8 Reasons I Transit Through JFK for the Delta One Lounge

I recently had the option to book my Delta Air Lines flight with a connection through either Atlanta (ATL) or New York (JFK). With a 6-hour layover, I chose JFK enthusiastically. The chief reason was access to the Delta One Lounge.

After finding a great deal on a Premium Select flight to Madrid (MAD), I booked it immediately using Ultimate Rewards points earned on my Chase Sapphire Reserve^®. Since upgrade space was available, I used my Global Upgrade Certificates (earned by achieving Delta Diamond elite status) to upgrade to Delta One business class. By doing so, I was now able to access the Delta One Lounge.

Here are the reasons I chose the JFK connection with access to the Delta One Lounge.

1. Exclusive Access

Not all Delta travelers can access the Delta One Lounge at JFK. Even a paid Delta Sky Club membership or premium credit card benefits don’t give you access. You must be flying in Delta One, whether domestically or internationally, be a Delta 360° member, or be flying in an eligible class on a partner airline to access the lounge.

These restrictions make access to the lounge experience exclusive, without crowds and long lines. The JFK Delta One Lounge is also from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., so it’s available whenever my flight arrives or departs.

Additionally, I can access the club whether departing from JFK, in transit, or on arrival (with a connection). This benefit proved valuable when I recently experienced cancelled flights.

Hot Tip:

Delta One Lounges are currently in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Additional locations are planned for Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

2. It’s Spacious and Luxurious

At 39,000 square feet, the Delta One Lounge is expansive, with plenty of quiet spaces to relax or work. I found several comfortable, diverse seating options.

With a space this large, I wouldn’t know I was in an airport except for the runway view. There’s a wellness area, a full-service bar, a fine-dining restaurant, a casual-dining restaurant, beverage stations, and more.

There’s also a business area of the lounge where I can sit in a private phone pod to conduct business or make a call.

I never want for a comfortable, relaxing space to sit while in the lounge.

3. Excellent Service

From check-in to the spa, the employees at the Delta One Lounge are cordial and helpful. Some even go above and beyond to please. The difference from a Delta Sky Club (which also provides excellent service) is noticeable. Servers stop by consistently to ask if you need anything.

One of the hosts offered to help me find a hotel after my flight was cancelled, shared lodging ideas he personally knew about, and looked up personal contacts on his phone. I appreciated the gesture.

4. Lots of Different Food and Drinks

I am always excited to visit the Brasserie restaurant in the Delta One Lounge. Ordering dishes from the menu, such as seared scallops, tuna, steak, or grilled swordfish, is a real treat. However, the restaurant isn’t my only dining possibility in the Delta One Lounge.

The Brasserie menu offers appetizers, main dishes, desserts, and even a caviar service (for purchase). The portions are petite, but this is a good thing, since I can order several dishes and try a variety of foods. Best of all, there are no prices on the menu, as dining in is included in my visit.

If my time is too limited for restaurant service, I can visit the Market. This casual eating area is still a fine choice. There’s a salad bar, sandwiches, hot food, and desserts. Everything is fresh and served plated, not self-service.

The Market has a variety of hot food, including meats, vegetables, pizza from the pizza oven, casseroles, and more. Even when the lounge get busy, there is no wait for service.

The bartenders at the Delta One Lounge bar are friendly and helpful. And, you won’t believe the wide range of cocktails available.

It’s worth noting that 90% of the cocktails, beer, and wine at the Delta One Lounge bar are complimentary. Only some high-end liquors come at a price. A bartender told me the espresso martini is one of their most popular cocktails and is complimentary!

If I want a simple glass of wine, there are self-serve wine carts throughout the lounge.

5. Bonus Wellness Service

Though the lounge obviously doesn’t have a full spa, its wellness services are a welcome benefit after a long flight. If time is short, I can use the relaxation chair in a quiet pod, receive an express facial, or get a refreshing, 10-minute eye treatment.

If time allows, I can receive an upper-body massage or use the full-body massage chair. Nonalcoholic drinks, herbal and fruit juices are available.

Additionally, the spa has shower suites complete with towels, bathrobes, and slippers. The spa uses Grown Alchemist products.

I can book wellness service reservations via a QR code.

6. More Resting Time on the Plane

During my last Delta One flight, the flight attendant noted that more travelers were skipping the onboard meal in favor of predeparture dining in the Delta One Lounge. I am happy to be among that group.

Flights to Europe can be too short to get a good night’s rest, but having dined before boarding, I can fall asleep sooner on board and be better refreshed on arrival.

Dining in the lounge before my flight is one of my favorite benefits.

7. Connecting on Arrival From Europe Is Easy

With a dedicated Delta One security area, my flight connection upon arrival from Europe at JFK is seamless. I can transit from the plane to the lounge in record time.

After exiting immigration and customs, I can take the elevator to Delta One check-in, pass through the dedicated security screening, and arrive at the lounge. It’s a 3-to-15-minute walk from the lounge to the departure gates.

8. Assistance When Things Go Wrong

Finally, when I experience a disrupted flight, having direct access to experienced professionals can be a real benefit. On a recent trip, several flights were canceled or delayed. While I could call Delta for service, having the Delta One concierge desk in the lounge to assist me was a real plus.

Alternative Lounges

If I had not been flying Delta One, which is typically the case, I would have had access to additional lounges in Terminal 4 at JFK.

I can access the Centurion Lounge with my Platinum Card^® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express. Additionally, my Chase Sapphire Reserve card gains me access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club with Etihad Airways.

There are also 2 Delta Sky Club locations in the terminal. Access to these clubs is available with the Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, or the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card.

As a Sky Team Elite Plus member, I could also access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse with a same-day Delta boarding pass. Depending on availability, I could also access the Clubhouse with my Priority Pass Select membership.

Final Thoughts

I love that I can look forward to a clean, quiet, and pleasurable environment in the Delta One Lounge at JFK. It’s a treat to fly Delta One, but access to this premium lounge takes it to a new level.

While the opportunities for me to book Delta One flights are limited to pretty much 2 or 3 round-trip flights per year, I can enjoy visiting a Delta One Lounge when I do.

The Delta One Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport is another location I have visited, en route to and from New Zealand. It also offers a fine experience. I plan to visit the Delta One Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport next.