A couple of weeks back Delta announced a huge change to their SkyClub access policy, whereby they would start charging for guest access for anyone that doesn’t have an “Executive Membership,” which will cost $649 per year.
Anyway, per an email sent out to SkyMiles members and a memo posted on FlyerTalk, it appears as if they’ll make some actually positive changes to SkyClubs, at least on a test basis:
As part of our continued investment in improving your Delta Sky Club® experience, select Club locations will be testing new premium products and services from mid-February through late April.
You’re invited to come by and enjoy these new options, and then provide your feedback via an in–Club survey. The items that receive the most positive customer reviews will be included as part of a product investment upgrade in Clubs this summer. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the products and services you may experience*:
- More food options, including pancakes and upgraded bagels for breakfast, sandwiches and hot soups mid–day, and hors d’oeuvres, antipasti and dessert choices in the evening
- Nourishing snack choices, including energy bars, fresh fruit, popcorn, nuts and smoothies
- Select complimentary services, including shoe shines, manicures and relaxing chair massages — perfect for a busy day of travel
In addition, based on your feedback, we will immediately upgrade the current complimentary vodka offered across all Clubs to Finlandia® Vodka.
Stop by the test Club locations in Atlanta (Gate A17 and Concourse F locations), Dallas–Fort Worth, Detroit (across from Gate A38), Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, New York–LaGuardia (Terminal D location), Raleigh–Durham and Seattle to try some of these new premium offerings.
We value your feedback as we work to improve your Club experience.
Better food, shoe shines, chair massages, and manicures, all for free? Wow! I do wonder what exactly they’re “testing.” I can’t imagine people won’t like the new offerings, so here’s to hoping they’re permanent.
Delta SkyClub SkyDeck in Atlanta
So, in a nutshell they are doing the complete opposite of the United clubs...........
Sounds more like some of the European club offerings...
How about testing in MSP? WTH Delta!!!! Upgraded bagel??? What does that mean? Maybe a bagel with more legroom.
I wish United would do the same!
I will miss being able to bring my wife but with over 140 segments having a less crowded skyclub and better food is one upgrade I like "overall".
@Lisa - An upgraded bagel is one that rides in first class despite having an economy ticket ;)
@Gary: Well, when Delta "upgraded" their liquor selections, that meant they downgraded the complimentary liquor and added paid drinks. I'm hoping you're wrong, but the precedent isn't good.
It could very well be based on feedback that the primary users of the SkyClubs (not the guests) wanted a better experience just for themselves. I guess some of the savings from the attendant drop-off in usage is being put into upgrades.
What the heck is an upgraded bagel? Does that mean sesame seeds instead of plain?
@Bgriff --Great to know, thanks! Since I am Diamond Medallion, drink vodka, and almost never bring a guest into the SkyClub, I guess all the recent SkyClub changes taken together are net positive for me -- a true "enhancement"! :)
@Gene -- Delta has confirmed on Flyertalk that the new food options will be free.
I wish they'd put back those tasty little cinnamon rolls they used to have at breakfast. It was a sad, sad day when those were replaced by those dry, horrid little scones. #firstworldproblems
I wish they'd put back those tasty little cinnamon rolls they used to have at breakfast. It was a sad, sad day when those were replaced by those dry, horrid little scones. #firstworldproblems
I wish they'd put back those tasty little cinnamon rolls they used to have at breakfast. It was a sad, sad day when those were replaced by those dry, horrid little scones. #firstworldproblems
I wonder if the new food "options" will be free? I'm guessing not.