Well-heeled travelers flying on Delta Air Lines out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport will have access to a huge new luxury lounge that’s part of the airline’s $1.5 billion investment in expanding its JFK base.
The Atlanta-based airline is set to open its 39,000-square-foot private lounge, Delta One, on Wednesday, which will be the largest of its Sky Clubs.
Amenities include full-body massage chairs, fine dining, bathroom and shower suites with bathrobes and slippers, and soundproof booths for working.
Passengers arriving after a long-haul flight can check in to the lounge and leave their clothes and shoes with an attendant, who will steam and polish them while they shower.
The new facility, which can accommodate up to 515 people, will also offer complimentary spa treatments for the eyes, hands and arms.
Travelers can relax with food and beverages while taking in the views from a wraparound terrace overlooking the airport, and can also enjoy what’s being described as a “restorative therapy,” a 10-minute massage of the shoulders, scalp and temples.
The Delta One Lounge is a significant evolution of the airline’s Sky Club lounges, offering free Wi-Fi, snacks including food and beverages, workspace and access to power outlets.
Located between Concourses A and B in JFK’s Terminal 4, the establishment also features an upscale brasserie restaurant, a bakery, a walk-up food counter and a full bar.
But access is limited, to say the least: You can’t get in unless you’re a member of the invitation-only “360” Club or buy a ticket for the airline’s Delta One service, a premium-cabin service with lie-flat seats and priority check-in that can cost up to $10,000 round-trip.
Delta Air Lines infuriated customers last year when it said it would restrict access to its Sky Clubs, which had suffered from overcrowding since travel demand surged after COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted.
The airline initially announced that American Express cardholders would no longer be able to enjoy unlimited lounge access before departure.
The airline also imposed a 10-spend limit on Delta Reserve and Delta Business Reserve cardholders, who pay a $550 annual fee, but can get unlimited access after spending $75,000 within a year.
But airlines responded to the backlash by softening the changes by increasing the visitation limits.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Cardholders can now visit the lounge up to 15 times instead of 10.
American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders were given an increase in the number of lounge visits per year from six to 10.
The new Delta One restaurant, a collaboration between Restaurant Associates and Union Square Events, will serve dishes such as yellowtail crudo, steak tartare and Bolognese lasagna.
There will also be a specially designated “rejuvenation bar” offering “refreshing non-alcoholic beverages” and “fruit and herb infused waters and juices.”
The airline also has similar luxury lounges planned for Los Angeles and Boston, due to open later this year.
Delta Air Lines is considering building luxury lounges in its major hub, Atlanta, as well as Seattle.
