If you’re a frequent traveler, you may have noticed the exclusive Delta Sky Club lounges located in airports around the world. These lounges offer a comfortable place to relax, grab a snack and a drink, and even conduct business while you wait for your flight. But what if you’re not a Delta frequent flier? Can you buy a one-time pass to a Delta Sky Club?
As of January 2023, Delta Sky Club single-visit passes and day passes have been discontinued.
In this article, I’ll walk you through different options for getting into a Delta Sky Club lounge on your next trip, and also answer some frequently asked questions on the topic.
Can You Buy a One-time Pass to a Delta Sky Club?
While single-use and day-of-travel passes have been available for purchase in the past, Delta has discontinued the sale of these passes in order to give Sky Club members priority access and to make their visits to these airport lounges more streamlined. Delta Sky Club single-use and day passes are no longer available for sale.
Why Has Delta Airlines Discontinued Single-Use and Day Passes?
According to Delta Airlines, the decision to discontinue the sale of single-use and day passes for accessing Delta Sky Clubs was made in an effort to streamline the customer experience. Delta Airlines has stated that they believe this change will make it easier for customers to access Sky Club locations, as well as simplify the customer’s experience while they are there.
In addition, Delta Airlines has also stated that the change was made in an effort to improve the overall customer experience. By eliminating single-use and day passes, Delta Airlines believes that customers will have a better experience when they visit a Sky Club location, as they will not be as likely to be turned away due to overcrowding.
What Other Options Are Available for Accessing a Delta Sky Club?
Despite the discontinuation of single-use and day passes, there are still several ways to access a Delta Sky Club. If you are a Delta SkyMiles member, you may be eligible to receive complimentary access to the Delta Sky Clubs. Additionally, if you are a Delta SkyMiles Credit Card holder, you may be eligible for complimentary or reduced-price access to Delta Sky Club locations.
If you are not a Delta SkyMiles member or a Delta SkyMiles Credit Card holder, you can still access a Delta Sky Club by purchasing an annual membership. Annual memberships are available for both individual and family memberships, and they provide unlimited access to Delta Sky Clubs throughout the year.
Delta Sky Club access includes the following groups, and other partner airline elite travelers:
- Sky Club and Executive SkyClub Members
- Delta One® or SkyTeam Premium Cabin Passengers
- SkyTeam Elite Plus (including Delta Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion Members)
- Club Membership for Diamond Medallion Members
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve and Platinum American Express Card Members
- Delta SkyMiles Diners’ Club Cardholders
- Delta SkyMiles TRUST CLUB Platinum and Gold VISA Cardholders
Can You Get Into Delta Sky Clubs Without Flying Delta?
Typically, access to Delta Sky Club lounges is restricted to passengers traveling on Delta-operated flights, as well as Delta Sky Club members and certain elite frequent flyers. However, there are a few other ways to gain access to the Delta Sky Club, even if you are not flying with Delta:
- Purchase an annual Delta Sky Club membership: Anyone can purchase an annual Delta Sky Club membership, which provides access to all Delta Sky Club locations worldwide, regardless of which airline you are flying.
- Use a credit card with Delta Sky Club access benefits: Certain credit cards, such as the Delta Reserve Credit Card or the American Express Platinum Card, provide complimentary or discounted access to Delta Sky Club lounges as a cardholder benefit, even if you are not flying on a Delta-operated flight.
It is important to note that access to Delta Sky Club lounges is subject to availability, and some locations may have capacity restrictions or other limitations. Additionally, Delta may update its policies and offerings from time to time, so I would recommend checking with Delta Airlines or visiting their website for the most up-to-date information on accessing Delta Sky Club lounges.
How Will the Discontinuation of Single-use and Day Passes Affect Travelers?
For travelers who are accustomed to purchasing single-use or day passes to access Delta Sky Clubs, the change may come as a bit of a surprise. However, the discontinuation of single-use and day passes is not expected to have a significant impact on travelers. Delta Airlines has stated that they believe this change will make it easier for customers to access Delta Sky Clubs, as well as simplify the customer’s experience while they are there.
Additionally, Delta Airlines has stated that they believe the change will improve the overall customer experience. By eliminating single-use and day passes, Delta Airlines believes that customers will have a better experience when they visit a Sky Club location, as they will not be as likely to be turned away due to overcrowding.
How Much Is an Annual Membership for Delta Sky Club?
One option to consider is an annual Delta Sky Club membership. This pass will give you access to the Delta Sky Club lounge for an entire year and is the most cost-effective option if you plan to use the lounge regularly. The annual membership cost varies depending on your travel destination but is usually around $550 USD, and around $850 annually for Executive Delta Sky Club membership..
An annual membership also includes access to the Delta Sky Club’s premium services, such as showers and spa treatments. This is great for travelers who want the full Delta Sky Club experience. Additionally, the annual membership can be shared with up to two guests, making it an even better value.
So, Can I Buy a Single-visit Pass to Get Into a Delta Sky Club?
No, you can no longer access Delta Sky Clubs by paying for one-time (or one-day) admission. While single-use and day-of-travel passes have been available for purchase in the past, Delta has discontinued the sale of these passes in order to give Sky Club members priority access and to make their visits to these airport lounges more streamlined. Delta Sky Club single-use and day passes are no longer available for sale.