It’s distinct from most other kinds of discomfort.

It has a classier air, one that lingers over freshly cleansed skin and penetrates even the most tense nerves.

One of these first-world problems has been bothering frequent fliers for a while now.

Regular passengers of Delta Air Lines.

An increasingly frustrating issue has plagued Delta since the pandemic’s decline and regular business and pleasure travellers returned, sometimes at the same time.

Many of its clients yearned for an invitation to one of the company’s exclusive Sky Clubs. To relax and feel apart from those who aren’t as clean as they are.

Even though American Express Platinum members were already eligible, the sudden influx of these travellers made things seem worse for Delta. In the lounge, waiting times increased to be extremely slow and drawn out.

Access was denied to anybody who had a flight departing within three hours of entering the terminal. The system attempted to divide people into two groups, one for those who deserved priority service and another for those who didn’t.

Nonetheless, it appears that this was insufficient.

According to The Airline Observer, the company has come up with another another strategy to subdivide and conquer. Pay close attention to the details.

Even if you’re a Delta elite member, you may not be allowed to use the Sky Club lounge if you’re upgrading to a more basic fare like economy or Comfort+. Long-distance travel. Really intricate, huh? You may have just landed someplace, forgotten your airline’s class designation, and waited in line for the lounge, only to be told that your outfit no longer fits the dress code.

What’s worse is that many users have spent more than they needed to in order to gain access to the Sky Club. They might not even be admitted. Even though it may seem like a minor expense, an Executive Membership at Sky Club will set you back $845.

I should also mention that there were a few finely polished glitches in Delta’s final notice of all these adjustments.

Focused attention is required to read The Points Guy’s summary.

What do you think of this one? As at the beginning of the new year, only Medallion elite members will be able to purchase Sky Club membership. How much did it set you back? Check this out. The cost of regular membership is now $695, while that of the higher-level Executive membership is $1,495.Perhaps you’re thinking that Delta is being a little too snarky or condescending with you. You may be confused as to why the airline is even considering these options.

It seems that the negative attention that Delta’s extended lounge wait times have garnered is not sitting well with the airline. Strange, because huge lineups did wonders for Apple’s public perception.

Although we empathise with Delta’s plight, we can’t help but wonder whether the airline might have seen this coming. Simply put, it was the source of the issue.

How can you inform a huge portion of the world’s air travellers (those who are a part of your SkyTeam alliance) that they are no longer welcome if you have already welcomed them into your (supposedly) exclusive club?

And how do you tell the elite American Express Platinum cardholders who shell out $750 annually for the privilege of using their card and its privileges that their card isn’t as potent as they may have thought?

It would appear that Delta has decided to disrespect a sizable portion of the middle class, including many strivers, savers, and desperados. Is there anything more disappointing than promising a perk and then abruptly removing it?

Perhaps the most drastic measure possible is the only way forward. You can make everyone wonder what happens on behind closed doors if you only let the most exclusive members in. Troupes of dancers? Exclusive appearances by the stars?

Oh, and refund the present Sky Club members’ dues.

It appears like Delta is moving in the direction of redefining exclusivity from the ground up.