Delta is changing their Choice Benefits for the 2018 Medallion Year for Diamond Medallions, by allowing a third Choice Benefit to choose from, however Delta SkyClub access will no longer be automatic for Diamonds, it will now become a choice.

Delta realizes that many Diamond Medallions access the SkyClubs using either a The Platinum Card® from American Express, Business Platinum Card from American Express or Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express all which  provide complimentary SkyClub access.

How Delta’s 2018 Choice Benefits Are Changing:

• Diamond Medallion members will now receive three Choice Benefits instead of two, however will not receive automatic Delta Sky Club access
• Diamond Medallions can choose an individual membership using one Choice Benefit or an Executive Membership may be selected by using two Choice Benefits.
• If a Diamond Medallion members has complimentary Delta Sky Club access via a credit card (such as The Platinum Card® from American Express, or Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express they can choose to select a Delta Sky Club Guest Pass to receive unlimited Delta Sky Club access for up to two guests per visit when traveling with the card member.
• New ability for Diamond Medallion members to make multiple selections of same benefit (excludes Upgrade Certificates and Sky Club options)

If you’re a Platinum Medallion and were hoping for a second Choice Benefit, that will not be the case. However, both Diamond and Platinum Medallions will now be able to give the bonus miles selection to any SkyMiles member of their choosing. Previously, this was only available for the member making the selection.

In addition, previously you had to select your Choice Benefits at the same time, we’ll starting now for both the 2017 and 2018 Medallion years’ selections, Diamond Medallion members can now choose their Choice Benefits separately, which is great news. For instance, if you want to gift your family member Gold Medallion status immediately, but wait 6 months to choose your Global Upgrades, you’l now have this ability to do so.

Bottom Line

After evaluating all these changes, I truly think this is a positive change for some Diamond Medallion members. Even though automatic Sky Club access is going away, you’re getting a third choice which can still be used for Sky Club access.

Another innovative benefit is the ability to choose a Delta Sky Club Guest Pass to bring in two guests with you each time if you already receive Sky Club access from a credit card.

I think many Diamond Medallions will also be pleased that you can choose your Choice Benefits separately and won’t be locked in to make all your selections at once.

Lastly, being able to choose the same benefit multiple time, means if you’re a Diamond and were to choose the same benefit for all of your selections, you would be able to gift three friends Gold Medallion Status or you could choose 75,000 bonus SkyMiles as your choice.

What are your thoughts on these changes? Feel free to comment below!