Delta has made it harder to get into its airport lounges in 2023.

Delta Air Lines is trying to reduce lines at its popular and overcrowded airport lounges.

Starting next year, Delta’s Sky Club lounges will be more difficult and expensive to get into — a respite for travelers looking for a comfortable place to work or enjoy free food and drink.

“After a banner year of Delta Sky Club opening in 2022 and expansion of Delta’s network that resulted in record number of visits, the airline is changing the way Clubs are accessed starting next year. can receive to preserve the best-in-class experience,” the Atlanta-based company said Wednesday Statement.

Overcrowded lounges have become a problem for Delta, which offers access to more than 50 of its lounges through a variety of means, including credit cards.

The carrier admitted as much in rolling out its new policy.

Delta said, “A byproduct of the widespread popularity of the Delta Sky Club has been an increase in visits that have increased the club’s capacity — leading to the frustration of some customers who find themselves waiting in lines. Doing or finding a seat once inside,” Delta said.

Select Medallion level only.

Beginning in February, membership packages to Delta’s lounges will be available only to those with status in its SkyMiles frequent flyer program, or one of the so-called medallion tiers. Now, anyone can buy a subscription.

The carrier is also raising membership fees, with individual memberships to Delta’s Sky Clubs starting January 1, 2023, going from $545 or 54,500 miles to $695 or 69,500 miles. Executive memberships that allow guests are increasing from $845 or 84,500 miles to $1,495 or 149,500 miles.

Among the first crowd control measures was Delta in June. is saying Passengers can enter the lounge within three hours of their departure.