Delta will make it harder to get into airport lounges, changes rules to earn elite status

, and the large fee hikes that passengers will have to pay for baggage handling and seat selection fees. Delta will also limit which flights can be upgraded with miles and may impose blackout dates for award travel. Additionally, Delta could introduce new tiers for reward programs, with higher requirements for upgrades, or require a higher spending threshold in order to earn elite status. Finally, Delta could introduce a new fare-purchase policy that would require a higher minimum purchase, or reduce the refundable options available to passengers.