looks like Delta has replaced business class on many international flights with Premium Select. Is this a way to further limit access, or are Premium Select users allowed in the Sky Club?
Premium Select passengers will not be allowed access into the Delta Sky Club.
We are flying from San Diego to the Bahamas with a layover in Atlanta. Our flight has changed and the layover has been extended. Can we access the Delta lounge with our first class tickets?
Hi Julie, not unless it is marketed and sold as Delta One or you have one of the credit cards listed above.
I’m flying 1st Class from MEX (Benito Juarez Mexico City) to PBI – FL with a 2 1/2 hour layover in Atlanta. Will I have access to Sky Lounges, and Affiliate Lounges in Mexico City, during my day of flying?
Thanks!
A standard domestic first-class recliner-style seat in the U.S. (or to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean) will not qualify for free Sky Club access. You need to fly in Delta One or business class internationally or hold one of the cards mentioned in the post.
What about access to the Sky Club if you fly internationally Delta Premium Select?
You will not have access unless you have one of the credit cards mentioned in the post above.
Flying first class from Atlanta to Quito. After going through customs and immigration and getting ones baggage, is it still possible to access the lounge in Quito. We have quite a few hours to wait for another flight.
Shouldn’t be an issue as long as you have another flight. Delta allows you to enter as long as you have a same day boarding pass. That means you can even get in after your last Delta flight
I will be on a first class International ticket South America to New York.
Would that allow me access to the Sky club?
Hey Jon. If your flight is sold as Delta One business class, then yes. If you’ll be sitting in the larger domestic first class style recliner seats, generally that will not grand you Sky Club access.
Hi Nick, Me and my wife are flying first class to Mexico in May. We do not hold any of the delta credit cards or Am Ex cards. Will we be able to use the Sky Club? Thanks
Hi Mark. Unfortunately, you will not be allowed access to the Sky Club.
Hi, could you clarify this for me? I will be flying first class from Atlanta to Costa Rica. Will I be able to use the lounge with this ticket purchase?
Hi Bailee. If your flying in a standard domestic first class recliner style seat, that will not qualify you to get free sky club access. You’d need to have one of the credit cards mentioned above
Can my daughter traveling alone use my sky lounge benefit if I am not traveling with her?
Hi Linda. Unfortunately this isn’t possible
I don’t have the AmEx Platinum card yet but have been thinking about it for a while know. My question is, if I do get the card can I get a joint account with my wife and if so would the card let both of us in for free or just 1 of us?
Hi Terry,
You absolutely can do it as a joint account, but there are a few things to be aware of.
1) Authorized users on the Platinum Card cost $175 each year. But you can add up to 3 users for the same $175 cost.
2) Authorized users get their own benefits associated with their cards (including their own lounge access). The post below is worth a read:
https://thriftytraveler.com/guides/credit-card/amex-platinum-authorized-user/
Can you clarify if I can bring my wife and three kids into the Lounge with the Delta Amex Platinum card by paying $39 each?
You can only bring up to two guests in with you with your Delta Amex Platinum Card – and you must be flying Delta that day. If you have children under 2, they’re exempt from the guest count.
I am travelling by Delta Premium economy from LAX to Sydney on December 25 after having arrived from Honolulu. I simply want to have a shower Do any of the Delta lounges at LAX offer shower facilities at LAX on a casual one time basis
The Sky Club in Terminal 2 has showers. But currently, almost all shower facilities are closed due to COVID-19. That may change by the time of your flight.
Hi
We are flying first class from Anchorage to Seattle in July 2022. Will we have access to the Sky lounge?
Unfortunately you will not have access unless you hold one of the credit cards mentioned in the article.
Is it possible to access the Delta lounges if I am a Sky Miles member but don’t have an Amex card ? I am really thinking about getting the CSR as it works better for me at this time . We live close to MSP which is a delta hub and fly primarily delta
Just having a SkyMiles account doesn’t make you eligible to enter. You’ll need to meet one of the requirements listed above.
We’ve flown Delta One and Business class internationally and used the sky club. We just flew first class to Hawaii and back from the East Coast and were denied access. It’s difficult to understand why passengers who spend the (large) amount for first class tickets can’t use the sky club.
Hi Martha, Delta considers Hawaii a domestic route which unfortunately doesn’t grant Sky Club access for first class passengers.
I have Gold status on Delta. We have a long layover on an upcoming trip to FRA. I know I can have lounge access for myself and 1 guest but there are 4 of us traveling together. Can I buy day passes for the 2 additional guests?
The DeltaOne flights to HNL are eligible for Skyclub entry (e.g. ATL-HNL) but the first class flights are not (ATL-SLC-HNL). Btw, the ATL-SLC-HNL flight is on the 767ER or A330 – Same seats with Delta First Class in lieu of DeltaOne amenities and service, but at significantly lower cost.
Can I access the sky club if my first class ticket was purchased by someone else using their amex points
It depends on where you are headed. A domestic first class ticket doesn’t make you eligible for sky club access
So if I have a domestic 1st class ticket there is no access?
That is correct. Unless you hold one of the credit cards listed above.
I thought there was also a one time entry fee? Is it still $59?
They got rid of this at the end of 2018. More info in the linked post.
https://thriftytraveler.com/delta-sky-club-passes/
We are flying Virgin upper class to Seattle, staying overnight in Seattle and then flying to Anchorage with Delta in first class. Are we entitled to use the Delta lounge at Seattle? We do not have any of the credit cards you mention. Thanks
I don’t believe so, but I am not entirely sure how they handle Alaska in this regard.
Could you also please clarify the section regarding Diamond status members bringing 2 guests for free into the Sky Club? I believe that you have to elect to use 2 choice benefits for an Executive Sky Club membership in order to bring 2 free guests into the club. You can receive an individual Sky Club membership using one choice benefit.
Hi Lisa, you are correct. I updated this to reflect you have to use two of the choice benefits for the Executive level Sky Club membership allowing two complimentary guests.
Can you verify the access to the Delta Skyclub ? My husband and I hold both a personal AMEX Platinum card as well as the Delta AMEX Platinum card, both benefits sections say that there is a $29 per person fee to use the skyclub. Am I missing something?
The personal Amex Platinum card will provide complimentary access if you are flying Delta. You will not receive complimentary guests, but you can pay a $29 fee to bring guests in with you. With the Delta Amex Platinum card, there is no complimentary status. Lounge access costs $29 and will be increasing to $39 per visit starting on Jan. 30.
Hi Nick, I have both the Delta Skymiles Platinum and the Amex Platinum. If I buy my tickets using the Delta Card to get free checked bags, priority boarding, etc. can I still access Sky Club if I show them my Amex Platinum and boarding pass or will have to purchase tickets directly with the Amex Platinum?
Hey Sam. No issue at all. In fact, you don’t even need to pay for the airfare with your Delta card to get those benefits. You will get them just for holding the card. You can buy the flight with your Amex Platinum to get 5x points per dollar you spend. More info here:
https://thriftytraveler.com/guides/credit-card/free-checked-luggage-airline-card/
Similarly, you’ll get Sky Club access just for holding the card. It doesn’t matter how you paid for your ticket (as long as you are flying with Delta).
Awesome! Thank you.
ugh…that answer is incorrect…buying tickets with Delta card vs. Amex Platinum get’s him/her free checked bags and priority boarding where Amex does not. It only gives you the 5x points.
It doesn’t matter what card you pay with. You’ll get the free baggage benefit just for holding a Delta card. So as long as you have both, you could get 5x for paying with Platinum and the bag benefit as long as the Delta card is associated with your SkyMiles account number.
Nick is correct. You can pay with whatever card and get free checked bags just by holding a Delta Gold or above. You get free checked bags for the cardholder and whoever else is on the reservation without having to do anything else. If you have to have a separate reservation because you are using a companion pass and have more family members traveling with you, then the cardholder can show his/her Delta card and get free bags for the other family members.
What is the value in having a Delta American Express Platinum card then?
I have the Delta Amex Platinum card. I have platinum status for Delta. I understand that I no longer can access the Delta Sky lounge when I fly internationally if flying coach. Can I still access the KLM or Air France lounges? Thank you.