Exploring the newly unveiled Delta One Lounge in New York, a breathtaking work of art.

After much excitement, the wait is over—Delta's exclusive business-class lounge is ready to welcome guests for its grand opening.

This Wednesday marks the grand opening of Delta's first-ever Delta One Lounge, located in Terminal 4 of New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Delta One Lounges represent a new era of airport retreats designed specifically for business-class travelers. Exclusively accessible to premium passengers, they offer top-tier features like upscale brasseries, dedicated spa spaces, and many other luxurious amenities that surpass what’s available in the membership-based Sky Clubs.

Wednesday marks a significant milestone in the airline's focus on premium services, but it’s just the start. In the coming months, Delta will also open Delta One Lounge locations in Los Angeles and Boston, set for October and November, respectively.

Since the first whispers about Delta One Lounges began, the airline has remained tight-lipped about what guests can expect inside and how these new spaces would differ from the classic Sky Clubs.

Step behind the velvet ropes and experience the much-anticipated Delta One Lounge at JFK, which is now officially ready for its grand reveal.

Delta One Lounge at JFK

The Delta One Lounge at JFK is located centrally within Terminal 4, positioned between Concourses A and B in the main headhouse. It’s open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Delta One passengers will check in at a dedicated Sky Way area on the departures level of Terminal 4. The former Sky Priority check-in area has been transformed into the exclusive Delta One check-in, where you’ll complete check-in and security procedures.

For those in need of a quick bite or drink before security, there’s even a small lounge offering a selection of refreshments.

Later this year, Delta will introduce a dedicated TSA checkpoint for business-class passengers, similar to the one launched in Los Angeles in 2023. This exclusive checkpoint will lead directly into the Delta One Lounge.

Once operational, this area will create an even more effortless check-in experience. However, for now, any thoughts of check-in and security will quickly fade as soon as you step into this stunning new lounge.

Connecting and arriving passengers can easily locate the Delta One Lounge entrance on the departures level of Terminal 4. An elevator will take you from there to the main lounge situated on the upper level of Terminal 4.

Thanks to the lounge’s prime position in Terminal 4’s headhouse, Delta will provide six-person golf carts to shuttle guests every 15 minutes between the Delta One Lounge and the Sky Club near Gate B31. This service will significantly reduce the walking distance for Delta One travelers.

For its most valued passengers, Delta goes above and beyond, offering exclusive Porsche transfers from the lounge to the gate. The lounge’s elevators provide direct access to the tarmac level, where the waiting Porsches are ready to take you to your flight.

Delta One Lounge JFK access

While the new Delta One Lounge is expected to be in high demand, securing access won’t involve waiting lists or ticket drops. However, it will require either a hefty wallet or a significant SkyMiles balance.

As detailed below, there are three main ways to gain access to the Delta One Lounge. These same policies will apply to all future Delta One Lounge locations.

• Flying on a same-day departing, connecting, or arriving Delta One flight
• Delta's exclusive 360 invite-only members traveling on a same-day departing, connecting, or arriving first-class ticket
• Flying on a same-day departing or connecting flight with one of Delta's selected partners in their respective first- or business-class cabins: Air France La Premiere and Business Class (Long-Haul); LATAM Premium Business Class; KLM Business Class; Korean Air First Class and Prestige Class; Virgin Atlantic Upper Class

This is the first look at the Delta One Lounge access policies, and they are largely in line with what was anticipated, especially compared to American's Flagship Lounges and United's Polaris Lounges.

The best seats: The ultimate guide to Delta One Suites

Delta One Lounges are essentially available to travelers flying on long-haul business or first-class flights with Delta, as well as its key SkyTeam and joint venture partners.

The major exception, which is a welcome one, is that Delta also markets some of its most popular domestic and short-haul international business-class routes as Delta One. These tickets come with access to the Delta One Lounge.

For example, all premium flights from New York to Los Angeles and San Francisco qualify for lounge access, as well as routes from New York to Honolulu and other flights marketed as Delta One.

To determine if you're eligible for the Delta One Lounge, check your itinerary for a Delta One cabin listing. You must have a confirmed Delta One seat to gain access, so if you’re waiting for an upgrade, you won’t be able to enter.

(Keep in mind, even though wide-body jets with lie-flat seats might be used on shorter flights, only cabins specifically marketed as Delta One will allow lounge access.)

Delta will not be offering memberships or day passes for the Delta One Lounge.

Eligible Delta 360 members can pay to bring a companion guest who may be traveling in a different class on a same-day Delta flight. The guest options include immediate family members (spouse or domestic partner and children under 21) or up to two companions for a fee of $100 (or 10,000 miles) per person.

Children under the age of two can accompany a qualifying Delta One Lounge guest free of charge.

Delta One Lounge JFK layout

Having visited nearly every major premium lounge in the U.S. (and many worldwide), I instantly knew the Delta One Lounge was different. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced, especially compared to typical Sky Clubs.

This is Delta’s largest lounge to date, spanning an impressive 39,707 square feet and capable of accommodating 515 passengers.

Entering the Delta One Lounge immediately leads you into the heart of the space’s main corridor.

To your left, you’ll discover the Fireplace Lounge, beautifully furnished with throw pillows, vases, and coffee table books provided by the airline’s upscale partner, Missoni. (Though tempting, don’t even think about taking one of those pillows home.)

Delta designed this space for guests who wish to engage in conversations over drinks. Personally, I foresee this area becoming quite lively, so while it’s stunning, I’d suggest exploring deeper into the lounge if you’re seeking more peace and quiet.

The next key area is the Icon Bar, featuring striking art deco-inspired lighting that evokes the same elegant touches seen at Radio City Music Hall.

This is the lounge’s signature bar, surrounded by a mix of bar-style seating and traditional sofas and reclining chairs for maximum comfort.

Continuing deeper into the lounge, you’ll discover the year-round terrace, offering seating for 40 guests to enjoy the outdoors.

Unlike most of the airline’s Sky Clubs, which feature Sky Decks, this terrace offers a much more upscale experience. The plant arrangements change with the seasons, and the seating is notably more luxurious.

Sadly, the terrace windows are dotted and tinted, offering a great view but making it challenging to snap a perfect shot for your Instagram feed.

The lounge is home to two separate business zones, each positioned along the side of the space. One of these areas is located next to the terrace, covering half of the lounge’s outer perimeter.

This expansive corridor features an abundance of high-top seating, plus five of the latest Framery phone booths for privacy and convenience.

The second business area is nestled in the corner of the all-day dining section. It features three additional Framery phone booths, along with shared coworking tables and traditional reclining chairs for added comfort.

I’ll cover the dining options in more detail below, but there’s much more to explore in the lounge beyond this business area.

As you continue down the corridor, you’ll encounter the Rejuvenation Bar and Serenity Lounge.

Both areas offer ample comfortable seating, perfect for unwinding before your flight. SkyView-branded lights are also available to help adjust to new time zones and promote relaxation.

Just behind the Serenity Lounge, you’ll find the shower suites and valet services, which I’ll explore further below.

Overall, the Delta One Lounge at JFK caters to all needs. Whether you're working, unwinding, or grabbing a meal, you’ll find everything you need — and more — within its walls.

Delta One Lounge JFK dining

Beyond its design and features, the dining experience stands out as one of the key aspects that sets the Delta One Lounge apart from both Sky Clubs and competing business-class-only lounges.

The standout feature will certainly be the Brasserie, conveniently located right next to the signature Icon Bar.

If you were to close your eyes while sitting in the 140-seat Brasserie, you'd likely mistake it for a chic Manhattan restaurant, rather than an airport lounge at JFK. From the open kitchen to the elegant lighting, this space could easily win design awards on its own.

In line with current trends, Delta has collaborated with Union Square Events, the well-known NYC-based brand (founded by Danny Meyer), alongside Restaurant Associates, to curate the Brasserie's impressive three-course menu.

All the dishes are complimentary — and incredibly tasty, based on my brief tasting during the opening preview. (Be sure to indulge in the chocolate soufflé dessert. Trust me, it's totally worth every calorie.)

The restaurant operates daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

If you're planning to dine outside of these hours or prefer something lighter, you can explore the offerings at the Market and Bakery sections.

The dining area has the feel of a self-serve buffet, but with a touch of luxury — every dish is served plated, adding a level of sophistication beyond what you'd find in a typical Sky Club.

Delta has long excelled with its Sky Club catering, and the Delta One Lounge takes this to the next level. With options like customizable salads, a flatbread pizza oven, and a rotisserie chicken station, the food here is among the best available in any airport lounge across the U.S.

When it comes to drinks, the options are abundant, offering plenty of ways to satisfy your thirst.

The easiest choice is to simply take a seat. The Delta One Lounge introduces a new service style where waiters wheel beverage carts directly to guests, much like onboard service during a flight.

The lounge offers three hydration stations equipped with Vivreau taps for still and sparkling water, as well as Eversys coffee machines scattered throughout the space.

For those in the mood for an alcoholic beverage, the bar has you covered. The cocktail menu includes a variety of classic options, while the wine and beer selection is quite generous and complimentary.

For those who want to indulge in top-shelf drinks, the Reserve Spirits menu is available for purchase, either in cash or with SkyMiles. The most exclusive option, a two-ounce pour of Rémy Martin Louis XIII cognac, is priced at $425 or 42,500 SkyMiles.

You can also opt for Reserve Wines and Champagnes, available for purchase. The most expensive bottle, the 2018 Opus One, costs $450 or 45,000 SkyMiles. (Redemption is set at a fixed rate of one cent per SkyMile.)

For those in need of a refreshing pick-me-up, the Rejuvenation Bar offers a variety of spa-inspired drinks. These complimentary options include juices, flavored waters, and herbal teas on tap.

Delta One Lounge JFK amenities

The Delta One Lounge stands out in many ways, but its extensive range of amenities is perhaps the most impressive feature.

The highlight of the Delta One Lounge is the spa, or Wellness Room as Delta prefers to call it. This tranquil space features nine relaxation pods, including five with luxurious zero-gravity massage chairs and four with reclining chairs, perfect for unwinding. (Guests can also use Hyperice-branded self-care devices within these pods.)

Each of the nine pods comes with floor-to-ceiling curtains for added privacy, allowing you to fully relax and recharge.

A dedicated treatment room is available, offering three wellness services with Grown Alchemist products. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, the treatments include an eye therapy, a shoulder and neck massage, and a hand and arm massage.

Among the other premium features are eight opulent shower suites, which are some of the best you'll find in any airport. These marble-clad havens include luxurious towels, robes, slippers, and Grown Alchemist hair and body products.

While enjoying your shower, you can place your clothes in the suite's dedicated two-sided closet, where they'll be steamed for you as you bathe.

In addition to the steaming service, the valet also offers a shoeshine station, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The lounge is equipped with two restroom areas, with the main facilities located near the entrance, offering numerous individual stalls.

There are three all-gender restrooms located adjacent to the eight shower suites.

A convenient and distinctive feature for business travelers is the option to borrow an external monitor for any last-minute tasks.

Delta has partnered with Australian startup Espresso Displays to provide travelers with a 15.4-inch external monitor during their stay in the lounge.

These displays are USB-C compatible, plug-and-play, and work seamlessly with both Mac and Windows devices, as well as select iOS gadgets.

The monitors are ultra-slim and come with an adjustable tilt and height stand, making them ideal for use in an airport lounge.

This is the first time Delta has offered a service like this (in fact, I haven't seen anything quite like it at any other airport lounge), so it'll be interesting to see how travelers respond to this feature. With the rise of mobile work, I believe many will appreciate this convenience.

All of the lounge's services can be easily reserved through the iPads available around the lounge or by scanning the QR code on these devices to access a dedicated website on your smartphone.

Amidst all the amenities, the artwork displayed throughout the lounge is easy to overlook. As with all Delta lounges, the airline has carefully curated a selection of pieces inspired by both local and international artists.

My personal favorite is the "Darling, you know I only fly Delta One" artwork — the second in a series, with the first already displayed in Los Angeles.

Naturally, the lounge offers unlimited, high-speed Wi-Fi. In addition, every seat comes with convenient power outlets and USB-A and USB-C ports within easy reach.

Delta One Lounge JFK: The Bottom Line

Delta's new business-class-only lounge at JFK is arguably the most elegant and opulent airport lounge in the U.S.

Boasting a sophisticated design, abundant amenities, restaurant-quality dining, and ample space, this lounge is well worth an early arrival.

While Delta has consistently set the standard for a premium passenger experience, it has struggled in one particular area for years.

Despite the accolades for Delta's Sky Clubs, the airline had yet to create exclusive business-class lounges comparable to American's Flagship Lounges or United's Polaris Lounges.

This changes on Wednesday, as Delta enters the arena with its first Delta One Lounge. Though it may be arriving a bit later than others, this lounge swiftly becomes not just the finest business-class-only lounge in the U.S., but also one of the top lounges worldwide.

Many Delta devotees will likely agree: the wait has been more than worth it.