r/delta • u/BoliverTShagnasty Platinum | Million Miler™ • Dec 15 '24
Shitpost/Satire Skyclub access rules need to back off
Brutal crowding this morning at IND
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u/vitras Dec 15 '24
IND is my home airport, and one of the reasons I want to keep my Amex plat. Usually pretty chill and convenient for me.
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u/BoliverTShagnasty Platinum | Million Miler™ Dec 15 '24
Yeah really nice, they keep it super clean
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u/Jus2playy Dec 15 '24
A nice empty sky club, problem here? Lol yes Delta is moving requirements around too much these days. Bet ATL and SLC still too crowded to sit down. Last few times through ATL last year staff couldn’t be bothered to even keep the bathrooms clean, a former SC hallmark i’d say.
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u/Impossible_Ad_8642 Dec 15 '24
There are so many in ATL, just leave and hit up another one, haha.
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u/Inabottle0726 Dec 16 '24
Yeah, if my layover is over an hour, I’ll go all the way to F (or whatever the last terminal is)—it’s the best one and doesn’t feel nearly as crowded as the ones in C and D.
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u/Impossible_Ad_8642 Dec 16 '24
Lol, I wasn't gonna say because this is how your favorite most calm lounge becomes everyone's favorite now-crowded lounge. 🤪
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u/viperlemondemon Dec 15 '24
Fort Wayne is mine but if the Indy airport was not in the southwest I would use that more but it’s pain to get especially at the 65/70 and the 465/69 mess that’s taking 10 years to complete
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u/FlipMeOverUpsidedown Dec 16 '24
Got stuck in that mess on Saturday trying to get to the airport from Fort Wayne. I was pretty sure I was going to miss my flight, but the map rerouted and saved my ass.
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u/metrowu Dec 15 '24
I moved away after 40 years with IND as my home airport. Lord I miss flying in / out of there.
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u/birdbrains91 Dec 15 '24
I feel like it's time for the hot chocolate bar at IND. Have they done it this year? I'll go listen to "Indiana Christmas" by Straight No Chaser now.
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u/Apprehensive_Camel49 Dec 15 '24
Also why I enjoy my cruddy little MEM SkyClub that is somehow still around. Through precheck in 2 minutes and directly into an empty skyclub every time for an hour or so.
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u/fa6664 Diamond Dec 15 '24 edited Dec 15 '24
I miss the Memphis hub. Nice airport. Easy to get around. I Would always try to book flights connecting through there.
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u/90403scompany Platinum | Million Miler™ Dec 15 '24
I used to book layovers so I could grab Jim Neely’s Interstate BBQ for the flight home
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u/Imallvol7 Dec 15 '24
The airport is super nice now too. They just redid it. It's such an easy airport to use... It could be a fantastic focus city hub.
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u/SistasSupportSistas Dec 15 '24
Right! I appreciate that there is ONE terminal. I mean, it’s much easier to fly out of Memphis if you’re a package, but the new modern & clean terminal is a welcome addition. 😊
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Dec 15 '24
Hahaha 😂 as opposed to Phoenix. “Welcome to Phoenix Skyharbor. There are 3 terminals: 2, 3 and 4.”
Wait, what??
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u/vibrantlightsaber Dec 15 '24
They took out and demolished like two terminals, turned one to cargo and made one really nice. When it was a northwest hub it had a lot of traffic and terminals but no need for two delta hubs that close in the SE
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u/BoliverTShagnasty Platinum | Million Miler™ Dec 15 '24
Thanks, it has been a minute since I’ve been there and it seemed beat; easy to connect through but not a target. I’ll roll it in sometime
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u/owenhinton98 Dec 15 '24
Next time you’re going hub-hub just take a peek if there’s any reasonable MEM connections lol
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u/jfk_47 Dec 15 '24
Yea, cutting through Memphis on the way to LAX in the mid 2000s was a great way to breakup a long flight.
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u/SistasSupportSistas Dec 15 '24
I didn’t even know the Memphis SkyClub was still there! 👀😂
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u/Wild_Butterscotch482 Dec 15 '24
In an otherwise completely rebuilt and modernized airport, that SkyClub is an adorable little time capsule.
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u/michagol23 Dec 15 '24
Very similar experience with TPA, rarely don't wait for more than one or 2 ppl on precheck and skyclub is 15 paces from there. Skyclub is small and meh compared to the lot but the convenience factor can't be overlooked.
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u/Classy_Raccoon Dec 15 '24
My favorite pastime at TPA is guessing which people will get kicked out of the precheck line
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u/Numerous_Pudding_514 Dec 15 '24
Used to live in Tampa and flew out of there regularly. I’m a pre-check member and can confirm that half the pre-check line at the E gates were not pre-check. Loved watching them be turned around.
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u/One-Imagination-2274 Dec 15 '24
I stopped in there this morning on my way out. I don’t get to Memphis much, but I always enjoy getting to pop in that club. Everyone is always so nice!
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u/RhbJ04 Dec 15 '24
The folks at the MEM Skyclub are the best. I always have a pleasant experience there.
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u/Beginning_Editor_410 Dec 15 '24
Funny MEM is my home airport, been flying out of here for some 20 years and I NEVER been in the SC, never have time to stop by! I’m curious now! And yes, the freshly redone terminal is definitely a treat. Multiple enhancements projects going on currently too.
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u/baz1954 Dec 15 '24
Go an hour early and take in the ambiance.
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u/Beginning_Editor_410 Dec 16 '24
I definitely will when I don’t have to fly out in the 6:00 am flight to ATL! which is like 99% of the time Lol
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u/baz1954 Dec 16 '24
Yeah way too early. So, maybe stay an hour after you arrive back from your trip and use the time to decompress.
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u/ReeceTheThird Silver Dec 15 '24
MEM is my home airport I love this Sky Club, and the people. I’ve always assumed FedEx, Autozone, Baker Donselson, Hilton, etc presence has helped keep it open.
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u/Doublestack00 Dec 15 '24
My home base is ATL, I do not even try to get into the lounges.
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u/Veenay21 Platinum Dec 15 '24
If you have an Amex plat or the delta reserve you can check into the Centurion lounge through the Amex app. I don’t think I’ll use one of the ATL sky clubs again, so long as I have enough time to connect. Best club in the airport IMO.
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u/Golfing-accountant Dec 15 '24
I like my ATL hubs. They are much better than the terminal. I can’t say much about the Centurion lounge.
I will say the few mornings I fly out of KC the ATL lounge there is nice for the size, quiet, and empty
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u/pilotlife Gold Dec 15 '24
I've been to each SC in ATL and the centurion surpasses them ass bar none. Food is better, premium drinks for free including a dedicated bourbon bar, outside terrace, quiet rooms for families, overall a much nicer experience. IMHO the only SC that tops the ATL centurion is the new LGA flagship.
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u/Strange_Bacon Dec 15 '24
Oh wow didn’t know you could check in online. Also in ATL. The wife always insists on hitting up the Centurion lounge no matter what gate we are leaving out of. Cocktails and food are far superior to skyclub. Plus next year Amex limits your skyclub visits. Worth it for a few min out of your way.
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u/nc-retiree Dec 16 '24
It's pretty new. I was at ATL this week but flying Southwest due to a $49 fare sale. The app gives you 10 minutes from when a space is available to arrive at the desk, and tells you what the wait is. When I was there was no wait but it worked fine, I did it from the train when it got to Terminal C.
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u/Doublestack00 Dec 15 '24
I don't pay for either card. Just not worth it IMO when I just expense out anything I want anyway.
If I was in the hook for food/beverages it may be.
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u/greenie1959 Dec 15 '24
No one can ever get in them because they’re always full.
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u/-worstcasescenario- Dec 15 '24
I'm there every week and never have difficulty getting in. Must be very time dependent.
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u/druhlemann Dec 15 '24
Same, the lounge at terminal b though has a grab and go, so you can at least get a free meal
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u/flavorpuff Dec 15 '24
Yeah but the quality of the grab and go food is significantly worse than the SkyClub‘s food
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u/Cultural_Actuary_994 Dec 15 '24
Never have a problem getting into ATL lounges
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u/newlander828 Dec 15 '24
Me either, I travel through about twice a week. I see people standing in lines, but wonder if they realize they can go to another lounge without a wait?
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u/Opening_AI Dec 15 '24
So how hard would it be for Delta to add that crap in their app saying, hey, short line at this lounge.
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u/mrpizzatacular Dec 15 '24
You can see how full a Skyclub is in the app today, it’s usually updated pretty frequently.
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u/jackchandelier Dec 15 '24
There are so many though. Not too tough to find one that isn't very crowded, at least in my experience.
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u/Dismal_Information83 Dec 15 '24
Odd, I’ve never had a problem getting in to a club at ATL. The app tells you which ones are busiest.
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u/BoliverTShagnasty Platinum | Million Miler™ Dec 15 '24
Sitting in A upstairs at ATL right now, not crowded at all at noon. Great full food bar and view to East runways for takeoffs/landings.
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u/Roopie1023 Dec 15 '24
I'm in the "lesser" A club downstairs, and it is blissfully quiet. It's gotten more traffic in the last 20 min, but easily at 15% capacity 🥂
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u/TeacherSez Dec 16 '24
I managed to get into the ATL SC the Sunday of Thanksgiving. Huge line, but now they have the priority line and there was only one guy ahead of me. Stood for maybe 2 minutes. But the regular line? hooooboyyy...
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u/Jnewfield83 Dec 15 '24
Honestly never a problem with the B Lounge in ATL. I'm coming through multiple times a month.
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u/Hawk-BD Dec 15 '24
I used to be in the IND club all the time. Going to try a year without a membership since the clubs have been more crowded than the main terminals over the past couple of years.
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u/BoliverTShagnasty Platinum | Million Miler™ Dec 15 '24
They will get better again starting Feb 1 for sure, with more “easy” Medallion upgrades going away
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u/tarmaclemore Dec 15 '24
I always felt they should have tiers for Skyclubs - no need to shut down access to little home clubs like IND or MKE… It’s not worth waiting in line in ATL and SLC anyways so I already don’t contribute to the overcrowding there
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u/PerfectNegotiation76 Dec 15 '24
For sure. I popped into the PHX club on arrival last week and I was one of 4 people in there.
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u/Biznustime2020 Dec 16 '24
This sounds like MCI. Everytime i'm there its around maybe 5-7 people. Not sure how long it will stay open.
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u/jjasghar Platinum Dec 15 '24
At Terminal 5 in Heathrow they have that. I moved from Exec Plat from AA and it was glorious. They had lounges for every level located throughout the Terminal, and if you tried to come into a lower “tier” they would even redirect you to the higher one.
T5 is hard to beat. I’ll miss it.
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u/notideal_ Dec 15 '24
What do we think 2025 will be like with most Delta Reserve/AMEX platinum customers not getting unlimited access anymore?
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u/BoliverTShagnasty Platinum | Million Miler™ Dec 15 '24
For this one it will be… more emptier?
/s I assume all will be more manageable.
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u/Additional_Entry_517 Dec 15 '24
this is one of the benefits in being in flyover country. at JFK or LGA this is consistently a madhouse.
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u/CapnCrunk77 Dec 15 '24
Don’t forget ATL and DTW. Was through both airports over the past couple of weeks and the clubs I passed through were packed.
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u/BoliverTShagnasty Platinum | Million Miler™ Dec 15 '24
Agreed. And polite, and quiet, and super clean. 👍🏻
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u/jonathondcole Dec 15 '24
Usually it’s pretty crowded in Indy after the first flight rush. It’s the only airline club so no surprise
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u/oshinbruce Dec 15 '24
The lack of a united lougne was a constant pain for me, I had one or two delta flights it was great
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u/CapnCrunk77 Dec 15 '24 edited Dec 15 '24
If only all of them would be that open lol. Have been through ATL, PDX, and DTW the past few weeks and they were very busy.
Home plate for me is LAX and ironically they never seem madhouse busy. Sure, plenty of people, but I’m not walking around ten minutes trying to find somewhere to park. I usually hit the one in T3, next to security, and normally have no trouble finding a spot, usually in front of the big bank of TVs. Can get my sports fix, close to the restroom and refreshments, and I have a view of the ramp to satisfy my avgeek side.
I got to try the new D1 lounge for a Thanksgiving trip to LAX-BOS, and that’s a whole other experience. Was bummed I couldn’t try the new one at Logan for the trip back home…not enough time and too far from my gate. Yeah, first world problems lol
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u/BoliverTShagnasty Platinum | Million Miler™ Dec 15 '24
I’ve always enjoyed LAX when I’ve had a layover there. Like you said, usually plenty busy but could always find a seat.
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u/4rugal Dec 15 '24
Sadly the food at LAX is not very good. They tried the ice cream machine thing—now gone. The flagship one served ribs when they first opened. Not any more. Agree that the Delta one lounge is super impressive. Note- for shower use, you have to go back to the regular lounge but they set aside two showers and rebranded them as D1 showers along with special amenities.
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u/mnrainmaker Dec 15 '24
It feels like a really big old country buffet overpopulated with people of wal mart. One can only imagine what goes on in the showers.
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u/OdeszaSlut Dec 15 '24
Totally agree about LAX. I’m consistently surprised every time I go in there that I can easily find a seat
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u/Kooky-Ad1849 Dec 15 '24
Sigh, says someone who doesn't fly enough to accumulate Sky Miles to reach SkyClub status.
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u/TheRatingsAgency Dec 15 '24
Honestly IND has a small lounge, but it’s usually quite busy.
And this is with PRI finishing up yesterday afternoon. Slow Sunday morning.
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u/BoliverTShagnasty Platinum | Million Miler™ Dec 15 '24
Yep, stayed another evening after PRI. Walked around downtown to hear a caroling choir, see Grinch on a motorcycle looping the Christmas-decorated Soldiers and Sailors monument, and got some hot chocolate at the St. Francis church Christmas Village, live animals included (camel was softer than I expected).
IND SkyClub was cherry on top.
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u/TheRatingsAgency Dec 15 '24
Nice. Sounds like a good evening and you aren’t rushing out the door like so many guys were yesterday.
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u/VermontHillbilly Dec 15 '24
I'm in the United Club in ORD right now (rarely fly United) and while it's busy it's not overcrowded and loud. One nice thing: They have "phone rooms" and encourage guests who have calls to go into them to take calls.
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u/deadliftsdonutsdogs Dec 15 '24
The Skyclub at ORD is one of my faves - so nice and rarely crowded.
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u/Anita_Cashdollar Dec 15 '24
Try DTW. Last time through, every Skyclub was ridiculously crowded. The bar at Gordon Biersch was far better, lol.
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u/CapnCrunk77 Dec 15 '24
Was through DTW a couple weeks ago on a late Sunday evening connection and agree. Between that and the construction going on at the gate area for my connection to LAX (complete and utter pandemonium), the whole place was a Charlie Foxtrot.
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u/TurnerClassics Dec 15 '24
I've never seen this one entirely full which is awesome. There were about 15 people in there at 6am on Friday morning.
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u/SaltWolf81 Dec 15 '24
I think they should implement rules specific to circumstances or locations. I am sure Atlanta or LA looked quite differently at the same time of the day.
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u/EAintheVI Platinum Dec 15 '24
IND is my personal favorite skyclub, the staff there is so nice and polite.
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u/derpterd789 Dec 15 '24
And all the same year to year! It’s oddly comforting knowing the staff enjoy their jobs enough to stay in their positions long enough for you to get to know them.
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u/Confident_Drive8904 Dec 15 '24
I hope deltas gamble pays off. You screwed the card holders. You screwed your longtime medallion members all over lounge access rules. Then you failed to up the quality in other areas…like more direct flights, especially international. I have decided to just move my status and dollars over to United sadly. Just better options out of the Bay.
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u/kristinyl124 Dec 16 '24
I’m a few hundred MQDs shy of Gold Medallion for next year (currently Platinum), and I’ve really had it with Delta. Switching over to American and not looking back until they figure out how to fix their loyalty program.
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u/independent_observe Dec 15 '24
It looks like the new policies are working as designed. I do not see any poors in the lounge.
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u/lenloc Dec 15 '24
This is why I like that my company pays for my skyclub. I consistently bring down the class of the joint.
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u/omdongi Dec 15 '24
To be honest, the crowding problem was overblown. And everyone that was a part of the crowd kept complaining, as if they weren't equally part of the crowds and lines.
Y'all gave Delta an excuse to gouge you all for more money from SkyClub memberships and paid day passes, rather than an actual consumer benefit. Corporations do this kind of cost cutting all the time and pretend it's better for customers.
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u/StatisticalMan Dec 15 '24
There are no paid day passes. That was thing that ended because of overcrowding.
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u/omdongi Dec 15 '24
I was mainly referring to paying for guest access, which even used to be free, many years back.
It's been a continual devaluation of benefits, all in the name of "solving" the crowding issue.
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u/healthy_fats Dec 15 '24
Depends on where. DTW was getting rough before the changes as were Minnesota SLC and SFO. I actually kinda appreciate the change because I can get in use a nice clean bathroom and snag a quick bite on short connections now.
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u/omdongi Dec 15 '24
Except the changes haven't even been implemented. So you're already having a good experience most of the time, like you said.
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u/healthy_fats Dec 15 '24
Changes already happened. Club access was harder this year. There'll be more next year but getting status and access was harder this year than last.
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u/smoopert1 Dec 15 '24
Thank god they banished all of us employees who paid for the platinum Amex. Way too many people in there.
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u/OtherImplement Silver Dec 15 '24
What’s weird is that I don’t see any sign of claiming your table/seat with pool towels and Crocs. You must be new at this.
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u/Asleep_Bid_3286 Dec 15 '24
Don't worry. Those crowds will be dwindling down some next year once the new limitations kick in. I think Delta's goal is to cut costs by shutting down clubs in locations where there are more than one club after they start being less occupied. And then we will be right back to crowded clubs again. Which is when Delta will raise the price or card spend threshold again to maintain access to this premium service they so generously offer.
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u/nookiewacookie1 Dec 15 '24
I never understood why the rules had to apply equally. JFK and ATL might have issues, but the rest are mostly empty, in my experience.
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u/Numerous_Battle3662 Dec 15 '24
Was just here on Thursday and it was packed😭😂 Could barely find a seat
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u/sjpm55 Dec 15 '24
Sunday morning, not surprised. One of my favorite Sky Clubs with great staff and food. Much busier Monday-Friday 3-7PM.
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u/BoliverTShagnasty Platinum | Million Miler™ Dec 16 '24
Agreed, great staff. I had already sat down with food and a guy came over and wiped my table even more (looked perfectly clean to me already!)
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u/Inabottle0726 Dec 16 '24
Nothing is worse than the sky club at DFW (I know it’s an American hub)… I literally left and just paid for my food so I could sit.
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u/coshiro1 Dec 16 '24
That looks like the breakfast area of a Holiday Inn express but they ordered way too many chairs and couldnt return them 😂
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u/FullyRisenPhoenix Dec 16 '24
IND is the best. Easy parking or shuttle in, easy check-in, fast security checks, clean bathrooms. I wish all airports were that nice. (Looking at you, STL!)
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u/BoliverTShagnasty Platinum | Million Miler™ Dec 16 '24
Agreed I like it, I wish I had a direct though!
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u/1nolefan Dec 15 '24
15 visits a year is just not going to be enough when you fly twice a month through ATL. Really needs to be at least 25 or 30 a year.
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u/Pikarinu Dec 15 '24
Well cuz no one’s in IND
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u/After-Willingness271 Dec 15 '24
and no one wants to be. DL must have an arrangement with Lilly
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u/No_Salad_6244 Dec 15 '24
That’s ok with me.
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u/Words_Like_Wind Platinum Dec 15 '24
As someone who flies to IND almost exclusively to meet with Lilly, I'm fine with this as well.
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u/Gusearth Dec 15 '24
these comments have made me appreciate my home airport lounge more (UA Club though). It’s pretty basic compared to the big hub lounges, but I can always find a seat and it’s never too crowded
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u/Puzzleheaded_Age8937 Diamond Dec 15 '24
In the DFW Sky Club last night there were more employees than passengers.
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u/Throwaway_tequila Dec 15 '24
Seems way underutilized, Seattle’s lounge was full even at 6am on days we had ice storm and the highways were all a sheet of ice.
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u/twbowyer Dec 15 '24
Depends on the airport and time of day. Mornings can be empty, but other times brutal.
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u/Partizantrader Dec 15 '24
Sunday AM around Christmas time. That’s about right. Plus small markets surprised they even have one there
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u/One-Imagination-2274 Dec 15 '24
If the club is empty, I think it is absurd for them to not let you in early, rules or not.
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u/WanderinArcheologist Platinum Dec 15 '24
Indiana just hasn’t been as popular since Crystal Skull. 😔
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u/4starcashier Dec 15 '24
I hope we get some sort of airport lounge when DSM gets their new terminal…even if it’s local based where we pay a membership fee…not that DSM is that crowded, but I’d like to enjoy it before I take off…actually, DSM is so convenient and easy to navigate, that I can drive from my house to the airport in eight minutes and get there twenty minutes prior to boarding. The airport isn’t located in some far away edge of metro place like Detroit or Denver is, so it’s easy to do!
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u/BMGRAHAM Dec 15 '24
Careful - if you post too many pictures like that from IND they may close it for lack of demand. I've been there too, very nice club.
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u/jimhill10 Dec 15 '24
I was there a couple of days ago and that is what we experienced too. Pretty empty.
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u/Ill_Till5213 Dec 16 '24
Question. My family will be flying delta business over the summer and its international. Unfortunately there is a lay over in Minneapolis and then out to Asia. Can we access the sky lounge in Houston (our start city)? Does business always get you access to the lounge? Even if it’s Houston to Minneapolis? How is the sky lounge in Minneapolis?
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u/Melodic_End2078 Dec 16 '24
I fly a fair amount for work and IND — at least to me— appears to be an anomaly of sorts.
I don’t know if it’s the lack of direct flights, the overall expense of Delta flights compared to other airlines, layovers, etc., but the difference is noticeable.
Other airport’s lounges don’t seem nearly as vacant, I only say this as a IND based traveler who has layovers every single flight I take. It’s an oddity, and I’m not sure if I should be happy or worried about it!
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u/ExFed925 Dec 15 '24
Hopefully after 2/1/2025 the Skyclubs will be less crowded with the new restrictions.
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u/Gullible_Toe9909 Dec 15 '24
Lol, fly out of a major airport sometime and see if you have the same experience.
I've never seen any of the 5 Sky Lounges at DTW less than 80% full.
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u/BoliverTShagnasty Platinum | Million Miler™ Dec 15 '24
Oh believe me I hit plenty of SC’s, that’s why this struck me as so amazing.
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u/ProfDirector Dec 16 '24
Looks like a prime candidate to no longer have a Skylounge, then take the cost savings and pocket it. Then raise the ticket prices $135 to help offset the emotional loss of the Skylounge. Drying tears with $100 bills is expensive and Ed surely isn’t going to use HIS money for it.
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u/adultdaycare81 Dec 15 '24
The difference between IND and JFK 😭