Big changes are on the way for Sky Club access in 2023 as Delta Air Lines announces new updates. After a “banner year” of openings and expansions, Delta is taking action to curb overcrowding seen across lounges this year.
Starting Jan. 1, lounge membership will only be for Medallion members and fees will increase, as reported by Travel + Leisure. Annual membership fees will increase from $545 or 54,500 miles to $695 or 69,500 miles for an individual. Executive membership will increase from $845 or 84,500 miles to $1495 or 149,500. Companion passes will also increase in price from $39 to $50, or from 3,900 to 5,000 miles.
As of Feb 2., basic economy ticket holders will no longer have access to lounges unless they have club benefits with an American Express credit card, or an annual pass.
Passengers who are not flying Delta One or Delta Premium Select will also not have access to the lounge, beginning in early February. Medallion members in the main cabin or Comfort + will also no longer have lounge access (unless they possess a Sky Club membership or another method of entry).
“While we’re thrilled to see so many customers enjoy the fruits of our teams’ hard work, our goal now is to balance the popularity of the clubs with the premium service and atmosphere for which they were designed — and that our guests deserve,” Dwight James, senior vice president of customer engagement & loyalty, and CEO of Delta Vacations, shared in a statement.
Related: Delta Sky Club Lounges Are Giving Priority Access To Their Elite Members
Despite increasing lounge exclusivity, Delta is keeping its focus on growth. Additions and renovations are in the works for hubs such as New York City, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Fort Lauderdale, Boston, Newark, and Miami.
A “real-time” occupancy tracking feature is also coming to the airlines’ app soon. The feature will allow customers to see how busy a lounge is in advance.
In other words, Delta is telling us without telling us, Sky Club exclusivity was in need of an upgrade.