How to Get Access to Delta's Sky Club Lounges

Elite Delta Air Lines fliers don't hang out at the gate before boarding. You can find them instead in the airline's branded Delta Sky Clubs in airports all over the world, including Santiago, Chile, and Tokyo, Japan. Before you travel, check to see if you can get access to one of these exclusive lounges. Believe us — it sure beats moseying around the airport terminal.

Related: The Best Airport Lounges in the World — and How to Get In

How to Access Delta Sky Clubs

Members of Delta's SkyMiles frequent flier program with Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Medallion status receive complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs, as well as partner lounges, but only when traveling on a SkyTeam international flight. Lounge access for international travel extends to SkyTeam domestic flights that connect with international flights on the same day. SkyTeam Alliance members include Virgin Atlantic, Air France, and Aeroméxico.

Frequent flier or not, though, any Delta traveler can also purchase an annual membership to get access to more than 100 Delta Sky Club lounges around the world.

An Individual Membership costs $545 per year of unlimited access, and members may bring up to two guests for $39 each. The Executive Membership, on the other hand, includes complimentary access for the member and up to two guests per visit. The Executive pass costs $845 for the year.

Access to Delta Sky Clubs is also granted to certain travelers flying on a Delta or SkyTeam ticket. First and business class travelers on international flights, for example, enjoy this cushy perk.

Delta Platinum and Reserve credit card holders also have complimentary access to these lounges when flying on a Delta Air Lines-operated flight, as do American Express Platinum and Centurion card holders. Travelers with a Platinum or Reserve Delta SkyMiles credit card can hang out at the lounge with up to two guests.

While the airline used to offer single-visit passes for $59, the passes were discontinued in 2018. You can obtain a guest pass if you're a Delta credit card holder, you have Diamond Medallion status, or you're traveling with someone who has lounge access.

Delta Sky Club Amenities

All Delta Sky Clubs feature a number of standard amenities, including flight assistance from the welcome desk and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Delta Sky Clubs offer healthy food options and a large array of beverage options all day, as well as a fully stocked bar with wines, craft beers, and spirits. (Selections vary depending on your location — in Santiago, Chile, for example, the bar might feature local pisco sour mix.) Only some beverages are free; others can be purchased with a credit card or miles.

Work stations provide travelers with printers and, depending on the lounge, fax machines may also be available. There are televisions and a wide selection of magazines (think: The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, the Financial Times, and local and international publications) to pass the time with. Travelers can even shower in some lounges.