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Tag: lounges

  • Delta SkyClub Access Faces Severe New Restrictions

    Delta SkyClub Access Faces Severe New Restrictions

    The rumor mill has been churning for months, and now it’s official – Delta Air Lines is tightening the reins on its Delta SkyClub access once again, in addition to other serious devaluations to the popular SkyMiles program. If you thought the previous restrictions were stringent, brace yourselves for even more changes that might leave frequent flyers a bit disillusioned.

    Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members:

    Starting from February 1, 2025, Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Card Members will only be eligible for 10 Delta Sky Club Visits per Medallion Year. Card Members can earn Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after they’ve dished out a hefty $75,000 on their eligible Card within a calendar year (though the opportunity cost of not placing that spend on a more valuable card is huge). Once that milestone is reached, they’ll enjoy unlimited Delta Sky Club Access for the remainder of the current Medallion Year and the following one. Just to keep things clear, spend tracking for this new rule kicks off on January 1, 2024, for the 2025 Medallion Year.

    The Platinum Card® from American Express:

    For those carrying The Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card from American Express, there’s also a change in the wind. Starting February 1, 2025, Card Members will be granted a mere 6 Delta Sky Club Visits per Medallion Year. However, like their Reserve counterparts, they can earn unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after reaching that same $75,000 spend threshold within a calendar year. The same spend tracking timeframe applies, kicking in on January 1, 2024, for the 2025 Medallion Year.

    Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card Members:

    Now, for those of you holding the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Cards, here’s the bad news – effective January 1, 2024, you’re out of luck. These cards will no longer provide Card Members with the ability to purchase access to Delta Sky Clubs. Previously, cardholders could purchase access for themselves and up to two guests at a rate of $50 per person. Unfortunately, that option is being shown the door, joining the ranks of day passes for the general public, which were eliminated years ago.

    Basic Economy Travelers:

    Lastly, for American Express Card Members who often find themselves in Basic Economy seats or their equivalent on partner airlines, prepare for disappointment. Effective January 1, 2024, you won’t be receiving Delta Sky Club Access. While those who purchased SkyClub memberships were previously barred when flying on Basic Economy tickets, those using eligible AmEx cards to access the SkyClub had enjoyed an exemption. However, that loophole is now closed.

    These changes might leave some Delta loyalists feeling a bit shortchanged, especially when coupled with the devaluation of the SkyMiles loyalty program. For now, all we can do is adapt to these new realities and make the most of the perks that remain. Remember, in the world of travel, the only constant is change.

  • Unlocking Elevated Travel: Exploring the 100K Bonus Miles Offer of the Revamped Citi AAdvantage Executive Card

    Unlocking Elevated Travel: Exploring the 100K Bonus Miles Offer of the Revamped Citi AAdvantage Executive Card

    The revamped Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has certainly caused a stir in the miles and points community, and for good reason. While it’s true that the card’s annual fee has undergone an eyebrow-raising hike from $450 to $595, and some new fees for authorized users have crept in, let’s not jump ship just yet. This card has pulled out some tricks from its sleeve that could make it a compelling choice for frequent travelers, even despite the initial sticker shock.

    But first things first, let’s talk about the star of the show – the 100,000 AAdvantage bonus miles on the table for those who manage to meet the minimum spending requirements. If that doesn’t immediately grab your attention, well, it should. This is a “best ever” bonus for this card, and given Citi’s 48-month rule on grabbing signup bonuses, the time to pull the trigger is now.

    Of course, the welcome bonus isn’t the only selling point here. If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for the tranquility and convenience of an Admirals Club membership, this card is waving that perk right in front of you. And while the increase in the annual fee might make you blink twice, consider this: the fee actually comes in cheaper than a standalone Admirals Club membership. Even in spite of recent fee hikes, this is still a great deal for regular AA fliers.

    But wait, there’s more. If you don’t yet have AAdvantage status, this card carries a bevy of status-like benefits, and the ability to defeat some aspects of basic economy. How about a complimentary first checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation when you’re jetting off on domestic American Airlines flights? Plus, with priority check-in, security, and early boarding on the menu for American Airlines flights, you’ll be breezing through the airport like a seasoned traveler, leaving those long lines and hassles behind. If you’re working towards AAdvantage elite status, this is great way to gain early access to some of those perks & make your journey to status more comfortable.

    Oh, and let’s not forget those bonus Loyalty Points – a potential 20,000 of them a year, not tied to your spending. Rack up 50,000 Loyalty Points with AAdvantage and you’ll be showered with an extra 10,000 bonus Loyalty Points. And if you’re aiming even higher, hitting the 90,000 Loyalty Points mark will add yet another 10,000 bonus Loyalty Points to your stash. While not game changing by any means, it’s a nice little boost on your journey to the next tier of AAdvantage status.

    But it doesn’t stop there. The card is essentially throwing you an assortment of credits worth up to $360 annually. Whether you’re planning to hit the road with Avis or Budget, craving some Grubhub delights, or catching a Lyft, these credits have got your back. And if you’re a fan of smooth airport experiences, the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit of up to $100 every four years is a nice perk.

    New travel protections are woven into the card’s fabric too, covering everything from trip cancellations to rental car mishaps. This is one of the most interesting changes on the newly-revamped card; many of you will remember that Citi dropped most travel protections across their lineup of cards back in 2019. And for those looking to elevate their hotel and car bookings, earning 10x AAdvantage miles on eligible bookings through the card’s portals could very well be the icing on the travel cake – though even in light of this benefit, we still generally advise booking direct with hotels to receive elite benefits and avoid any mishaps with a third-party booking.

    So yes, the Citi AAdvantage Executive Card has morphed into something quite intriguing. While the $595 annual fee might make you raise an eyebrow, the multitude of benefits can easily turn that skepticism into intrigue. And if you’ve been eyeing this card from a distance, there’s no denying that this could very well be your moment to seize that 100,000 AAdvantage bonus miles offer and set off on a journey of extraordinary perks and possibilities.

  • Will Day Passes be Next to Go at the Admirals Club?

    Will Day Passes be Next to Go at the Admirals Club?

    As air travel has continued to regain its stride following the tumultuous wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, one particular issue has reared its head more persistently than others: the challenge of overcrowded airport lounges. The eager influx of travelers newly armed with premium credit cards that grant them access to these sanctuaries of comfort has transformed serene lounges into bustling spaces, often marked by serpentine queues and an overwhelming demand for refuge from the terminal chaos.

    For those well-versed in the art of lounge hopping, the all-too-familiar sight of “the sign” at your nearest Admirals Club location has become a sign of the times – that one that informs you that day passes and complimentary entry for military personnel are not on the menu for the day. It’s a reality that we’ve grown accustomed to, and one we see more and more as time goes on.

    As a reminder, day passes are best procured on-site. When you purchase in advance, you always run the risk of arriving to the lounge only to encounter “the sign.” There are no refunds in this situation, so now you’re left with a lounge pass to find a use for by the expiration date – a feat that only seems to get harder by the week. For this reason, it’s best to wait and purchase day passes in-person. This is especially pertinent considering AA’s recent price hike for these passes. What was once a $59 or 5900-mile purchase has now been recalibrated to a steeper $79 or 7900 miles. It’s a clear indicator that American is striving to curtail the surge of visitors clamoring for entry.

    If the overcrowding quandary at select lounges weren’t self-evident through casual observation (seriously, just go to CLT and look around), American’s recent changes certainly paint a vivid picture. Recent measures put in place by AA include:

    • The cost of an Admirals Club membership has swelled to a whopping $850 or 85,000 AAdvantage miles. This represents approximately a 31% increase from the previous fee of $650 or 65,000 AAdvantage miles. For existing members, these revised rates will only apply to membership renewals beginning September 10, 2023. We’d advise most readers to steer clear of purchasing a membership directly from AA, when it can be had at a significant cost savings through Citi. That being said…
    • The annual fee tagged to the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has experienced an uptick from $450 to $595 per annum. For some, however, the real whopper lies in the fine print – the once-gratis Admirals Club access for authorized users has been rescinded. Instead, authorized users will now be subject to a fee of $175 for up to 3 users, with an additional $175 charge for each additional authorized user beyond the initial trio.

    Amid these changes, there may be some silver lining here. American Airlines has promised to invest in a series of lounge enhancements that will accompany this price surge. Notably, these improvements encompass an elevated selection of food and beverage offerings, signaling the airline’s commitment to justifying the augmented costs. Additionally, the stunning new lounge at DCA gives us a glimpse into the American’s vision for the future of Admirals Club facilities, with similar lounges opening at DEN and EWR later this year.

    But what could this domino effect of changes be foreshadowing for the Admirals Club and its patrons? To glimpse into a potential future, we need only peer across the industry aisle at other lounge networks that have embarked on similar journeys:

    • The revered AmEx Centurion lounges have implemented several measures. Access on arrival was removed several years ago, and an overarching 3-hour time limit has been imposed for non-layover visitors. And of course, back in February, complimentary guest access was nixed for many cardmembers.
    • Delta has taken the initiative to introduce stringent limitations on entry to their popular SkyClubs earlier this year. The sale of SkyClub memberships has been confined to Delta elites, while those flying on basic economy fares have been effectively barred. Of particular note, AmEx cardmembers with SkyClub access currently enjoy an exemption from these restrictions, though rumors are abound regarding potential amendments. As history often shows, airlines are often quick to mirror their competitors – could this be a hint for what’s to come at AA?

    The Admirals Club, even after the recent changes, still features one of the most lenient domestic access policies. While I’m not sure AA’s members have the appetite for some of the draconian measures Delta has taken, one has to wonder how long day passes will remain on the menu.

    Could we see this option eliminated altogether, or could American keep this option open to drive some extra revenue on slow days? Time will tell, but for non-members wielding a credit card with airline incidental credits to burn, day passes have previously been a great way to spend those. Before I picked up an Admirals Club membership of my own, I’d often use my incidental credit to buy a day pass when I got stuck for an extended period at an airport without a good Centurion or Priority Pass option.

    As the airline landscape continues to evolve, we’re left to ponder the next steps American Airlines might undertake. Will the allure of Admirals Club day passes be further tapered or replaced by access restrictions mirroring those of their peers? The tea leaves point to an industry-wide shift towards refining the exclusivity of these sanctuaries. Time will inevitably reveal the destination of this journey, but for now, the signs are clear: change is on the horizon.