Delta is Making it Even Harder to Get into its Airport Lounges

Earlier this year, Delta made updates to its entry requirements for its airport clubs, but now the airline has taken additional measures.

Beginning on Jan. 1, customer status will be determined based on spending alone, instead of a combination of dollars spent with the carrier and flights.

“We want customers to be able to receive status with activity beyond just air travel,” Dwight James, Delta’s senior vice president of customer engagement and loyalty, told CNBC.

Currently, American Express Platinum and Platinum Business card holders are able to visit Delta lounges an unlimited amount of times. Starting next year, customers will only get six visits a year, unless they spend $75,000 on their card in a calendar year. Additionally, Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business card holders will get 10 Sky Club visits per year, unless they also spend $75,000.

Customers will also notice that starting on Jan. 1, they will no longer be allowed in Delta’s lounges if they book a basic economy ticket, regardless if they have a premium credit card.

Delta is not the only Airline to make changes to its Lounge access requirements. American Airlines also made similar alterations and raised some of its spending requirements.