I'm confused too, justme.
There are no "clubs" or "lounges" that I know of prior to the security checkpoint @ATL. I'm not sure which "lounge" they accessed with their AMEX card but all of the SkyClubs @ATL admit AMEX (Platinum and above) cardholders and up to two guests with a same-day Delta ticket.
If they indeed had 8 hours between flights why didn't they check in when they first arrived rather than wait until closer to departure time? That way they could have relaxed and enjoyed themselves in a SkyClub beyond the TSA checkpoint.
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