Delta loyalists will have to spend more for Sky Club benefits

Delta Airlines is tapping into the high-spending echelon of flyers. The airline recently announced that passengers need to spend more each year on co-branded credit cards to keep enjoying their Sky Club status.

Even the lowest premium status, Delta Silver, which is earned by spending $3,000, will double starting in 2024.

The Delta Medallion status will depend on how much you spend.

If you use 35,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars (as opposed to 20,000 earlier), you will reach the Diamond status.

Cardholders with the American Express Platinum and Platinum Business, and those with Delta SkyMiles Reserve credit cards, will only be allowed six and 10 Sky Club visits a year, respectively. Unlimited access will be granted if they spend $75,000 on their card in a calendar year.

The airline is also taking away Sky Club access from SkyMiles Platinum cards from January.

Why the change?
Delta’s announcement comes after rival airlines took a similar turn. American Airlines began using a single spending metric to award its flyers with premium status and benefits.

With the post-COVID travel boom, Delta faced crowded Sky Clubs and Lounges, which used to be a serene experience for its loyal customers. Overcrowding has led to the airline’s decision.

The airline is also trying to attract higher-paying customers.

Delta tied up with American Express in 1996. It expects to earn $6.5 billion to $10 billion from the deal this year.