An Insight into Delta's New Terminal and Sky Club Lounge at LAX

Travelers flying from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are in for a delightful surprise just ahead of the bustling summer season. After five years of development, Delta Air Lines has unveiled its cutting-edge terminal at LAX, marking the initial phase of the $2.3 billion Delta Sky Way project. This upgrade brings significant enhancements in design and new amenities for Delta passengers.

Starting April 20, Delta customers can utilize the newly launched centralized check-in area featuring 32 self-service kiosks and 46 check-in spots, a threefold increase from before. Two new security lanes have been added, bringing the total to 7, with plans for 14 operational lanes by late summer to streamline the screening process. The baggage claim area has also been enlarged on the first floor, now boasting six carousels, up from four, to enhance the arrival experience.

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the entity that owns and manages LAX, has teamed up with Delta on the ambitious Delta Sky Way project, expected to wrap up by 2023. By then, the newly launched Terminal 3 will merge with Terminal 2, creating a 1.2-million-square-foot area dedicated to Delta, with a convenient 15-minute walk to the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Delta is the largest international airline in L.A., operating 140 flights daily to 53 global destinations.

Dinogo had an exclusive first look at the new Terminal 3, and our immediate impression was of its expanded and modernized layout. Every area, from check-in to security, has seen a significant increase in size, which will help reduce congestion and long waits, particularly during busy times. Terminal 3 also features double the restroom facilities and a striking 250-foot digital wall displaying wayfinding information in both English and Spanish.

Alongside the terminal renovation, a new 30,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club—the largest in Delta's network—was introduced this week. This expansive, modern lounge is more than twice the size of the former Delta Sky Club at LAX and can host over 500 travelers. Located between Terminals 2 and 3, the new Sky Club is accessible to select Delta and American Express cardholders, Sky Club members, Delta One passengers, and Delta Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion members.

A standout feature of the lounge is its year-round outdoor Sky Deck, which boasts a retractable roof and an upscale bar overlooking the Hollywood Hills. Claude Roussel, managing director of Delta Sky Club, emphasized that "in L.A., we knew that an outdoor bar is what people want," marking the alfresco bar service as a first for Delta lounges. Additional amenities include self-service kiosks for faster check-ins, eight generous shower facilities, soundproof booths for calls, and two buffet stations offering a rotating menu of seasonal breakfast, lunch, dinner, and grab-and-go options like soups, sandwiches, salads, along with complimentary drinks (premium beverages available for purchase). The Sky Club will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting April 22, with extended hours following Memorial Day Weekend.

The unique design features draw inspiration from the local environment, featuring natural wood finishes and a ceiling with a ripple effect that echoes the nearby beaches. The Coffee Grotto seating area showcases mosaic tiles from Italy, creating the iconic banana leaf motif that pays tribute to Old Hollywood. Colorful artworks from local artists, including Todd Gray, T.S. Harris, Cheryl Maeder, and Betsy Enzensberger, are also displayed throughout the space.

The newly opened Delta Sky Club at LAX significantly enhances the experience compared to the previous Delta lounge. It's an excellent way to start a long trip. In today's stressful travel climate, this luxurious space, equipped with thoughtful amenities, allows travelers to unwind and rejuvenate. The highlight, and main attraction, is the Sky Deck. Don't miss the chance to try the Oaxacan Apple, a signature cocktail crafted with mezcal, tequila, jalapeño, and apple puree, perfect for sipping while watching the planes take off.

Delta is making significant investments in several major U.S. hubs, including LAX, New York’s LaGuardia Airport, Nashville, and Minneapolis, which are all set for enhancements later this year. At LAX, Delta has partnered exclusively with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to roll out expanded facial recognition technology for check-in and security. This new service, expected to launch by the end of the year, will enable qualifying domestic passengers who opt-in to check their bags, navigate security, and board their flights without using their hands.