Delta passengers who purchase or renew a Delta Sky Club membership by Dec. 31, 2011, can choose to receive two free additional months of membership or 1,500 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs). Plus, the $50 initiation fee for new lounge members will be waived. Visit http://www.delta.com/happyholidays for more information. Membership starts at $450 for general members and elite members receive a discounted fee of $400 for Silver Medallions, $350 for Gold Medallions and $300 for Platinum and Diamond Medallions.

Bottom line: For elite members who need a few extra MQMs to requalify for elite status before Dec. 31, purchasing a Sky Club membership might be more expensive than a mileage run, but if you were already considering purchasing a membership, the extra miles or two extra months may be enough of an incentive to convince you to join the Sky Club. Another way to get lounge access is to acquire the Delta Reserve credit card, which comes with 10,000 MQMs after first purchase and complimentary access to Delta Sky Club for the cardholder and two guests, among other benefits. The card has a $450 annual fee.