Delta Air Lines and United Airlines recently made adjustments to memberships and entry rules for lounges in an attempt to prevent overcrowding. Delta’s Sky Clubs are now more exclusive, meaning certain cardmembers no longer have unlimited Sky Club access but rather an annual visit limit.
American Express Platinum and American Express Business Platinum cardmembers now only have 10 annual visits, while Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Delta SkyMiles Business Reserve now have 15 annual visits.
One visit covers entry to one or more Delta Sky Clubs or usage of the Delta Sky Club Grab and Go feature at one or more airports for a period of up to 24 hours starting upon the first Delta Sky Club entry or Grab and Go usage. Once all 10 or 15 visits have been used, Reserve and Platinum cardmembers can purchase additional visits at a per-visit rate of $50 per person.
Certain passengers of LATAM Airlines and WestJet can also still enjoy lounge access. The sale of Single Visit Passes to Sky Clubs have also been discontinued. See here for all new Sky Club access rules and policies.
Although not as sweeping as Delta’s changes, United Airlines also announced updates to United Club, affecting membership options, time limits and guest policies.
United now offers two tiers of club membership: United Club individual and United Club All Access. Individual membership offers unlimited access to all United Club locations for the primary member, priced annually at $750 or 94,000 miles. All Access memberships offer unlimited United Club access to primary members and up to two guests, and also includes access to all Star Alliance member lounges and other select partner locations. Purchasing the All Access membership (costing $1,400 or 175,000 miles annually) gives passengers Star Alliance Gold status for lounge access.
United Airlines also announced an entire overhaul of its cobranded credit cards, with lounge access now included for cardmembers of United Club Card, United Club Business Card, United Presidential Plus Card and United Presidential Plus Business Card.
And due to increased numbers in airport lounges, United Airlines implemented a three-hour time limit before departure times in United Clubs for one-time pass users.
What are your thoughts on these changes? Will these changes affect your travels? Which airport lounge is your favorite? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 30, 2026This Cancún Resort and Spa Receives First Michelin Key
Recognized for delivering some of the world’s most outstanding hospitality experiences, NIZUC Resort & Spa in Cancún, Mexico, recently earned its first Michelin Key, the hotel equivalent to a Michelin Star.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Daily
Sep 30, 2026Archaeological Site of Troy Slated to See Surge in Visitors After Hit Film “The Odyssey”
The guardians of the ancient archeological site of Troy, in Türkiye, are expecting a surge in visitors with the recent release of Christopher Nolan’s movie, The Odyssey. The ancient city of Troy plays a central role in the story of The Odyssey, which dates back some 3,200 years.
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 30, 2026Review: Sushi by Scratch at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley
Husband-and-wife team Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee made their mark by reinventing the term “hidden gem” through their surprising and intentional collection of destination restaurants. While they launched the original Scratch Kitchen in 2013, an expired lease prompted them to relocate to an unassuming strip mall in suburban Encino in 2015 and rename it Scratch Bar & Kitchen. Even at a time when the San Fernando Valley was not known for innovative 5-star dining, the Lees’ concepts gathered such a strong buzz that discerning diners cheerfully followed them “over the hill.”
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Costa Rica
Sep 30, 2026First Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Central America Debuts
Hilton’s Tapestry Collection brand makes its debut in Costa Rica and Central America with Montara Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The new 97-room hotel (including 38 suites) prioritizes wellness and well-being, offering experiences for guests to slow down, disconnect and return home refreshed.
Cape of Senses Launches Golf-Themed Offer
eFlyer Deals
Sep 30, 2026Daily
Sep 30, 2026Sofitel, Nespresso Partner for Limited-Edition, In-Room Coffee and Croissant Pairings
Wine has long held the spotlight for the beverage to be thoughtfully paired, selected and presented, but Sofitel’s new partnership with Nespresso seeks to place coffee on the pedestal, highlighting the versatility and variability of the morning beverage like never before.
Sponsored Content
Why Japan Is Best Explored by Sea with Princess
Japan is a destination that rewards repeat visits because no two regions — or seasons — feel quite the same. One moment, you’re wandering through centuries-old geisha districts in Kanazawa. The next, you’re watching neon reflections dance across Tokyo streets long after midnight.
September 2026
Sep 29, 2026Set Sail on Your Ultimate Dream Voyage
Cruising is more popular than ever. Global cruise passenger volume reached a historic of 37.2 million in 2025, according to the recently released Global Cruise Industry Report by the Cruise Lines International Association. And, increasingly, cruisers want to go big or stay home. It’s about checking off the bucket list and taking that trip they’re dreaming of — exotic, adventure-filled, one-of-a-kind voyages. Here are some of the best.
ShareThis