Tom Brady is blamed for Delta Air Lines’ drastic changes to Sky Clubs seven days after he was named strategic advisor

Tom Brady is used to criticism, but after Delta Air Lines’ drastic changes, the seven-time Super Bowl champion was on the receiving end of a different kind of criticism.

Delta has responded by announcing plans to limit the number of entries into its lounges and tighten the qualification criteria for customers to earn frequent flyer status.

The airline announced the controversial move on Wednesday – just seven days after a release appointing Brady as a strategic advisor.

Frustrated customers turned to X and suggested that Brady had some hand in the coming changes. Of course, this is not known to be a fact.

“Tom Brady is redefining what it means to be ‘Elite’ at Delta,” one account wrote, referencing his status as perhaps the greatest football player of all time.

One social media user created a funny mockup of the “new” Delta medallion requirements

Furious Delta passengers went to X and blamed Tom Brady for the controversial changes

Funnily enough, a mock-up of the “new” Medallion Status requirements was posted, stating that customers will need 25,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles or “2 Super Bowl Championships” to qualify.

Those hoping for diamond status will need 125,000 MQMs or seven Super Bowl titles – of which Brady is the only person in NFL history (player or coach) to do so.

“Tom Brady starts a partnership with Delta and SkyMiles goes to the damn — who’s to blame here,” one woman wrote.

While Brady’s compensation for his brand ambassadorship and advisory role has not been disclosed, some focused on the fact that the future Hall of Famer was on the books at all.

“Hey @Delta, maybe you can use the money you’re using to pay noted millionaire @TomBrady to reverse the embarrassingly bad #skymiles changes you’re trying to implement.”

Starting February 1, 2025, travelers will have access to the Atlanta-based airline’s swanky Delta Sky Clubs, reduced to just six visits per year.

Those who book a basic economy ticket will no longer be allowed into the lounge at all from January 1, 2024 – even if they hold an American Express Platinum card or other premium credit card.

Starting in early 2025, American Express Platinum and Platinum Business card holders will be able to visit the Delta Lounge just six times a year to access complimentary meals and drinks and an area to relax before their flight.

Delta Reserve and Delta Business Reserve customers will be limited to 10 visits per year, the company announced.

Brady was announced as strategic advisor on September 6, eight days before the changes

Delta CEO Ed Bastian promised: “Magic will happen” during the “long-term” partnership

Brady has signed a “long-term” contract with the airline, and Delta CEO Ed Bastian promised, “Magic is going to happen.”

Something good has happened. Fireworks maybe, until now.

Brady’s role will include helping develop training and “teamwork tools” for the airline’s more than 90,000 employees and “inspiring the next generation of Delta community leaders.”

His mother, Galynn, worked as a flight attendant during his childhood. In announcing the partnership, Delta touted the “innovative new partnership” as an opportunity to leverage its “expertise in teamwork, performance and perseverance.”