Review of the Delta One Lounge at JFK airport
There has been a lot of buzz about the fantastic new Delta One Lounge at JFK Airport. I was lucky to visit recently before a flight to Copenhagen (CPH).
Since there has been so much talk about this lounge my parents, Debbie and John, asked me to write a guest post about my first-hand experience.
The entrance to the Delta One Lounge at JFK Airport.
The 39,000-square-foot Delta One Lounge is larger than any other Delta Lounge.
While the lounge is beautiful, some travelers are complaining on social media about crowding.
I arrived about 7 pm on a weekday and found lots of room in the lounge.
This new lounge in Terminal 4 joins a regular Delta Sky Club, a Centurion Lounge, a Chase Sapphire Lounge, and several lounges accessed via Priority Pass, hopefully alleviating the seemingly insatiable appetite for lounge access.
Delta has partnered with luxury Italian fashion house Missoni to design both their onboard amenity kits and many of the lounge’s features. So many of the accents have a high-end touch.
Since JFK is a major world portal the lounge features artists from Europe, India, Japan, South Africa, and more.
I was originally scheduled to sit in Premium Select but I was able to upgrade to Delta One for a shockingly low $200 a few days before the flight. I booked my original seat on points so this was a bargain for such a great experience.
My roommate was booked in regular economy so unfortunately, I couldn’t bring him into the Delta One Lounge.
A variety of seating options at the Delta One Lounge.
Who can access the Delta One Lounge?
Passengers on same-day departing or arriving Delta One tickets
Delta 360 members departing or arriving on a same-day ticket in Delta First Class
Same-day departing or connecting flights operated by the following Delta partners in first and business-class cabins: Air France, LATAM, KLM, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic.
For $100 per person, eligible Delta 360 members traveling in Delta One or First Class may bring their immediate family or up to 2 companion guests.
Large comfortable chairs with panoramic windows.
Food available at the Delta One Lounge
The lounge is open daily from 4:30 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. so they have you covered for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The lounge also offers a 40-seat Brasserie restaurant (a first for Delta) with a three-course meal from famed restaurateur Danny Meyer.
Since I was upgraded to Delta One just a few days before departure I didn’t realize there was a sit-down restaurant until I was almost ready to leave the lounge. So unfortunately I missed this experience. Definitely put your name down on the wait list as soon as you get into the lounge!
Despite missing the restaurant meal there is no shortage of food at the buffet, called The Market and Bakery.
They offered an upscale served buffet with lots of meat and non-meat options. Staff came around often for drinks and were extremely friendly - alcoholic drinks were free as well.
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The bar area inside the Delta One Lounge.
Enjoy the Wellness area
After filling up on the food offerings there is an opportunity to reserve one of nine relaxation pods with full-body massage chairs and nap chairs.
There is also a Serenity Lounge that provides a tranquil space with lamps that mimic the light colors affecting your circadian rhythms, helping you adjust to the time zone at your destination (although I didn’t try this, as I had an evening flight and didn’t want to fall asleep).
There are also eight well-appointed shower suites, especially useful because you can access the lounge on arrival also.
If your clothes need some attention the valet will steam them during your shower.
Since I’m a fully remote worker I really enjoyed the soundproof booths that enable you to take a call in private. Not only is the desk height adjustable but they have an LED light so you look good on your Zoom call.
It was getting close to my flight’s boarding time so I decided to grab a quick drink at the bar.
The bar’s Art Deco light fixtures and ceiling were inspired by New York’s Radio City Music Hall. The bar had a decent amount of space, though it was a little crowded — I ordered an old fashioned and the extremely professional staff made a great drink. The conversations with other patrons were particularly interesting here.
If you don’t want to sit at the bar they also have beverage cart services you can get a drink without leaving your lounge seat.
I have no doubt this Delta One Lounge will be a big hit and I can’t wait for my next opportunity to return.
Other New York City blog posts:
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While there are countless attractions and restaurants to visit, here's a great plan that’s all within walking distance of Penn Station train station.