Delta’s new SkyClub at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
Leslie Josephs/CNBC
Delta Air Lines is implementing changes to the way customers earn elite frequent flyer status, making it more challenging for many American Express cardholders to access the carrier’s airport lounges. This decision reflects the evolving landscape of luxury air travel.
Effective January 1, Delta will determine Medallion status solely based on customer spending, eliminating the combination of dollars spent with the carrier and flights. This revised model follows in the footsteps of American Airlines, which recently adopted a similar approach and raised spending requirements earlier this year.
In response to the surge in customer spending on airlines and co-branded credit cards, major carriers have continuously increased the qualifications for elite status. This status offers various benefits, including early boarding, upgrades to first class, and access to airport lounges.
“We want customers to be able to receive status with activity beyond just air travel,” said Dwight James, Delta’s Senior Vice President of Customer Engagement and Loyalty, in an interview with CNBC.
Under the new system, Delta customers will earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $1 spent on Delta flights, car rentals, hotels, and vacation packages booked through the airline.
For spending through co-branded American Express cards, the earning ratio is not 1:1. Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express cardholders will receive 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $10 spent. Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Card Members will receive 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $20 spent.
These are the new status requirements:
- Silver Medallion – 6,000 MQDs
- Gold Medallion – 12,000 MQDs
- Platinum Medallion – 18,000 MQDs
- Diamond Medallion – 35,000 MQDs
Raising the bar on Sky Club entry
In response to overcrowding issues at its Sky Club airport lounges, Delta is limiting access through certain American Express credit cards. Starting February 1, 2025, American Express Platinum and Platinum Business cardholders will have six visits per year, unless they spend $75,000 on the card within a calendar year.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders will have 10 Sky Club visits per year, with the option to exceed this limit by spending $75,000 in a year.
Delta’s SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express cards will no longer grant club access, but customers can still access the lounge by purchasing a club membership or through elite status with Delta, which offers the choice of a club membership as a perk.
“Some of the changes that we’re making ensure that we’re taking care of our most premium customers with our most premium assets, one of those being the Sky Club,” said James. He noted that these changes were made in collaboration with American Express.
Last year, Delta implemented several measures to address overcrowding at its clubs, including barring employees from using them even if they possessed qualifying credit cards. The airline also increased prices for club memberships for regular customers.
Delta and its competitors are continuously expanding and upgrading their lounges to accommodate passengers. For example, United Airlines recently opened a 35,000 square-foot club at its hub in Denver International Airport, making it the largest in its network.
