Delta Sky Clubs Trial Fast Track Lines: Helpful Or Unfair?

Many Sky Clubs have lines to get in as if they are night clubs and Delta has an issue with that. A new method is being tested by the Atlanta-based airline. When there is a queue to get into the lounge, Delta may no longer prioritize everyone equally.

Why are Delta Sky Clubs so crowded?

Delta Sky clubs are more crowded than the other clubs. It comes down to how many people are in the lounge.

• You can of course buy a lounge membership directly, as is the case with all major US airline lounges
• Delta’s long haul business class passengers have access to these lounges; unlike American and United, Delta doesn’t (yet) have dedicated lounges for long haul business class passengers
• Those with an Amex Platinum get access to Delta Sky Clubs, and that’s a lot of people
• Delta’s top tier elites can even select a lounge membership as an elite perk

There are many ways to get to Sky Clubs when you combine these entry methods. It would be good for travelers to be able to access the lounge easily. It isn't great if you can't reliably use the lounge, and it isn't great if lounges aren't peaceful due to the number of guests

Delta now prioritizing guests for lounge access

Delta is testing a new lounge access system in Atlanta. When there is a wait to get into the lounge, the queue is not priority based on how long you have been waiting.

Two lanes for access to lounges have been added. There are two lanes for the normal people and one for the special people. Three kinds of passengers get access to a lounge.

• Those flying Delta One, which is Delta’s business class on long haul flights
• Those with Delta 360 status, which is Delta’s invitation-only elite status
• Those with Delta Diamond Medallion status, which is Delta’s top-tier published elite status

Delta hasn't made a decision about whether this will be extended beyond Atlanta, but is trying to see how this affects the experience for various guests, and what the feedback is like It's fair.

My take on Delta’s new lounge prioritization

Delta is in a difficult position. On the other hand, no.

• Delta’s inability to expand its lounge footprint isn’t because the airline isn’t willing to pay, but rather because the space simply isn’t available at airports
• Presumably Amex Platinums getting access to Delta Sky Clubs is a huge revenue stream for Delta, and I imagine Delta is contractually required to provide this, given its multi-billion dollar partnership with Amex

On the other side.

• Those being promised access to Delta Sky Clubs should be able to regularly get lounge access without having to wait; having to queue outside the lounge takes the fun away
• If Delta does have to prioritize lounge access, it seems reasonable that those who are the best customers of the airline and those who outright paid for a business class ticket should be among the first to get access
• Personally I also think those who outright paid for a membership should get priority as well, but that’s not happening here

There isn't much that can be done to address crowding at Atlanta and other hubs. The type of travelers who are disappointed will stay the same.

Delta could reduce lounge crowding by cutting the number of people who get Delta Sky Club access. It would only be possible by cutting lounge access for those with the Amex Platinum altogether, cutting lounge access for Amex Platinum authorized users, or raising the annual fee on the card significantly higher. I don't think all of them are likely to me.

Bottom line

Delta is experimenting with a new method of dealing with lounge overcrowding. In Atlanta, the airline now has a fast track lane for elite members and business class members, so that they can access lounges that are at capacity before members and those with the Amex Platinum.

I would like to know what comes of this trial.

What do you think about the trial?