Why These Guests Were Turned Away From LAX’s Delta SkyClub

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It’s been several years since we’ve had access to the Delta SkyClub. Even while I had access to the club with my AMEX Platinum card, we’d go to the Priority Pass lounge instead because they didn’t charge to bring a guest.

Now that I have an AMEX Platinum card again, we decided to use the Delta SkyClub at LAX during our four-hour layover. There are two clubs in LAX’s Terminal 2. The smaller of the two was at capacity, so we stood in line to enter the main lounge. The line was outside for a Delta rep to check vaccination cards and boarding passes. The agent turned two parties in front of us away from the lounge. Not because they weren’t vaccinated but because they mistakenly thought they’d have lounge access.

This is understandable because Delta has dramatically decreased the number of people who can enter their SkyClub lounges for free. The rules are also confusing because of similar names for different Delta offerings. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when accessing a SkyClub.

This rule applies to everyone.

Before we get into the list of who’s allowed entrance to the club, there’s one caveat that applies to everyone. You need to be flying on a Delta (or a Delta partner) flight that day.

Delta One Passengers

Here’s one that causes confusion. Passengers flying on a domestic or international Delta One marketed flight or on a flight connecting to/from a Delta One International flight have access to SkyClubs. The key here is that it has to be a Delta One flight. These will be long-haul international flights or select domestic itineraries (like JFK-LAX.)

If your flight only says First, like this MSP-LAX flight, then you’re not eligible to enter the club because of your flight.

Only the Delta One ticketed passenger is allowed into the club.

American Express Platinum Cardholders (Personal or Business)

AMEX Platinum cardholders get access to SkyClubs before their Delta flights. They can also bring up to two additional guests into the club for $39 each. People (including me) forget that you need to have your card with you for the agents to scan. No card, no entry. One person was denied access at LAX because her card was flagged for fraud while traveling and deactivated. Without an active card, the agents did not allow them into the SkyClub.

American Express Delta Platinum Cardholders

With similar names, it’s understandable that people with the co-brand Platinum card might think they get lounge access. They don’t. However, this is the only credit card that allows you to purchase a day-pass for $39. One guest was quite upset that they pay $250 a year for a credit card that doesn’t even provide access to the lounge.

Final Thoughts

Several other groups of passengers have access to the SkyClub but most of them are people with elite status either with Delta or other SkyTeam airlines. They have a better idea of the rules than the everyday passenger.

If you have a specific situation you’re wondering about, the complete entry and guest requirements list can be found on Delta’s website.

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary

Cover photo courtesy of Delta Airlines