You need the "Reserve" Delta AMEX card to get free access to the lounge. The other cards don't have that benefit. The card itself is metal and purple. Of course, it's not really free, you pay $550 a year for it. But you get a free buddy pass that you can use for a coach or first class ticket, and they give you a bunch of free miles and you accrue miles faster. So for some folks the math works out.
That's so weird about your lounge entry! I have a Delta AMEX card and I know your admission into the lounge comes with your card so you shouldn't have to pay. If you have a guest, there are a few guest passes that you get each year that can be used, but if you're traveling international you should be able to bring a guest with no extra charge. Only exceptions to that I can think of is the lounge is operated by a partner airline and not Delta. Sorry for rambling, I'm a bit of a nerd on this topic!
You need the "Reserve" Delta AMEX card to get free access to the lounge. The other cards don't have that benefit. The card itself is metal and purple. Of course, it's not really free, you pay $550 a year for it. But you get a free buddy pass that you can use for a coach or first class ticket, and they give you a bunch of free miles and you accrue miles faster. So for some folks the math works out.
That's so weird about your lounge entry! I have a Delta AMEX card and I know your admission into the lounge comes with your card so you shouldn't have to pay. If you have a guest, there are a few guest passes that you get each year that can be used, but if you're traveling international you should be able to bring a guest with no extra charge. Only exceptions to that I can think of is the lounge is operated by a partner airline and not Delta. Sorry for rambling, I'm a bit of a nerd on this topic!