Six Things to Know about Delta One Lounges

Delta One Lounges

I recently enjoyed visiting two Delta One Lounges.  The JFK location is probably the best lounge I’ve ever visited in the States, and the one at LAX ain’t too shabby, either.  Delta has clearly set a new domestic standard with these clubs, and I look forward to experiencing them again.  I imagine many of you are intrigued to try them out or looking to return.  Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your next visit to a Delta One Lounge.

Scarcity

For many reasons, travelers shouldn’t think of Delta One Lounges in the same conversation as Sky Clubs, United Clubs, or AA Admirals Clubs.  Those last three flood the zone.  Meanwhile, Delta One Lounges are only in JFK, LAX, and BOS right now.  And just a few more are on the way.  SEA is scheduled to open this summer.  ATL has a broad opening date of 2028, and SLC is apparently getting one eventually, too.  Thoughtfully plan your itineraries if you’d like to experience a Delta One space – not only where you’re flying, but how.

Tight Access at Delta One Lounges

Location is one thing; being able to get into a Delta One Lounge is another.  Access to these lounges is fairly limited.  You can check out the full policy on the Delta site, but here’s the short version of who can enter:

• Delta One passengers on a same-day departing or arriving ticket
• Delta 360 members on a Delta First Class same-day departing or arriving ticket
• Passengers with same-day departing or connecting tickets in the following partners’ business or first class cabins:
  • Air France long-haul Business Class or La Premiere
  • KLM Business Class
  • Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
  • LATAM Premium Business Class
  • Korean Air First Class and Prestige Class

The rather big exception to the above is that Air France and KLM Business Class passengers do not obtain access to the Delta One Lounge BOS.  And don’t bother trying to use any Amex cards to access Delta One Lounges – none work.

Go Long

Delta’s official Sky Club policy is to allow passengers access up to three hours before scheduled departure time.  In my experience, Delta doesn’t strictly enforce this policy, but I manage my expectations, nonetheless.  Those with Delta One Lounge access don’t need to be concerned with any of that.

As I prepared for my previous trip, I could find no such policy for Delta One Lounges.  Indeed, I was able to access the JFK location more than six hours before my scheduled departure.  Plan accordingly, arrive early, and enjoy!

All Shapes and Sizes

I experienced consistently stellar Delta One Lounge service and aesthetic at JFK and LAX.  But lounges sizes and certain related services vary.  JFK is gargantuan at 39k square feet, while LAX is substantially smaller at 10k square feet.  (For what it’s worth, LAX felt bigger than that.)  Delta One Lounge BOS is particularly snug at approximately 6,700 square feet.  With this in mind, it’s no surprise Air France and KLM Business Class passengers don’t obtain Delta One Lounge access.  While I haven’t visited the BOS location myself, I’ve heard from others it feels more like a private dining room than a full lounge experience.  (Incidentally, the Delta One Lounge BOS doesn’t open until 12 noon daily!)

Go Twice

You may or may not have noticed above that access to the Delta One Lounges is for certain departing, connecting, or arriving customers.  Therefore, some travelers can access multiple Delta One Lounges on the same flight itinerary.  I did so during my recent transcontinental flight as a Delta One passenger.  I simply showed my boarding pass to the lounge rep at each location for entry, they scanned, and in I went!

Even if you find more than one visit superfluous, I recommend checking out a secondary location even briefly.  Remember, given the tight access policies, you might not know the next time you’ll be eligible to enter.  And I have one more recommendation.

Dine on the Ground, Maybe Not in the Air

On your travel day, focus your dining experiences within the Delta One Lounge(s) rather than onboard your flight.  These clubs offer a variety of higher quality dining options than premium class cabins can.  Sure, this means you may be skipping something you paid for on the plane.  But remember, you’re paying for Delta One Lounge access with that ticket, as well, where the fare far exceeds what you can obtain in the air.

At the risk of stating the obvious, maybe come with an empty stomach, choosing lighter options in the day or two leading up to your Delta One Lounge visit.  And, of course, not all in-flight dining options are equal.  For instance, I’d more particularly consume in moderation at the lounge if I was flying in Air France La Premiere rather than Delta One transcon.

Delta One Lounges – Conclusion

I’m probably done talking about Delta One Lounges until my next visit.  Again, I can’t say enough about how much these clubs blew me away, and I highly recommend you visit one the next time you have the opportunity.  That said, I’m interested to see how these lounges age and maintain their standards (or not), especially as more locations are added to Delta’s portfolio.  But that’s for another day.  For now, enjoy!

Have you visited a Delta One Lounge?  What do you think a first-timer should know?