1st look: Inside Delta's stunning new Sky Club in Minneapolis
Delta Air Lines wants to position itself as America's premium airline.
From fancy onboard cabins to upgraded catering to free fleetwide Wi-Fi, the airline is on a mission to elevate the travel experience (and charge you extra for it).
Perhaps nowhere is that strategy more apparent than in the carrier's latest upgrades to the Sky Club network. The network now includes a collection of lounges that travelers actually want to visit — so much so that overcrowding has become an everyday phenomenon.
While Delta has already opened a slew of new and expanded Sky Clubs since the pandemic began, the airline isn't resting on its laurels.
Many more lounges are expected to open in the coming months and years. On Wednesday, Delta will officially inaugurate its newest Sky Club: a third location at its hub at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).
I visited the new lounge before the opening, and it's exactly what you'd expect from a Sky Club in 2023: a luxurious space with plenty of seating, top-notch catering, a year-round Sky Deck and much more.
Want to see inside? Read on for a first-look tour.
Inside Delta's new Minneapolis Sky Club
Delta's new Sky Club in Minneapolis is in Concourse G, between gates 17 and 18, and it's open daily from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. All Delta gates at MSP are connected post-security, so assuming you don't mind a little walking, you can use the lounge before any Delta flight departing from the airport.
The entrance is located on the ground level of the central rotunda, and it's nearly impossible to miss because of the wood-grain wall and backlit Delta Sky Club branding.
Once inside, there are two elevators and a staircase to take you to the lounge. Delta does a great job with the details. Thanks to some colorful artwork, a beautiful chandelier and spacious elevators, this entrance area feels more like a five-star hotel lobby than an airport hold room.
After ascending one level, you'll find yourself in the 21,000-square-foot lounge. There are three self-service check-in kiosks, as well as one agent-staffed reception desk, to help you get registered.
This area is also home to my favorite artwork in the entire space, "Minneapolis." I'm a fan of calling cities by their airport codes, and Dennis Kalow's take on Minneapolis incorporates a large M, S and P interwoven in enameled wood and painted in red, white and gold.
After completing the entry formalities, you'll pass by two agent-staffed help desks, where you can go for assistance during irregular operations or to ask any other travel questions.
This part of the lounge is shaped like a semi-circle that spans the perimeter of the central rotunda area. The couches lining the glass walls are sure to be popular with groups who want to relax near the lounge entrance.
While Delta has really elevated the Sky Club experience in recent years, I love the color palette the airline chose for this outpost. Since Minnesota is the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," designers chose to include copper, bronze and sage green accents throughout the space to evoke summer sunsets in the Great Lakes region.
That said, you'll still find a pop of Delta signature colors throughout the lounge, including on the red-lined chairs that make up the visually appealing U-shaped sitting nook near the bar.
"We are happy to not do cookie cutter," Claude Roussel, Delta's managing director for Sky Clubs, said about the lounge design in an interview with TPG. "This lounge, like all of our other new Sky Clubs, is really curated for the city," he added.
You'll find the lounge's signature bar just as you enter the main relaxation area. It's easily one of the largest in the Sky Club network, and the bronze finishes contrast perfectly with the dark-green barstools and the gold lights hanging from the ceiling.
As with other Sky Clubs, there's a menu of complimentary spirits, and travelers can purchase premium beverages using cash or SkyMiles.
In addition to barstools, you'll find individual chairs and two-top bench seats in the bar area.
The bar gives way to the lounge's main relaxation area which is split between a business center and a large room better suited for families and friends traveling together. The lounge has space for a whopping 450 passengers.
The business center features four rows of individual cubicles, a coworking table and three Framery phone booths, one of which can accommodate travelers who use a wheelchair. These phone booths have been popping up at Sky Clubs nationwide, but I wish Delta added more of them in Minneapolis — I can't imagine finding an empty one during the week.
The business center is also home to the lounge's shared wireless printer.
A small walk-up Starbucks coffee bar separates the business center from the rest of the relaxation area.
Throughout the relaxation zone, you'll find plenty of seating choices that range from shared couches (that serve as natural room dividers) to individual chairs to velvet seats along the perimeter of this space.
No matter where you sit, you'll never be more than an arm's reach from a power outlet. Most seats also have access to USB-A ports, and some even have newer USB-C charging ports nearby.
The lounge's buffet is at the back of the relaxation area. The marble-clad action stations don't just look great — their culinary offerings are also some of the best you'll find in any airport lounge.
This includes charcuterie plates and cheese boards (that look nothing like the depressing cheese cubes you'll find in Admirals Clubs), a cold salad station, four rotating entrees, a dessert bar and much more.
At the outset, Delta is partnering with Bravo's "Top Chef" alum and Twin Cities native Justin Sutherland to curate the lounge's food program. It will include chicken and andouille gumbo, shrimp and grits, pimento cheeseburger sliders and banana pudding through mid-July.
As with its other clubs, the airline will rotate the lounge menu and chef partnership every few months as part of its so-called Local Flavor program.
While you might be focused on grabbing some food (or catching a flight), you may want to take a moment to appreciate the design of the dining room. One highlight is the artwork hanging next to the buffet — "Seagulls Have No Use for Satellites" — that encourages viewers to slow down from all the distractions in their lives.
The lounge features two main dining areas right next to each other. There are various seating choices and configurations, including plenty of high-top tables with just one stool — perfect for solo travelers.
The dining room is also where you'll find the lounge's main beverage station, which features a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, Bevi water dispenser, Starbucks coffee and two Eversys coffee machines.
My favorite amenity in the entire lounge is the year-round Sky Deck, which can fit a whopping 110 passengers.
While some Sky Decks are seasonal and just feature chairs and tables, this one is designed for every climate and style of traveler.
The Sky Deck features glass partitions that can be closed depending on the weather, as well as a heating and cooling system. It boasts fantastic views of the G concourse and runway 12R in the distance.
There are outdoor-themed chairs and couches, as well as two Tilt-a-Whirl-shaped cars — a nod to the iconic carnival game invented in Minnesota.
Moreover, you can pick up a drink from the outdoor bar without needing to head back inside. I was particularly impressed with the lounge's signature peppermint espresso martini crafted with liquor from a local distillery.
There are even two completely open-air "rooms" on the Sky Deck. One room features a coworking table in front of Delta's new signature green living wall — a feature the airline seems to have borrowed from the Centurion Lounges operated by its credit card issuer, American Express.
Along the hallway from the main bar to the dining room lounge, there is one set of gender-specific restrooms, as well as two single-use, all-gender bathroom facilities.
With specially curated artwork, marble sinks, fancy sconces and red/green occupancy indicators above the stalls, these restrooms are some of the nicest in the entire airport.
Unfortunately, Delta opted not to install showers in the Sky Club, though the airline may decide to add that in a future renovation in Minneapolis, Roussel told TPG.
Bottom line
Delta's new Minneapolis Sky Club has been years in the making, and it's one that frequent flyers will surely enjoy.
From the eye-catching design to the top-notch catering to the year-round Sky Deck, there's something for everyone inside this brand-new lounge. Plus, with 21,000 square feet and capacity for 450 passengers, overcrowding hopefully won't be an issue on most days.
While the outpost is certainly Delta's nicest in Minneapolis, it's not necessarily the best in the entire network. In my mind, that award still goes to the Sky Club in Los Angeles or possibly even to the outpost that just opened in Chicago.
One thing is for certain, though: Even if the latest Sky Club in Minneapolis faces some stiff competition from Delta's other award-winning outposts, it still raises the bar for an airport lounge. This is especially true compared to what American Airlines and United Airlines offer at their Admirals Clubs and United Clubs, respectively.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.