Delta Platinum members get one ‘choice benefit’ and Diamonds get two.

For instance, a Platinum member might choose 4 confirmed regional upgrades or 20,000 bonus miles or to gift someone Silver status.

A Diamond member might choose 4 confirmed international upgrades valid on any fare, a benefit the airline introduced three years ago. Indeed, now that American Airlines has reduced the number of confirmed international upgrades given upon reaching top tier to 4 and tightened up availability Delta is even with American offering international upgrades to top elites.

But Delta Diamonds also get a second choice. They can gift Gold status to someone or take 20,000 bonus miles or a $200 Delta credit for instance.

Delta Diamond elites receive a complimentary SkyClub membership upon reaching tier status. That’s something neither American nor United offer (but lounge access is common for mid-tier elites all over the world, regardless of itinerary).

• It’s an ‘individual’ membership, which means guests come at a fee.
  
• Many Diamonds get access anyway either with a premium co-brand credit card (especially since having one is an upgrade tie-breaker) or a Platinum American Express card.
  
• They can choose to ‘upgrade’ their SkyClub membership to a ‘full’ or ‘executive’ membership that lets them guest someone in free as one of their choice benefits, in lieu of bonus miles or gifting status.

Delta SkyClub Seattle, credit: Delta Air Lines

Rene’s Points is reporting that Delta will be changing Choice benefits for Diamond members who qualify for 2018 status.

1. They will no longer automatically receive SkyClub membership
   
2. However it will be a ‘Choice’ benefit
   
3. And they will receive 3 choices instead of 2

If Delta’s change is as-described this is a win for top elites, who no longer duplicate a benefit they receive as a co-brand cardholder. If they have a card that gets them lounge access anyway, they effectively get another free Choice. And that’s worth at least 20,000 points or $200.