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.
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 13, 2025North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 Revealed
In late April, North America’s 50 Best Bars of 2025 were named and celebrated, with 50 bars across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean showcased for first-class cocktails and service.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Daily
May 12, 2025Incheon International Airport Wins 2 Titles in Skytrax 2025 World Airport Awards
Incheon International Airport recently announced it won two awards in the 2025 World Airport Awards from Skytrax. The airport topped the list as World’s Best Airport Staff and Best Airport Staff in Asia Pacific.
May 2025
May 12, 2025Global Traveler Announces the Winners of the 2025 Leisure Lifestyle Awards
While not always viewed as a lucky number, for us this year, 13 means winning! We offer our hearty congratulations as we bring you the winners of our 13th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards. We offer our hearty congratulations as we bring you the winners of our 13th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards. Our travel, recognizing goods, services, destinations, hotels, airlines, airports, cruises and more. Read on to find out who dominates in the leisure travel industry and see if your favorites made the cut. We also say thank you to our readers, the most seasoned travelers we know, for voting in this year’s survey.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
Daily
May 12, 2025SLS Playa Mujeres Debuts SLS Elite and Signature Suites
SLS Elite at SLS Playa Mujeres brings a new level of sophistication to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The resort raises the bar in the world of hospitality with the introduction of its new SLS Elite and signature suites, offering guests a unique collection of bespoke benefits and next-level luxuries.
OMNI Fort Lauderdale Opens This Fall
Hotels
May 11, 2025May 2025
May 9, 2025Find Your Version of Paradise in the Enchanting ABC Islands
ARUBA | Carley Thornell Aruba is the smallest of the ABC Islands, but its visitor numbers outpace the others by far. It’s easy to see why: Getting there (and getting around when there) proves easy, and the island offers plenty of hotels, experiences and dining for families and lovebirds alike.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Daily
May 9, 2025The Caribbean Guilder Debuts as New Currency for Curaçao, Sint Maarten
Curaçao and Sint Maarten recently introduced a new currency: the Caribbean guilder, with five banknotes and seven coins all holding the same value as the previous currency, the Netherlands Antillean guilder. With a theme of World Under the Sea, the new currency symbolizes the unity of the two islands. Curaçao is currently the most Googled international summer travel destination.
ShareThis