Delta Air Lines is making its clubs more exclusive by upping the price and the requirements to gain access to the private airport lounges.
The move, announced Wednesday, is a result of Delta Sky Club's widespread popularity, which has outpaced its capacity, according to the largest airline by revenue.
The air carrier has received complaints from travelers over long wait lines to get into clubs and even find a seat once inside.
Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion customers can purchase new club memberships as part of a slate of changes. There was a chance that anyone could buy a membership in Sky Club before, according to Delta.
Fees for Club membership will be raised from $545 or 54,500 miles to $695 or 69,500 miles for an individual starting January 1. The fees for executives will range from $845 or 84,500 miles to $1,495 or 149,500 miles.
The fees for companion guests will go up from $39 to $50 or from 3,900 to 5,000 miles a month after that.
The airline has also changed the rules for Diamond Medallion members who select Executive Club access via their choice of benefits and customers flying in Delta One and select Medallion members flying in Delta Premium Select internationally.
While we are delighted to see so many customers enjoy the fruits of our teams hard work, our goal is now to balance the popularity of the Clubs with the premium service and atmosphere that they were designed to provide, and that our guests deserve, said Dwight James, senior vice president of customer engagement and loyalty.
The airline has over 50 Sky Club locations.
The carrier has opened four new clubs since April, including its two largest lounges at New York's LaGuardia Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, as well as its only international club at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. There is a new 22,000 plus square foot club at Chicago-O Hare.