Why Delta is limiting access to its airport clubs.

Members can’t use clubs if not on Delta or partners that day.

Delta Air Lines is rolling out new policies that further restrict who can enter Sky Clubs in airports.

The clubs at Hartsfield-Jackson Inte r national and other airports where Delta operates offer a loungelike atmosphere with complimentary food and drinks.

It’s not cheap to buy a Delta Sky Club membership: An individual Sky Club membership costs $545 for 2019, up $50 from last year.

A Sky Club executive membership costs $845, up $100.

But one of the frustra- tions some Sky Club mem- bers have is overcrowding in the clubs. The new policies may limit crowds in clubs by further restricting who can enter.

Atlanta-based Delta’s new policy that took effect Jan. 1 requires that Sky Club mem- bers must be flying on Delta or a Delta partner carrier that day in order to enter a club. That means Sky Club members won’t be able to use the clubs when they’re flying another airline.

”Based on customer feedback, we made several pol- icy changes to help ensure that the exceptional expe- rience is reserved for Delta Sky Club members and their guests who choose to fly with us,” Delta said in a written statement.

Sky Club members also won’t have access to Air France, KLM Crown or Virgin Australia partner lounges unless they have “elite plus” status.

Another move that limits who can get into Sky Clubs is Delta’s move in November 2018 to discontinue Sky Club day passes. The airline previously sold day passes for $59.

There are separate restrictions for those who have Delta Reserve, Platinum or Centurion American Express cards to access Sky Clubs.

CONTRIBUTED Though an individual Sky Club membership costs $545 for 2019, one of the frustrations some Sky Club members have is overcrowding in the clubs.