Summary
- Delta Air Lines opens exclusive Delta One Lounge at JFK, elevating premium experience for passengers flying in the airline’s premium cabin.
- New lounge in JFK Terminal 4 offers nods to New York with unique design touches, including bakery inspired by New York brasseries and dining room inspired by Brooklyn Bridge.
- Lounge sets itself apart with Brasserie restaurant, Market and Bakery, massage chairs, relaxation pods, valet attendants, showers, and terrace with airfield views.
Delta Air Lines has opened its exclusive Delta One Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The new lounge is available to those flying in the airline’s premium Delta One cabin.
Elevating the premium experience
In the last few years, Delta Air Lines has made a significant push to increase its premium offerings in airports and in flights. This has been shown through the retrofitting of its aircraft, which included adding a new first class seat for its Airbus A321neos, opening new Sky Clubs nationwide, and adding new check-in options at airports like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Today, Delta took the next step in its premium offering by opening a new lounge in New York.
Two years ago, Delta revealed its plans to open new premium lounges in New York and Los Angeles. Now, the first lounge is ready to open to passengers, and will welcome them tomorrow. The Delta One Lounge is located in between the A and B concourses of JFK’s Terminal 4, adjacent to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. With 39,000 square feet of available space, the new lounge is larger than any Sky Club in Delta’s network.
The lounge can be accessed by those flying in Delta One or those with 360 status. CEO Ed Bastian said during an interview with CNBC that he believes the lounge is the nicest in North America and one of the nicest worldwide. Delta designed the new space with several touches that are nods to several things around New York. For example, at the bar, the ceiling and fluted glass nod to the gold lead ceiling and chandeliers of Radio City Music Hall.
Photo: Delta Air Lines
One of the major features of the Delta One space is a bakery. The airline has called it Market and Bakery and this area features marble-shaped mosaic tiles which are a nod to New York brasseries. Over the food counter there is a hat-tip to the first JFK terminal. In the dining room, the suspended light fixture was inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge.
What sets the lounge apart?
Dining is one of the most essential parts of any lounge, as passengers look for a place to avoid the noise and crowds of terminals, and more often than not, enjoy a meal. The Delta One Lounge has a 140-seat Brasserie restaurant that will serve three-course meals created by Restaurant Associates and Union Square Events. Dishes served will include steak tartare and lasagna Bolognese.
The Market and Bakery mentioned above is intended for walk-up service. Delta will offer a beverage cart service, allowing passengers to choose beverages similar to the onboard experience.
Photo: Delta Air Lines
Like United Airlines’ Polaris lounges, Delta is adding massage chairs and a wellness area. The Chicago-based carrier unveiled a similar offering in October last year in partnership with Therabody. Now, Delta is adding nine reservable relaxation pods with full-body massage chairs and nap chairs, in addition to treatments from certified therapists. A non-alcoholic beverage bar, the Rejuvenation Bar, is available.
Of course, showers are available as well. Delta added eight suites with towels, bathrobes, and slippers. To elevate the experience even more, valet attendants can steam clothes and shine shoes if necessary.
Photo: Delta Air Lines
For the avgeeks, Delta added a terrace that is available year-round, offering fantastic views of the airfield. In warmer months, the roof can be retracted.