Yes, as of current 2026 regulations, you must be flying on a same-day Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flight to access the Delta Sky Club using your American Express Platinum Card. The card provides access for the individual cardholder, but it requires a valid boarding pass for a Delta flight departing from or arriving at the airport where the club is located. This benefit is limited to 10 visits per year unless the cardholder has reached a specific high-spending threshold (typically $75,000 in a calendar year) for unlimited access. Furthermore, you can only access the lounge within three hours of your flight's scheduled departure time, or at any time during a layover between two Delta flights. It is important to note that this benefit does not extend to "Basic Economy" tickets, and guests are not included for free; cardholders must pay a per-visit fee (currently around $50) for any companions. This strict "flying Delta" requirement ensures that the lounges remain available primarily for the airline's own passengers while still offering a premium perk for high-tier American Express customers.