On Tuesday, Delta Air Lines finally opened its long-awaited new Sky Club lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
The Sky Club at Terminal 4’s B gates will be bigger and will complement Delta’s existing space with a stylish 14,000 square foot expansion. Similarly, the A gates at Terminal 4 have also recently expanded their pier, adding a stylish 14,000 square foot space to complement Delta’s existing Sky Club.
Concern still exists regarding the capacity issue, however, Delta has made efforts to address it by implementing stricter rules and fees for guests trying to access its clubs during peak periods. This is to alleviate the problem of overcrowding and long lines experienced by approximately 550 passengers at Delta’s Club Sky B-gate location at JFK. In order to accommodate the much-needed lounge space, Delta has added a new location near Gate A7, which can accommodate around 250 passengers.
If you travel with Delta: Top credit cards for Delta Air Lines passengers.
The airline’s most recent “Grab and Go” spot in the B gates will stay, however, the airline’s temporary “Express Club” that Delta had established close to the security checkpoint will shut down when the new lounge opens. This is a positive advancement for Delta patrons seeking additional space in the carrier’s JFK lounges, but only time will reveal if the new location can accommodate enough people to ease the issue at JFK.
Delta has recently rolled out new lounges at International Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, and Kansas City International Airport. Customers can now enjoy a bright and modern space in Club Sky JFK’s Terminal 4, which incorporates many of the latest design features.
Looking for more airline-specific updates? Subscribe to TPG’s complimentary biweekly Aviation newsletter.
The deck is covered with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, providing ample opportunities for planespotting. Perhaps the biggest architectural highlight is the stunning 360-degree bar that anchors the space. Throughout, there are scattered little nooks and large seating areas that offer a variety of seating types, providing more privacy.
On the day of its inauguration, this is what we witnessed. We will soon furnish a comprehensive evaluation, but TPG was present for the preliminary showing. Prior to its official commencement of welcoming customers on Tuesday, which was more like a low-key unveiling that permitted employees and a select few from the media to test out the new area, Delta offered a glimpse of the “T4-A” lounge on Monday.
Visitors approach the lounge near Gate A7, where glass doors with a blue tint slide open to allow for entry.
Guests will ascend to the main level on the second floor by either taking the stairs or an escalator, following the presentation of their boarding passes and entry credentials at one of the two white check-in stations before making a right turn.
Passengers alight at a small seating area with floor-to-ceiling windows flanked by elegant light fixtures, separated from the dividing wall by see-through escalators and stairs.
Travelers who do not promptly find a seat can go to the right and enter the central area of the lounge.
360-degree high-quality bar, self-serve food display, and seating space
The main lounge area, perhaps anchoring the 360-degree bar, is sure to be popular with social media-savvy guests for its Instagram-worthy backdrop, evoking a vibe of art deco that is a showstopper.
The margarita district offers a variety of drink choices, including an espresso martini for $10.50 or 700 miles and a flower margarita for $9 or 600 miles. The premium options and standard options also come with a complimentary bar.
Seating areas on both sides are accompanied by sliding chairs and tables, with booths integrated into the wall on one side. The bar is encompassed by the surrounding seating areas.
This seating area offers good choices for solo travelers looking to work on a laptop or small groups who want to gather together, with one of the high-top tables allowing them to do so.
On the opposite side of the bar, there is a smaller seating space and a big wall-mounted flat-screen television.
At the far end of the Sky Club’s buffet area, you will generally find what’s on offer at Delta’s other Sky Clubs, which will likely outpace the food options found at the regular Club United and Club Admirals locations. Delta’s suggested preview on Monday’s new outpost at JFK will keep the pace and offerings of the bar.
The lunch menu features roasted chicken with a tomato and red pepper cacio e pepe sauce, served over pasta orzo and broccolini. The salad option includes a chickpea and lemon dressing. Before switching to the Delta menu, the breakfast options featured oven-roasted rosemary potatoes, frittatas with chicken sausages, and eggs.
Another characteristic observed by multiple visitors during Monday’s preview was Delta’s flavor station.
JFK airport is another area with expansive seating, offering views of the landing entry from the roof. It is located to the left as you enter (and on the opposite end of the buffet, at the other end of the bar).
Throughout, for travelers with food or drinks, low-lying circular tables are spread out with multiple seating areas, providing guests with a variety of seating options. Charging options are available at several seats, including regular power sockets as well as USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
Open-Air Sky Terrace
Those looking for the outdoor Sky Deck will need to proceed forward from the main entry area and turn left along the bar towards the buffet, where they will find the lounge’s bathrooms and seating areas, which offer even more seating options. Another distinctive feature of the new lounge is the 360-degree bar, which is located towards the doors leading to the Sky Deck.
At the lounge, as they unwind, individuals who appreciate the spectacle of airplanes in motion — planespotters, aviation enthusiasts — are bound to be thrilled by the Sky Deck.
As they observe airplanes, individuals who wish to dine or work on their laptops can find seating options at a tall bar and comfortable cushioned areas. The deck provides two vantage points overlooking the airfield.
During Monday’s preview, several wide-body aircraft, including the fresh A350 Airbus from Virgin Atlantic and the 777 Boeing from Air India, taxied right past the Sky Deck in London.
The fireplace is expected to be the main attraction of the new Sky Club. It is situated along a transparent wall, allowing a view into the lounge’s interior. On one side of the lounge, there is a fireplace that remained inactive during the preview.
Throughout the majority of the year, travelers should have the opportunity to relish the Terminal 4-B Sky Deck because of its sheltered roof and heaters mounted on the ceiling. On the other hand, the open-air area at Terminal 4-A, in contrast to Delta’s Terminal 4 B gates’ Sky Deck, features a roof that provides cover.
2 additional seating areas
As you make your way towards the buffet and enter the main bar section, you will discover the seating. Travelers looking for seclusion can enjoy expansive areas and hidden corners, offering a combination of two extra seating spaces within the lounge.
As you approach the buffet, you will find a room with a mix of seating areas and another set of views at the airfield.
Ideal for individuals seeking a dose of caffeine is a blend from Edith’s Sandwich Counter in Brooklyn, consisting of a combination of chilled coffee, sesame paste, and oat milk, available at a frozen drink station. Additionally, there is another help desk available for customer assistance.
The room features large windows that stretch along the table, providing a laptop-friendly space. Alternatively, visitors can pull up small tables and chairs against the windows or sit on couches and chairs in another seating area. On the other side of the buffet, visitors can pass through to see the room.
Visitors can engage in phone conversations or participate in Zoom meetings in a peaceful environment by utilizing private phone pods. Additional seating areas and the restrooms of the lounge can be reached by walking down a hallway that extends from this seating section.
Compact tables and electrical sockets, power seating-style banquette includes a cozy corner with a reserved area and a lounge area located near the bathrooms. As you walk towards the bathrooms, the walls are lined with seats and additional tables.
The bathrooms at the end of the hallway are adorned with mirrors and lights, showcasing an art deco design. Grown Alchemist soaps and lotions are provided for guests to use.
Conclusion
Delta’s long-awaited second Sky Club is now open at the A gates of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The airline’s current Sky Club at JFK’s B gates, with a capacity of 550 seats, enhances the available space, which can accommodate up to 250 visitors.
Hopefully, the new lounge will help alleviate the chronic crowding at the existing location. The new lounge is a sleek addition to Delta’s ongoing efforts of adding new and luxurious clubs.