The biggest news about the new Delta One Lounge may surprise you, and more tidbits
Delta Air Lines is ushering in a new era with the opening of its first Delta One Lounge.
This business-class-only lounge network has been years in the making, and it's a major move for Delta, an airline that has historically prioritized offering a premium passenger experience across all cabins.
Now, Delta One business-class flyers are in for a major upgrade — as of Wednesday, they'll be able to enjoy the airline's Delta One Lounge at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
This nearly 40,000-square-foot space is probably the most luxurious lounge in the entire country. (Here's TPG's full review.)
Even though Delta may be a few years behind American and United in offering a business-class-only lounge, the airline is making a splash with the JFK opening.
That said, there's more to the story than just the opening of this stunning new facility. TPG interviewed Claude Roussel, vice president of Delta Sky Clubs and lounge experience, about all things lounges, and here's what you need to know from the man behind them all.
The good seats: The ultimate guide to Delta One Suites
Goodbye, overcrowding
Sure, the Delta One Lounge is big news for business-class travelers, but it's arguably even bigger news for Delta flyers passing through the carrier's JFK hub.
That's because lounge overcrowding in this terminal will finally be history, said Roussel. "No lines, no lines, no lines in our Concourse B Sky Club anymore," he exclaimed.
With the opening of nearly 40,000 square feet of new lounge space with seating for 515 passengers, Delta's JFK hub now has the relief it has long needed.
Delta is going to funnel all its business-class passengers to this new lounge, which, according to Roussel's data, will result in no more overcrowding at JFK's Sky Clubs.
The airline opened a new Sky Club in the A Concourse in July 2023, but the preexisting space in the B Concourse has still experienced long lines at times.
"This is going to finally give relief to our Concourse B Sky Club. We've been waiting for years to do that, and it's finally here," he added.
New service concept
As the lounge chief, Roussel is responsible for it all — dining, amenities, service and even the Champagne selection.
In the Delta One Lounge, Roussel is excited to debut a new service concept: ambassadors will provide at-seat service.
"They will come and welcome you. They will offer you still or sparkling water, they will give you silverware. They will be able to order a drink from the bar and bring it to your table," he explained.
This level of personalized service is rare in any airport lounge, and now Delta is debuting it at its largest club yet. It's being provided by over 200 employees, Roussel said, who "are at the center of everything we do."
How can the team execute on this new standard? "Training, training, training to really ensure that we give the best level of service that we can," he explained.
It remains to be seen whether Delta can successfully implement such high-touch service in a lounge, but it's definitely setting a high bar.
Other new locations: Inside Delta's stunning new Sky Club in Kansas City
Deep expertise makes the lounge shine
Speaking of raising the bar, the Delta One Lounge debuts a dining experience that's unrivaled in any U.S. airport lounge. With a brasserie featuring 140 seats, as well as a Market and Bakery buffet area and a signature bar, this space offers the top food and drink experiences among U.S. airports.
And Roussel may be the perfect man to execute this mission. "I have 30 years in hotels and restaurants, along with some of my teams that have the same background, very heavy in hospitality," he said.
This deep expertise in hospitality allowed Roussel to "make the impossible" happen. He was adamant about having rotisserie chicken and chocolate souffle on the menu in the brasserie. (The man knows the keys to my heart.)
But when he brought the ideas to the team, they immediately said it couldn't work. Roussel is used to hearing "no" as an answer, but his experience building and managing restaurants told him that it was actually possible.
Fast forward 18 months after that first conversation with the team, and there's both rotisserie chicken and chocolate souffle available in the lounge.
Thoughtful amenities lead the way
The Delta One Lounge features a whole host of amenities: dining room, fireplace, terrace, spa, showers and much more.
But sometimes, it's the smallest things that are the most revolutionary.
In the Delta One Lounge, the airline is debuting a new service I've never seen before in all my travels: the ability to borrow a second monitor to make it easier to catch up on work.
The tie-up, done in collaboration with Espresso Displays, will give travelers a 15.4-inch display to use while they're in the lounge. These tilt- and height-adjustable monitors will come in handy for those looking to get work done on the road.
I'm excited to see how this amenity is received, because it's one that I'm personally excited about.
What's next for Delta One Lounges
Delta isn't resting on its laurels. This year, the carrier plans to open two more Delta One Lounges: one in Los Angeles and another in Boston.
The former will open in October and the latter will open in November, Roussel told TPG.
The one in Los Angeles will offer about 10,000 square feet of space, as well as a year-round terrace with views of the apron, runways and Hollywood Hills in the distance.
Meanwhile, the Boston outpost will measure just 6,300 square feet, with seating for 120 customers. This will be the smallest Delta One Lounge so far.
As for what flyers can expect, Roussel said that "the experience will be set as special service at every seat."
"You won't have all of the amenities because we don't have the space. We won't be able to do wellness treatments. But we will have the same level of food and beverage, the same level of attention, the same level of care and service" across the network.
And if the JFK outpost is any indication, there'll be a lot for Delta flyers to love about these upcoming spaces, too.
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