First Look at the Delta One Lounge at New York-JFK [39,000 Square Feet!]

Just off of the TSA security screening lane at New York (JFK)’s Terminal 4 is a new airport lounge. But it’s not just any lounge – it’s the first Delta One lounge, an ultra-exclusive offering by Delta Air Lines for its premium customers.

Located between Concourses A and B in Terminal 4, the over 39,000-square-foot lounge features a year-round outdoor terrace, a full-service brasserie, a market, wellness spaces, and more. Interestingly, it will be available to travelers departing and arriving on Delta One flights.

Ahead of the lounge’s opening on June 25, 2024, Delta Air Lines invited a host of media outlets (including Upgraded Points) for an exclusive preview. 

“[For] this first Delta One lounge, JFK was the natural place to do it first because we have a lot of reach … a lot of flights, so it made total sense to start at JFK,” said Claude Roussel, Delta vice president of Sky Clubs and lounge experience, in an exclusive interview with Upgraded Points.

“Guests look at us as a brand that is really a premium brand,” Roussel continued. “Not only an airline, but a brand where you get premium experiences, service, and lifestyle. It’s important when you arrive in your car, that from the moment you step out of your vehicle to the moment you reach the lounge, it’s consistent in what we offer.”

Read on for more details about the new Delta One Lounge at JFK.

Delta One Lounge at New York-JFK

Indeed, the Delta One Lounge experience begins from the moment you enter John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Most airport lounges are found post-security, a hefty walk from the entrance. In contrast, you’ll spot the Delta One Lounge the second you enter Terminal 4. A dedicated check-in area for the lounge is completely cut off from the rest of the terminal. 

Here, you’ll find some seating and a concierge to handle any last-minute requests.

Water, coffee, and soft drinks are on tap, though you probably won’t spend too much time in this area before you clear security and head to the lounge.

Hot Tip:

The airline says it will provide expedited security screening for Delta One passengers this fall, but for now, passengers will enjoy Sky Priority screening at Terminal 4.

The Interior

One thing is evident when you enter the Delta One Lounge: this ain’t your average Sky Club.

It’s bright, it’s airy, it’s massive, and, if you’re familiar with New York’s JFK Airport, it feels dissimilar to the hustle and bustle going on just outside the lounge doors.

Delta’s new onboard partnership with Missoni extends to the lounge as well. Missoni-branded items like coffee tables and accent pillows can be seen throughout. It’s tasteful without being an overt branding choice. 

There is ample seating for guests seeking to work or relax, with big televisions spaced throughout the lounge.

A self-serve bar cart is located in every wing of the lounge, where you can help yourself to some bubbles, white wine, or red wine.

Elevators will take you directly from the lounge to the gate.

A departures board will help you keep track of when to leave for your flight. However, given the lounge’s many amenities, you may want to set an alarm before your flight!

Outdoor Terrace

The outdoor terrace provides a respite from what will probably be a busy, bustling lounge. The ceiling is retractable and can be opened on warm days.

The space is climate-controlled and will not get too hot. From here, you’ll find some of the best views of the airfield and air traffic control tower.

Amenities

The Delta One Lounge has an impressive suite of amenities to keep guests occupied, whether they’re working or wanting to relax ahead of (or after) a flight.

Work Pods

There are 8 soundproof pods throughout the lounge where you can pop in to take a quick call or catch up on work.

The inside is pretty tight, but the desks in the pods are adjustable and can be raised or lowered to your liking.

Wellness Area

The Delta One lounge features a pretty sizable wellness suite. There are reservable relaxation pods, some of which have full-body massage chairs, while others have nap chairs.

Delta’s partnership with Grown Alchemist, the Australian-based beauty company, is featured throughout. Massage therapists are certified with the brand, and they’ll provide complimentary services such as facials and hand massages. 

Showers

The Delta One Lounge has 8 fully-stocked shower suites. When you arrive, you’ll find towels, bathrobes and slippers, Grown Alchemist products, and more waiting for you. However, you’ll need to book this service, and it’s first-come-first-serve.

An interesting feature of the showers is what Delta calls the “suite closet.” A valet attendant steams your clothes while you shower, and someone shines your shoes!

Food and Drinks

Brasserie 

The center of the dining experience at Delta One JFK lounge is the 140-seat Brasserie restaurant.

Entering the restaurant can seem like a play on the senses — it certainly doesn’t feel like you’re at an airport, let alone the hectic JFK.

A 3-course menu can include dishes such as Hamachi crudo, steak tartare, and lasagna Bolognese, as well as takes on traditional New York favorites such as cheesecake. You’ll also enjoy several wine pairings.

You’ll need a reservation to dine, and you should plan to spend about 90 minutes on the entire experience.

Brasserie is the brainchild of Restaurant Associates and Union Square Events, which hosts culinary events in and around New York City. Nickolas Martinez, vice president of culinary operations for Union Square Events, noted that the restaurant’s offerings were based on items that can be purchased at the Union Square Greenmarket, a year-round farmers market located in the eponymous Union Square.

“Elevated comfort is the path we’ve gone down here,” said Martinez.

Market

If time is of the essence, the Market offers quick bites in a grab-and-go fashion.

You’ll find healthy options like fruit, avocado toast, and eggplant parmesan. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s an ample selection of desserts, including cookies and even a Biscoff (a Delta signature) pudding.

Bar

The bar serves up “elevated” takes on classic cocktails and mocktails and is located in the center of the lounge, just off the restaurant.

The cocktails are complimentary, but similar to the Sky Club lounges, premium spirits cost a fee, which can be paid in cash or Delta SkyMiles.

How To Access the Delta One Lounge at New York-JFK

Now that you’re familiar with everything you need to know about the Delta One Lounge at JFK, let’s talk about how to get into it.

The Delta One Lounge is open daily from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. Notably, just having a specific credit card isn’t enough to get you into this lounge. The Delta One Lounge is limited to travelers flying on Delta One, whether domestically or internationally, and international SkyTeam business class passengers.

If you aren’t flying Delta One, you still have some options for lounges at JFK in Terminal 4. There is a Centurion Lounge, a Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club with Etihad Airways, and several airline lounges. There are 2 Delta Sky Club lounges at Terminal 4, but Delta is making it significantly more challenging to access a Sky Club as the airline works to overcome overcrowding.

Bottom Line:

New York isn’t the only city getting an exclusive Delta One lounge. Boston (BOS) and Los Angeles (LAX) are slated to open Delta One Lounges later this year.

Final Thoughts

Delta’s new Delta One Lounge at JFK is absolutely stunning, and it’s a fresh take on airport lounges. While Delta is joining an already crowded lounge portfolio at Terminal 4, this lounge shines above them all. From the thoughtful design to the focus on wellness to the food and drink options, it’s clear that Delta sees the Delta One Lounge as the future of airport lounges!