Delta Denies AmEx Cardholder Entry to Sky Club Despite $800 Basic Economy Ticket

A growing trend in airport lounges is being fueled by premium credit cards.

In recent years, more lounges have popped up across the US due to an increase in credit card issuers advertising lounge access as a perk with their premium cards.

According to J.D. Power, 34% of U.S. airport lounge visitors enter using credit card perks, compared to just 21% who enter through frequent flyer status.

This has led to overcrowding, prompting lounges to become more selective about who can access them.

Gabi Powel, a TikTok user and golfer, recently experienced this firsthand after paying $800 for a Basic Economy ticket on Delta from Florida to Atlanta.

Powel also holds an American Express Platinum card, which costs $895 per year. She was expecting lounge access as one of the benefits, but Delta has changed its policy since 2023.

Eligible American Express cardholders traveling on Basic Economy tickets can no longer receive Sky Club access. Powel's experience is consistent with Delta's stated policies, which now limit AmEx Platinum members to 10 lounge visits per year.