You might be surprised by the latest news regarding the new Delta One Lounge, along with additional insights

Delta Air Lines is entering a new phase with the launch of its very first Delta One Lounge.

This exclusive lounge network for business-class travelers has been in development for years, marking a significant advancement for Delta, which has consistently focused on providing a premium experience across all service classes.

Starting Wednesday, Delta One business-class passengers can look forward to an enhanced experience with access to the airline's Delta One Lounge at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

This sprawling nearly 40,000-square-foot lounge is likely the most opulent in the entire country. (Check out TPG's complete review.)

While Delta may lag a few years behind American and United in establishing a business-class-only lounge, the airline is certainly making waves with its JFK debut.

However, the story goes beyond just the unveiling of this impressive new venue. TPG spoke with Claude Roussel, vice president of Delta Sky Clubs and lounge experience, about everything related to lounges, and here are the key takeaways from the man behind them all.

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Farewell to overcrowding

The Delta One Lounge is exciting news not just for business-class travelers, but even more so for Delta passengers traveling through the JFK hub.

Roussel announced that the days of lounge overcrowding in this terminal are finally over. "No more lines, no more lines, no more lines in our Concourse B Sky Club!" he declared enthusiastically.

With the addition of almost 40,000 square feet of lounge area accommodating 515 guests, Delta's JFK hub has finally gained the relief it has desperately needed.

Delta plans to direct all its business-class travelers to this new lounge, which, based on Roussel's analysis, will eliminate the overcrowding issues at JFK's Sky Clubs.

In July 2023, the airline launched a new Sky Club in the A Concourse, but the existing area in the B Concourse has still seen long wait times at times.

"This will finally provide some relief for our Concourse B Sky Club. We've been anticipating this for years, and it's finally happening," he remarked.

Fresh service concept

As the lounge manager, Roussel oversees everything — from dining options to amenities, service quality, and even the Champagne selection.

In the Delta One Lounge, Roussel is thrilled to introduce a new service model: ambassadors will deliver service directly to your seat.

"They'll greet you warmly, offer still or sparkling water, provide silverware, and take drink orders from the bar to serve at your table," he shared.

Such a level of personalized attention is uncommon in airport lounges, and now Delta is bringing it to its largest club, supported by over 200 staff members, as Roussel noted, who are "at the heart of all we do."

How will the team uphold this new standard? "It's all about training, training, training to ensure we deliver the highest quality of service possible," he explained.

It remains uncertain if Delta can effectively implement this high-touch service in a lounge, but it is certainly raising expectations.

Other new venues: Inside Delta's breathtaking new Sky Club in Kansas City

Expertise shines through in the lounge's offerings

In line with elevating standards, the Delta One Lounge introduces a dining experience that stands unmatched in any U.S. airport lounge. Featuring a brasserie with 140 seats, a Market and Bakery buffet, and a signature bar, this venue presents the finest food and beverage options among U.S. airports.

Roussel seems to be the ideal person to lead this initiative. "With 30 years of experience in hotels and restaurants, along with a team that shares a strong hospitality background, we are well-equipped for this mission," he stated.

Roussel's extensive expertise in hospitality enabled him to "make the impossible" a reality. He insisted on including rotisserie chicken and chocolate souffle on the brasserie menu. (He certainly knows how to win my heart.)

However, when he presented these ideas to the team, they quickly dismissed them as unfeasible. Roussel is no stranger to hearing "no," but his background in building and managing restaurants assured him that these dishes could actually be offered.

Fast forward 18 months from that initial discussion with the team, and both rotisserie chicken and chocolate souffle are now proudly featured in the lounge.

Thoughtful amenities pave the way

The Delta One Lounge boasts an array of amenities: a dining area, fireplace, terrace, spa, showers, and much more.

Yet, often it's the little details that turn out to be the most groundbreaking.

In the Delta One Lounge, the airline is introducing a service I've never encountered in all my travels: the option to borrow a second monitor to help with work tasks.

This initiative, in partnership with Espresso Displays, will provide travelers with a 15.4-inch monitor while they relax in the lounge. These monitors, which can tilt and adjust in height, are perfect for those wanting to be productive on the go.

I'm eager to see how this amenity is embraced, as it's one that I'm genuinely looking forward to.

What lies ahead for Delta One Lounges

Delta is not slowing down. This year, the airline intends to launch two additional Delta One Lounges: one in Los Angeles and another in Boston.

The Los Angeles lounge is set to open in October, while the Boston location will follow in November, as Roussel informed TPG.

The Los Angeles lounge will feature approximately 10,000 square feet of space, along with a year-round terrace that offers views of the apron, runways, and the Hollywood Hills in the distance.

In contrast, the Boston location will span just 6,300 square feet, accommodating 120 guests. This will be the smallest Delta One Lounge to date.

Regarding what travelers can look forward to, Roussel mentioned that "the experience will feature special service at each seat."

"While we won't offer all the amenities due to space constraints and wellness treatments won't be available, we will maintain the same quality of food and beverage, as well as the same level of attention and service" throughout the network.

And if the JFK location is any indication, Delta flyers will certainly find plenty to appreciate in these upcoming lounges as well.