Long after other airlines opened exclusive (and elevated) lounges reserved only for business class passengers, Delta is getting into the game with its own souped-up Sky Clubs. And we're about to finally get a peak inside.
The very first Delta One Lounge will finally open next Wednesday, June 26 at New York City (JFK), the airline announced Thursday as an aside in a news release about new amenity kits coming for Delta One passengers.
It's unclear exactly what's in store inside Delta's extra special business class lounges … but travelers can safely expect the Atlanta-based airline will raise the bar even higher than even its excellent new Sky Clubs in airports like Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) and Chicago-O'Hare (ORD). A la carte meals, top shelf champagne and cocktails, and other high-end touches seem like a given.
The New York Delta One Lounge will clock in at a massive 38,000 square feet – the largest Delta lounge to date, by far – with a year-round outdoor terrace. The airline has promised a full-service, sit-down restaurant as well as a “casual, chef-assisted market with open kitchens,” and dedicated wellness areas.
But less than a week before opening day, any other details about the space and special amenities are still scarce. A Delta spokesperson declined to share more about the lounge on Thursday
This has been in the works for years – Delta first unveiled its plan to build premium lounges more than two years ago. And at least two more Delta One Lounges are on the way:
- A second, 10,000-square-foot premium lounge is scheduled to open by the end of the year in Los Angeles (LAX), where the airline already opened a ritzy check-in area for Delta One customers
- And Boston (BOS) will get its own premium lounge space in the international terminal by the end of the year, too
These lounges will finally address a glaring weakness for Delta: While American Airlines has Flagship Business Class Lounges in its biggest hubs and United Polaris Lounges are among the best in the nation, the airline that fancies itself the nation's top premium carrier hasn't offered a special space for business class passengers. Even with a business class ticket that costs $4,000 (or 400,000 Delta SkyMiles) in hand, you'd get access to a standard Sky Club like everyone else.
That's changing soon – at least in some of Delta's biggest (and most competitive) hubs.
Among the biggest lingering questions: Who can even get into the Delta One Lounge once they're open?
Delta has been cracking down on everyday Sky Club access to combat years of overcrowding, so assume it'll be tough to get in. We wouldn't expect travelers to be able to waltz into these new premium lounges with *amex platinum* or even a top-tier *delta reserve card* … especially since, come Feb. 1, 2025, these cardholders will be restricted to as few as 10 visits a year.
Surely Delta One passengers can get into premium lounges … but what about business class passengers flying SkyTeam partner airlines like Air France, KLM, or Virgin Atlantic? Will flyers with top Delta Diamond Medallion Status have a path to get in? And might there be a way for Delta passengers with standard Sky Club access to buy their way into the premium lounge?
We still don't know yet. But we wouldn't be surprised if these lounges are among the most restrictive in the country – if not the world.
“We want each of our guests to receive a highly personalized and dedicated level of service,” Claude Roussel, Delta's vice president of Sky Club and Lounge Experience, said in a previous statement. “It’s not enough to have beautiful spaces and exceptional offerings. Premium lounge customers should feel welcomed and known when they walk in the door, just as they would at their favorite hotel or restaurant.”
Bottom Line
Dedicated Delta One Lounges reserved for business class passengers are finally coming.
Next Wednesday, June 26, the first ever Delta One Lounge will open its doors in New York City (JFK) – with two more coming by the end of the year in Boston and Los Angeles. Days before opening, it's still unclear exactly who can get in or what they'll find inside.
But we're betting Delta business class passengers are in for a treat.
All renderings courtesy of Delta
With the partnership between Delta & El AL, will El Al Business class seats be allowed into Delta One Lounges?
And will Delta One passengers be allowed in the King David Lounge in Tel Aviv?
Slightly different topic how did I miss the memo that Chase’s Priority Pass works at MSP Escape lounge? Did you guys post about that and I missed it? Apparently, this happened sometime back in April. Also hoping you could do the research to see if it works for all of the escape lounges.
Thanks! Always great content!