Delta Air Lines is ushering in a new era with the opening of the first Delta One Lounge.
This network of dedicated business class lounges has been years in the making and is a big move for Delta, an airline that has always prioritized providing a premium passenger experience across all cabins.
Now, Delta One business class passengers are about to get a big upgrade because as of Wednesday, they’ll be able to enjoy the airline’s Delta One Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York.
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This nearly 40,000 square meter space is probably the most beautiful and luxurious waiting room in the country. (This is Full review by TPG if you haven’t seen it yet.)
While Delta may be several years behind American and United in offering dedicated business class lounges, the airline is still making a splash with the opening of JFK.
That said, there is more to the story than just the opening of this beautiful 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 it all.
Good seats: The Ultimate Guide to Delta One Suites
Goodbye crowds
Sure, the Delta One Lounge is big news for business class passengers, but it’s arguably even bigger news for Delta passengers traveling through the carrier’s JFK hub.
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That’s because the waiting room at this station will be too crowded Final be history, Roussel said. “There’s no line, there’s no line, there’s no line in our Sky Concourse B 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 long-needed support.
Delta will move all of its business class passengers to this new lounge, which, according to Roussel’s data, will lead to overcrowding at JFK’s Sky Clubs.
This airline has opened one New Sky Club at Concourse A in July 2023, but the existing space in Concourse B still has long lines at times.
“This will finally bring relief to our Sky Concourse B Club,” he added. We’ve been waiting years for it and it’s finally here.”
New service concept
As lounge leader, Roussel is responsible for everything – dining, amenities, service and even Champagne selection.
At Delta One Lounge, Rouseel is excited to launch a new service concept: ambassadors will provide on-site service.
“They will come and welcome you. They will offer you sparkling water or sparkling water, they will give you silverware. They will be able to order drinks from the bar and bring them to your table,” he said. explain.
This level of personalized service is rare in any airport lounge, and now Delta is launching it at its largest club. It’s powered by more than 200 employees who “are at the heart of everything we do,” Rouseel said.
How can the team perform to this new standard? “Training, training, training to really make sure that we provide the best level of service possible,” he explains.
It remains to be seen whether Delta can successfully implement such high-touch service in lounges, but it is certainly setting the bar high.
Other new locations: Inside Delta’s stunning new Sky Club in Kansas City
Deep expertise makes the lounge shine
Speaking of upping the ante, Delta One Lounges offer a dining experience unmatched by any U.S. airport lounge. With a 140-seat brasserie, as well as a Market and Bread buffet area and a signature bar, this space can deliver a top-notch food and beverage experience among the patios. flying in the United States.
And Roussel may be the perfect person to carry out this mission. “I have 30 years of experience working in hotels and restaurants, with some of my team from the same background, with a strong focus on hospitality,” he said.
This deep expertise in hospitality has allowed Roussel to “make the impossible” happen. He insisted on putting roast chicken and chocolate soup on the brasserie menu. (The man who knows the key to my heart.)
But when he brought the idea to the team, they immediately said it couldn’t be done. Roussel is used to hearing “no” for an answer, but his experience building and managing restaurants tells him that it can actually happen.
Fast forward 18 months after the first chat with the group and there’s roast chicken and chocolate soup available in the waiting room.
Thoughtful amenities lead the way
Delta One Lounge has full amenities: dining room, fireplace, terrace, spa, shower and more.
But sometimes, it’s the smallest things that are the most revolutionary.
At the Delta One Lounge, the airline is rolling out a new service I’ve never seen before in all my travels: the ability to borrow a second screen to more easily catch up on work.
The collaboration, made in partnership with Espresso Displays, will provide travelers with a 15.4-inch screen to use while they are in the lounge. These tilt- and height-adjustable monitors will come in handy for those who want to get work done on the road.
I’m excited to see how this add-on is received as it’s one that I’m personally very excited about.
What’s next for Delta One Lounges
Delta is not resting on its laurels. This year, the airline plans to open two more Delta One Lounges: one in Los Angeles and one in Boston.
The former will open in October and the latter will open in November, Roussel told TPG.
The Los Angeles space will feature approximately 10,000 square feet, as well as a year-round terrace with views of the apron, runway and Hollywood Hills in the distance.
Meanwhile, the Boston outpost will be just 6,300 square feet (capacity for 120 customers). This will be the smallest Delta One Lounge to date.
As for what passengers can expect, Roussel said that “the experience will be exceptional service at every seat.”
“You won’t have all the amenities because we don’t have the space. We won’t be able to do the wellness treatments. But, we will have the same level of food and drinks, the same level of level of attention, same level of health care.” same level of care and service” across the network.
And if the JFK outpost is any indication, there will be plenty of Delta flyers loving these upcoming spaces, too.
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