After years of anticipation, the day has finally come — Delta’s first business-class-only lounge is ready for its big debut.
On Wednesday, the airline will open the doors to its first Delta One Lounge, located in Terminal 4 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Delta One Lounges are a new breed of airport oases for flyers of the Atlanta-based carrier. They are only open to business-class passengers (more on that below) and feature elevated amenities, such as restaurant-style brasseries, spa areas and much more that you wouldn’t otherwise find in the membership-based Sky Clubs.
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Wednesday marks a new chapter for the airline’s premium-focused strategy, but it’s just the beginning. The airline is also opening Delta One Lounge outposts in Los Angeles and Boston in October and November, respectively.
Ever since rumors started swirling about Delta One Lounges, the airline has been mum about what to expect inside and how they would be different from the traditional Sky Club.
Well, come with me behind the velvet rope because the Delta One Lounge at JFK is now ready for its big debut.
Delta One Lounge JFK location
The Delta One Lounge at JFK is in the center of the carrier’s Terminal 4 hub between the A and B concourses in the main headhouse. It is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Departing Delta One flyers will arrive at a special Sky Way check-in area on the departures level of Terminal 4. The old Sky Priority check-in area has been repurposed as the Delta One check-in area, where you’ll go to complete check-in and security.
There’s even a small lounge here with a few refreshments if you need something quickly before security.
Later this year, Delta will debut a private TSA security checkpoint for departing business-class travelers, similar to the one it opened in Los Angeles in 2023. This will feed directly into the Delta One Lounge.
Once it opens, this area will make for an even more seamless check-in experience, but in the meantime, you’ll quickly forget all about the check-in and security experience once you step foot into this new outpost.
Note that connecting and arriving passengers can find the Delta One Lounge entrance on the departures level of Terminal 4. There is an elevator bank that will take you from the departures level to the main lounge on the upper level of Terminal 4.
In fact, given the lounge’s central location in the Terminal 4 headhouse, Delta will offer six-person golf cart transfers to every guest on a rolling 15-minute basis from the Delta One Lounge to the existing Sky Club near Gate B31. This will significantly cut down on the walk that premium travelers can expect when flying in Delta One.
Better yet, some of the airline’s most valued customers will enjoy Porsche rides from the lounge to the gate — the lounge’s elevators have an access-controlled stop on the tarmac level right near the waiting Porsches.
Delta One Lounge JFK access
Though the new Delta One Lounge will become quite popular, scoring a ticket inside won’t require waitlists or ticket drops. (It will, however, require deep pockets or high-six-figure SkyMiles balances.)
As you’ll see below, there are three ways to access the Delta One Lounge. These access policies will apply to all future Delta One Lounge locations.
- Traveling on a same-day departing, connecting or arriving Delta One flight.
- Delta’s invite-only 360 members traveling to any destination on a same-day departing, connecting or arriving first-class ticket
- Traveling on a same-day departing or connecting flight operated by one of Delta’s select partners in their respective first- or business-class cabins:
- Air France La Premiere and Business Class (Long-Haul)
- LATAM Premium Business Class
- KLM Business Class
- Korean Air First Class and Prestige Class
- Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
This is the first time we’re getting a peek at the Delta One Lounge access policies, and I’d say that they are pretty much in line with expectations (especially relative to American’s Flagship Lounge and United’s Polaris Lounges).
The good seats: The ultimate guide to Delta One Suites
Delta One Lounges are basically open to those who are flying on long-haul business- or first-class itineraries with Delta and its core SkyTeam and joint venture partners.
The one big (and welcome) exception is that Delta markets some of the highest-profile domestic and short-haul international business-class routes as Delta One, and these tickets will include Delta One Lounge access.
For instance, all premium transcontinental flights from New York to Los Angeles and San Francisco will qualify for access, as well as legs from New York to Honolulu and any others marketed as Delta One.
When you’re determining if you can use the Delta One Lounge, be sure to look out for the Delta One cabin listed on your itinerary. A Delta One seat needs to be confirmed to access the lounge, so if you’re waiting for an upgrade, you won’t be able to get inside.
(And remember, even though wide-body jets with lie-flat seats may be used on shorter routes, the forward cabin needs to be marketed as Delta One to use the lounge.)
Note that Delta will not sell memberships or day passes for the Delta One Lounge.
Eligible Delta 360 travelers may pay to bring in eligible companion guests who may be traveling in a different class of service on a same-day Delta flight. Eligible companion guests include immediate family (spouse or domestic partner and children under the age of 21), or up to two companion guests, for an entry fee of $100 (or 10,000 miles) per person.
Children under the age of two may accompany the eligible Delta One Lounge customer at no charge.
Delta One Lounge JFK layout
I’ve been to basically every major premium airport lounge in the country (and many across the world), but from the moment I entered the Delta One Lounge, I knew this wouldn’t be like most others and it’s certainly unlike any Sky Clubs.
In fact, this is Delta’s largest lounge yet. It measures a whopping 39,707 square feet with room for 515 passengers.
Entering the Delta One Lounge brings you directly into the space’s main thoroughfare.
On your left, you’ll find the Fireplace Lounge, which is accented with throw pillows, vases and coffee table books from the airline’s new premium partner Missoni. (Though you might be tempted, don’t try taking one of those pillows home with you.)
This space is designed for those who want to enjoy a conversation with others over drinks, Delta says. Personally, I can envision that this area will get really busy, so despite how beautiful it is, I might recommend venturing further into the lounge.
The next main area is the Icon Bar, which sports eye-catching art deco-inspired light fixtures designed to evoke similar touches at Radio City Music Hall.
This is the lounge’s signature bar, and surrounding it, you’ll find plenty of bar-style and traditional sofa and reclining chair seating options.
If you continue walking into the lounge, you’ll find yourself on the lounge’s year-round terrace, which has seating for 40.
While most of the carrier’s signature Sky Clubs feature Sky Decks, this terrace feels much more luxurious. The plant arrangements will be updated seasonally, and the seats themselves seem considerably higher-end.
Unfortunately, the windows along the terrace are dotted and pre-tinted, making it easy to take in the view but hard to capture the moment for your Instagram feed.
The lounge features two distinct business areas. Both are along the side of the space — one is adjacent to the terrace, lining half of the lounge’s perimeter.
This long corridor has plenty of high-top seating, as well as five of the latest generation Framery phone booths.
The other business area is tucked in the corner of the all-day dining space. There are three more Framery phone booths here, as well as some communal co-working tables and traditional reclining chairs.
I’ll touch on the dining options below, but there’s even more to the lounge behind this business area.
Continue walking along the corridor, and you’ll find the Rejuvenation Bar and Serenity Lounge.
Both spaces have plenty of comfortable seating designed for some pre-flight tranquility. There are even Skyview-branded lights here to help you adjust to different time zones and boost relaxation.
Behind the Serenity Lounge are the shower suites and valet services, but I’ll cover those amenities below as well.
All in all, the Delta One Lounge at JFK will have something for everyone. Whether you’re catching up on emails, looking to relax or trying to grab a bite, you’ll find all that — and much more — in this space.
Delta One Lounge JFK dining
Aside from the design and amenities, the dining experience is one of the Delta One Lounge’s biggest differentiators from a Sky Club (and its rival business-class-only lounges).
The highlight will undoubtedly be the Brasserie, which is located just next to the signature Icon Bar.
If you closed your eyes inside the 140-seat Brasserie, you’d probably think you were sitting in a trendy restaurant in Manhattan, not in an airport lounge at JFK. From the open kitchen to the lighting fixtures, this space could easily earn some awards on its own.
Speaking of trendy, Delta teamed up with popular NYC-based Union Square Events (a Danny Meyer concept) and Restaurant Associates for the Brasserie’s three-course menu.
Everything you’ll eat is free — and delicious, based on my limited sample during the grand opening preview. (Be sure to try the chocolate souffle dessert. Trust me, it’s worth the calories.)
Note that the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m.
If you’re dining outside of these hours or looking for something lighter, you’ll find that in the so-called Market and Bakery areas.
This dining space resembles a walk-up buffet service, but everything you order is plated for you, making it much more luxurious than a traditional Sky Club.
Delta already does a great job with Sky Club catering, and now the Delta One Lounge attempts to elevate that even more. From create-your-own salads to a flatbread pizza oven to a rotisserie chicken station, this is some of the best food you’ll find in the entire airport and in any airport lounge in the U.S.
In terms of drinks, there are plenty of ways to quench your thirst.
The simplest option is to sit down. The Delta One Lounge is debuting a new service concept in which waiters bring beverage carts to customers, just like you’re onboard the plane.
Three hydration stations, featuring still and sparkling water taps from Vivreau as well as Eversys coffee machines, are also located throughout the lounge.
Those who want an alcoholic drink will find them at the bar. The cocktail menu features a selection of classics, and the complimentary wine and beer list is pretty extensive.
Those looking to upgrade their imbibing can order from the Reserve Spirits list, available both in cash and SkyMiles. The most expensive spirit, a two-ounce pour of Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac, will run you $425 or 42,500 SkyMiles.
Reserve Wines and Champagnes are also available for purchase. The priciest, a bottle of Opus One 2018, will cost $450 or 45,000 SkyMiles. (All redemption rates are fixed at one cent per SkyMile.)
At the other end of the hydration spectrum, you’ll find a selection of refreshing spa drinks on tap at the Rejuvenation Bar. These complimentary choices include juices, flavored waters and teas.
Delta One Lounge JFK amenities
The Delta One Lounge shines in many ways, but perhaps the biggest is the long list of amenities.
Chief among them is the spa, or Wellness Room, as Delta calls it. Inside, you’ll find nine relaxation pods, including five with full-body, zero-gravity massage chairs and four with reclining chairs to relax and rest. (You can borrow Hyperice-branded self-care massage devices in these pods.)
All nine pods have floor-to-ceiling curtains that can be closed for privacy.
There’s also one treatment room where you can enjoy one of three wellness treatments using Grown Alchemist products. These treatments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and include an eye treatment, a shoulder and neck massage and a hand and arm massage.
Other amenities include eight luxurious shower suites — easily the nicest ones in the entire airport. These marble-clad suites feature plush towels, bathrobes, slippers and Grown Alchemist hair and body products.
While you’re showering, you can even leave your clothes or suits in the dedicated closet inside the suite for steaming service. (The closets are two-sided, so your clothes can be steamed while you’re showering.)
In addition to steaming, valet services include a shoeshine stand that’s available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The lounge also features two restroom areas. The main restrooms are near the entrance and feature plenty of individual stalls.
There are three all-gender restrooms next to the eight shower suites.
Another handy — and unique — amenity for business travelers is the ability to borrow an external monitor for any last-minute work.
Delta teamed up with Australian startup Espresso Displays to offer travelers a 15.4-inch external display during their time in the lounge.
These displays are plug-and-play with USB-C, and they work with both Mac and Windows machines, as well as select iOS devices.
The displays are razor-thin and have an adjustable tilt and height stand, making them perfect for an airport lounge.
This is Delta’s first time offering a service like this (in fact, I’ve never seen something similar at any airport lounge), so I’ll be curious what travelers think of this amenity. After all, in a world where working from the road has become so commonplace, I’d imagine that many travelers will enjoy this amenity.
All of the lounge’s amenities can be reserved using the iPads stationed throughout the lounge or by scanning the QR code on these devices and browsing a dedicated website using your smartphone.
With so many amenities, it might be easy to miss the artwork hanging all around the lounge. As with all Delta lounges, the airline curated a special collection of local- and international-inspired pieces for this space.
My favorite is the “Darling, you know I only fly Delta One” piece — the second in a collection, with the first already being on display in Los Angeles.
Of course, the lounge offers unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi. There are also power outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports within an arm’s reach of every single seat here.
Delta One Lounge JFK bottom line
Delta’s new business-class-only lounge in JFK is likely the nicest and most luxurious airport club in the entire country.
With a luxurious design, endless amenities, restaurant-style dining and plenty of space, this lounge is worth arriving early for.
Though Delta has long been the leader in offering a premium-focused passenger experience, for years, the airline has lagged in one key aspect.
While the carrier’s Sky Clubs continue to win awards, Delta hadn’t developed business-class-only lounges to match American’s Flagship Lounges and United’s Polaris Lounges.
That changes on Wednesday, and though Delta may be late to the game, its first Delta One Lounge location quickly becomes not only the nicest business-class-only lounge in the country but also one of the very best in the entire world.
Many Delta loyalist just may agree that it’s been worth the wait.
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