Delta Air Lines has announced plans to introduce a new, higher tier of exclusive airport lounges just months after facing backlash for tightening access to its Sky Club. The airline revealed that the first of its new “premium” lounges is set to open at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport in June, with similarly high-end lounges to follow in Los Angeles and Boston by the end of the year. The announcement comes as Delta moves away from a one-size-fits-all approach, as seen in its recent overhaul of Sky Club access guidelines.
The new premium lounges are expected to offer travelers a luxurious experience, with amenities such as a full-service brasserie, market, and dedicated wellness areas, signaling a departure from the previous access model that relied on miles traveled to determine elite status. Instead, the airline is transitioning to a spend-based status model, set to take effect in 2025, which has sparked both criticism and excitement among frequent flyers. In an effort to appease customers, Delta’s co-brand credit card partner, American Express, has also rolled out several updates to its Delta SkyMiles credit cards, offering more perks and rewards for cardholders.
Despite the initial outrage over the changes to Sky Club access, Delta’s close partnership with American Express continues to be a lucrative one, with Delta reportedly receiving $6.8 billion from the credit card giant in 2023 alone. While the transition to a spend-based status model may have caused some turbulence among loyal travelers, the airline’s efforts to enhance the overall travel and lounge experience reflect its commitment to meeting the evolving needs and expectations of its customers.
