Delta One Lounge Opening, JFK
Airport: JFK
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Event Type: Business Class Lounge Opening Night
Summary
Seat One A Score
The Delta One lounge is both an incredible space and a game changer for the airline. It was clear from the moment we were greeted at check-in that Delta has big plans for continuing to elevate their business class experience. From incredible amenities to beautifully appointed furnishings, we were truly impressed with what Delta had managed to pull off. Delta plans on opening more Delta One Lounges with routes served by flights offering Delta one Service, if they are in line with the JFK offering then Delta business class passengers should be very (very) happy.
Long story short, the introduction of Delta One lounges will allow Delta to directly compete with the like of United’s Polaris offering and to a lesser extent American’s Flagship First.
In this review:
Location
The new curved glass clad Delta One entrance is the first thing frequent T4 visitors will notice. Walking though the doors, we were met with a lovely string quartet and a red carpet, how posh.
Making our way down what used to be the Sky Priority walkway we found ourselves at the old SP check-in area. This space has been rebranded as the Delta One check-in and given a minor face lift. Any SkyTeam Elite + member who’s been to JFK will pretty quickly recognize the bag drop area, though they will also alnotice new seating, a coffee bar and refreshment station.
It was here that we were handed our “boarding passes” and real TSA security passes. It was ALSO here, that we realized player 2’s license was expired and that the TSA doesn’t mess around……even if you’re not getting on a plane (rightly so). Luckily we had passports in tow as well (because, you never know when you’ll need them).
Leaving the new Delta One check-in area we passed what is still a crew only TSA checkpoint. This will someday be a Delta One checkpoint as well, but not quite yet. I didn’t want to take pictures of this for obvious reasons, but it is streamlined in a way that will get you out of the D1 check-in area and into the D1 lounge about as quickly as humanly (and TSA compliantly) possible.
The Lounge
As of the writing of this post (way late, thanks grad school), you’ll still need to clear regular security to access the lounge. Once done you simply hang a right and the shiny new lounge will be directly in front of you on the left.
Walking in I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the space. Everything seemed to be made of wood, metal, or glass and of high quality materials , and I felt we were in a St. Regis and not a Sky Club. The elevated experience I alluded to? It was this. High end materials, high end attention to detail, and high end service.
Food and Drinks
The food on offer this evening was more of party fare (all be it, high end party fare), and less of what is normally on offer at this lounge. While they did offer small samples of what they would eventually be serving in the restaurant and market place, there were things that are sadly not on the regular rotation…like premium grade mini hot dogs…covered in creme fraiche and caviar….decadently delicious… They also had an amazing oyster selection from both the east and west coasts.
The drink selection was top notch, and unlike the food the little bar carts stationed all over the lounge are always there and always ready to pour you a glass of wine or bubbles when you’re ready for one. My personal favorite is the one back by the wellness room, as I like to have a glass of wine and think to myself “Yes, the people doing wellness are better than me…but I’m more fun”
There was also incredible small batch bourbon being poured on the sky deck, shout out to Brothers Bond, who’s owner was an amazing person.
I will say, as this review is so long overdue, that I’ve been back a few times since. The regular food on offer in the dining room blows the event night out of the water, you should absolutely try a burger, the oysters and of COURSE the soufflé.
Fanning and Swag
As the party was really getting going, guest speakers came up to shout out the first Delta One Lounge in the country, with A-Rod giving a particularly good speech. I then had to go say hey to Ed, because #FanGirl over here couldn’t help himself. He was cordial and put up with a Delta Nerd like myself needing a selfie #ThanksEd
We were lucky enough to hang for the rest of the night, meeting incredible people who were invited for a multitude of reasons. Some were in the industry, some were simply Delta frequent fliers like myself. our host Susy came by to say hey, and we were so happy to get a chance to meet her!
On the way out they gave out some great lounge swag which ended up being an awesome Delta One Lounge bag tag (they key says JFK on it).
Final Thoughts
On a personal note, what an absolute thrill and privilege it was being invited to the first Delta One lounge opening, I am still pinching myself at being asked to attend this who’s who industry event. I really can’t thank the Delta Media team enough for this invite, it was truly an amazing experience to be invited to an opening of such magnitude and to be able to bring a +1.
About the author
Chuck is a New York City based certified AV geek who sometimes gets on a plane just to check out new products and routes. He typically flies more than 50 segments a year, and is currently around half way to his first million miles with Delta.
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