Inside Delta's brand-new Sky Club in Atlanta, its nicest one yet
The world's busiest airport is finally home to a Delta Sky Club worthy of being located at the airline's megahub.
On Tuesday, Delta Air Lines will officially open its hotly anticipated new lounge in Concourse D at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The space, under construction for the past three years, is the first new Sky Club that Delta has opened in Atlanta in nearly a decade — a somewhat surprising statistic given that Atlanta is Delta's worldwide headquarters and biggest hub.
The space not only expands the airline's Atlanta lounge capacity by more than 500 seats (very much needed!), but it also is the first to feature the airline's latest localized design motifs — something that's been noticeably missing from the Sky Club experience in Atlanta.
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There's lots to love about this new Sky Club. Catch all the details below.
Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse D location
The new Delta Sky Club sits in the central core of ATL's Concourse D. You'll find the entrance to the lounge near Gate D18, just after ascending the escalator from the Plane Train.
The entrance to the lounge can't be missed. It features Delta's now-iconic wood-lined Sky Club paneling, and once inside, you'll find plenty of self-service entry kiosks and two reception desks.
The lounge is located two levels above the departures concourse, and there's a beautiful marble-clad lobby area with stairs and two elevators waiting to whisk you upstairs.
This waiting area even features some stunning artwork — a harbinger of what's to come inside the lounge itself.
All concourses at ATL are connected airside, so you can visit this outpost no matter where your Delta flight departs from. Just be sure to allow enough time to make it to your departure gate before boarding ends.
The lounge will be open daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse D access
This new Sky Club inherits the same access policies as any other Delta lounge.
That means that travelers in long-haul premium cabins, those with Sky Club memberships and select credit card holders can use the lounge. TPG has a complete guide to accessing the Sky Club network, but holding the right credit card is undoubtedly the best way to enter the lounge.
Some of the top cards that include Sky Club entry are:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Must be traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight; complimentary Delta Sky Club access is limited to 10 visits per program year (Feb.1 to Jan. 31).
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Must be traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or -operated flight; complimentary Delta Sky Club access is limited to 15 visits per program year (Feb. 1 to Jan. 31).
Just note that Delta recently instituted some limits on credit card entry to help curb lounge overcrowding. This includes capping the number of annual visits that cardmembers have to use the Sky Club and only allowing entry within three hours of departing flights (not applicable to connections).
You'll want to remind yourself of all the access policies before heading to Delta's new Atlanta Sky Club.
Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse D design
From the moment you step inside, you'll realize that this Sky Club is unlike any other in Atlanta. For one, it spans more than 24,000 square feet and offers seating for 506 guests, making it the largest lounge in Atlanta in terms of capacity.
The layout resembles Delta's latest design motifs, including more functional spaces and partitioning to create a sense of privacy and personal space.
"This is going to be a game-changer on this concourse," Claude Roussel, Delta's lounge chief, said in an interview with TPG. "The clubs that we build are beautiful in general, but this is really creative for the guest experience because when we think about our clubs, we really are very focused on the experience of the guest."
Ultimately, Roussel is referring to the fact that the new club is one giant rectangle, yet Delta did a great job of making it feel far more elevated.
As you enter the space, you'll find two agent-staffed desks for help with flight changes and irregular operations.
There are plenty of seating options as you walk around this space. From individual recliners to couches to shared workstations, you'll hopefully be able to find your preferred place to sit. The perimeter of the lounge is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows with fantastic apron views of concourses C, D and E. (It's just too bad I visited on a rainy Monday in April.)
As you walk past the bar, you'll find a dining area toward the back of the lounge.
The lounge's buffet lines the far perimeter of the space, and it features a beautiful tiled mural in different shades of green that is supposed to evoke Atlanta's nickname of “City in a Forest."
The centerpiece bar stands as the focal point of the space, partitioning the two sides of the lounge from each other.
Along the other side of the lounge, you'll find more seating, including recliners, couches and bar-style seats.
As you approach the back of the space, you might encounter some sports fans and businesspeople.
That's because the lounge's theater-style media wall is located right next to the business area, which features six private Framery phone booths, including one in an accessible configuration.
This workspace area also has a high-top coworking table.
While the lounge feels far more functional than any of Delta's existing spaces in Atlanta, it isn't the world's most opulent Sky Club. That title probably still rests with outposts in Chicago or New York.
Nevertheless, the new Atlanta location does feature a collection of eye-catching artwork and design motifs that are unlike any other lounge in the airport.
All in all, Delta did a great job building a place that'll process travelers efficiently and with enough privacy that might make someone forget that they're transiting through the world's busiest airport.
Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse D dining
Delta's Sky Club catering is always a cut above the competition, and this outpost is no exception.
The lounge features a single buffet that lines one of the walls of the space. The buffet is built such that there are two identical serving stations on each end, which should hopefully help eliminate a long line to get food.
The lounge alternates between breakfast and all-day dining, and it'll feature some fan-favorite dishes with a Southern flair.
Even though Delta offers lounge staples like cheese plates and hummus boards, the presentation makes you feel like you're in an upscale restaurant, not an airport.
I wasn't hungry enough to sample one of everything, but everything I tried was delicious — and all the dishes I didn't try still looked quite appetizing.
The lounge also has two beverage stations, which feature Eversys coffee machines, Coca-Cola fountains and other nonalcoholic drink choices.
The 16-seat bar is where you'll find all the liquor. As with all Sky Clubs, a variety of house drinks are included with entry, and there's also a lengthy premium bar menu available for purchase with cash or Delta SkyMiles.
Delta Sky Club Atlanta Concourse D amenities
Delta's newest lounges are packed with amenities, but this one might feel a little bare for those who are used to outposts in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.
For one, you won't find an outdoor Sky Deck here, which is a bummer for those who enjoy fresh air (with a slight hint of jet fuel). The lounge also doesn't feature shower suites — those are reserved for the Sky Clubs in concourses E and F, which primarily serve international flights.
The lounge features one set of gender-specific restrooms. With the marble- and wood-lined counters and doors, gold sconces and oval-shaped mirrors, these are among the nicest bathrooms in the entire airport — so much so that I could close my eyes and picture myself in a Four Seasons hotel.
If you're looking to catch up on work, you'll find six phone booths available on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as a communal printer in the business corner of the lounge.
As you might expect for a lounge built in 2025, there are power outlets and USB-A and USB-C ports at nearly every seat.
Fast and free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the lounge.
Bottom line
Delta's new Sky Club in Atlanta is a serious upgrade for the airline's biggest hub.
It comes as the airline has spent much of the past decade building new lounges and expanding existing ones, but that growth hasn't touched Atlanta — until now. Delta last opened a Sky Club in Atlanta in 2016, so the airline is most definitely playing catch-up in its busiest hub.
Even though it's been a long time coming, the new outpost is by far the nicest that Delta offers in Atlanta. From the gorgeous design to the functional layout, I'm sure this space will be quite popular from the moment it opens.
Nevertheless, Delta clearly prioritized seating over amenities in this space. It's a trade-off that makes sense given the traffic Delta funnels through Atlanta, but don't arrive expecting to enjoy a drink or gelato on an outdoor terrace.
For that, you'll need to hope that your connecting flight takes you to Los Angeles or Minneapolis.
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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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- 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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- Annual Fee is $325.
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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. |
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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.