Delta Unveils a New Premium Lounge Experience at Select U.S. Airports

As airlines continue to enhance their lounge offerings, many have become increasingly overcrowded, especially with more travelers gaining access through memberships, elite statuses, or credit card perks.

In an effort to ensure that high-spending passengers traveling in premium cabins have access to tranquil airport retreats, Delta Air Lines has revealed plans to launch premium lounges at three of its hub airports in 2024.

The inaugural lounge will open at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in June. While specific details remain limited, it has been announced that this first premium lounge will span 38,000 square feet, making it the largest in Delta’s network. It will feature a full-service brasserie, a casual chef-assisted market with open kitchens, a wellness area, and an outdoor terrace available year-round.

Further lounges are slated to open at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), measuring approximately 10,000 square feet and 6,300 square feet, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2024. Each lounge will showcase “elements inspired by and unique to its host city,” according to the airline's press release.

Delta is currently finalizing the access policies for these new lounges. If they follow the trend set by other premium lounges, like American Airlines' Flagship Lounges and United's Polaris lounges, they will likely cater to first and business class travelers or elite loyalty members of Delta or partner SkyTeam airlines.

Claude Roussel, Delta’s vice president for Sky Club and lounge experience, stated, “Customers in our premium lounges should feel welcomed and recognized upon arrival, much like at their favorite hotel or restaurant. We aim to deliver that warm welcome and ensure that ‘premium’ feels personal for every guest.”

This announcement follows a recent decision by Delta to limit access to its Sky Club lounges, which upset some loyal customers. The airline described this move as a way to “balance the popularity of the clubs with the premium experience we offer our guests.” Initially, it was revealed that travelers flying basic economy and those holding Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Platinum Business Cards would be barred from entry starting January 1, 2024. Previously, these cardholders could enter by paying a $50 one-time fee when traveling with Delta or a SkyTeam partner. Additionally, from February 1, 2025, those with AmEx Platinum, Delta SkyMiles Reserve, and SkyMiles Reserve Business cards will lose unrestricted access, limited to a maximum of 10 visits per year unless they spend $75,000 on their eligible card within a calendar year, covering the year in which the spending occurs and the following calendar year.

The following month, Delta revised its earlier changes, making them more accommodating for holders of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Reserve Business, and American Express Platinum Cards, which will now permit up to 15 visits to Sky Club lounges, depending on the card type.

Alongside the three new premium lounges, Delta is set to open additional Sky Club locations at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in late 2024. The airline will also enhance two existing lounges: New York’s LaGuardia Airport will gain 100 extra seats and a new outdoor space known as the Sky Deck, while Miami International Airport's lounge will expand to a total of 12,000 square feet this summer.