Woman says she paid $800 for a Basic Economy ticket, but Delta still barred her AmEx Platinum card from Sky Club access: ‘It’s just not right’

A traveler named Gabi Powel said in a TikTok video that Delta would not let her into a Sky Club after she bought what she described as an $800 Basic Economy ticket. Powel, who posts as @gabipowel, filmed herself in what appeared to be an airport terminal, wearing a grey tank top, a black backpack, and holding a clear water bottle. On-screen text in the video reads, “wtf Delta.”

The video had gained 232,100 views, almost 6,000 likes, and more than 1,500 comments. In the caption, Powel wrote that she had gone from limited lounge visits to being blocked because she got a “deal” on a Basic ticket, and she described a one-hour flight priced at more than $800.

Powel said she was flying from West Palm Beach to Atlanta. She stated, “Delta, I don’t know if you guys are just like going down the drain or what, but if I pay $800 for a basic ticket and I’m only going from West Palm to Atlanta, it’s 1 hour, $800.” She added that she also pays about $900 a year for an Amex Platinum card and still was “not allowed to go into the Delta Sky Lounge. Delta Club, whatever, because I bought a basic – a basic that was worth $800.” She later said, “I’m sorry, just not right. It’s just not right.”

Published Sky Club rules limit Basic Economy tickets and some Amex cards

American Express has listed the Platinum Card annual fee as $895. Amex has also described lounge benefits through the Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass after enrollment, and partner lounges. Amex has said Platinum Card Members receive 10 Delta Sky Club visits each year, used between February 1 and January 31 of the following calendar year, when flying on an eligible Delta flight.

Amex has said Card Members who spend $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year can unlock unlimited Delta Sky Club access for the rest of that year and the following year. The company has also described other credits on the card, including travel, dining, and entertainment statement credits.

Delta said that beginning January 1, 2024, eligible card members with Basic Economy (E) fare tickets, or similar “Light” or “basic” tickets issued by a Delta partner, would not have access to the Delta Sky Club. Delta also said that beginning January 1, 2024, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Cards would no longer provide Club access. The changes have sparked broader customer disputes, such as when Delta gate agents allegedly questioned a passenger’s boyfriend’s ticket.

Delta said Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Card Members would receive 10 Club visits per Medallion Year starting February 1, 2025. The airline said those members can earn unlimited access after spending $75,000 on their eligible card in a calendar year, with unlimited Club access for the rest of the current Medallion Year and the following Medallion Year.

According to The Associated Press, Delta planned further caps starting February 1, 2025, because of overcrowding. AP reported that holders of the American Express Platinum Card would be allowed six visits per year, and Delta Reserve American Express Card holders would get 10 annual visits. AP also reported that people who book a Basic Economy ticket would no longer be allowed in Delta’s lounges starting January 1, 2024, regardless of whether they carry a Platinum Card or another premium credit card.

AP reported that the change does not affect access to American Express Centurion airport lounges. In a statement cited by AP, Amex said it expected “the vast majority” of card members to continue to have Sky Club access based on how much they fly, and that customers who spend $75,000 on their card annually would get unlimited lounge access. AP also reported that Delta was changing SkyMiles status so members earn status based on money spent with the airline rather than miles flown.

Viewers responded to Powel’s video with comments about fares, card types, and lounge rules. One commenter pointed to the fare rules and wrote, “Sounds like reading the restrictions of basic could’ve avoided this. Never buy basic.”

Another focused on the price she named and wrote, “I think the $800 ticket is the real problem & how/why it happened.” A third commenter distinguished card products and wrote, “You need a Delta reserve card not a Delta platinum card.” Such pricing disputes can leave travelers feeling stunned, as a United Airlines customer was allegedly charged a senior tax.

Others pointed back to published terms. One wrote, “Read the rules.” Another asked whether lounges should be open to everyone and wrote, “So we just want everyone in the lounge now? Probably shouldn’t have bought the basic ticket.”