We thought there was a queue for the gate, but it turned out to be the queue for the Delta Sky Club.
Delta Skyclub Lounge
After our Christmas trip to New York, we fly back from JFK Airport. Earlier we visited the Centurion Lounge here, but we also want to briefly visit the Delta Skyclub. Rick has been there before and was very positive about it, but is that justified?
Access Delta Sky Club JFK
- American Express Credit Card
As an American Express Platinum cardholder, you get instant access to the Delta Sky Club at JFK. - Business Class Ticket or status
With a Business Class ticket from Delta or its partners, you also get access to the lounge. If you do not have a business class ticket, but have the right status with Flying Blue, Delta Medallion or another SkyTeam programme, you can also gain access with a flight with one of the SkyTeam members. - Buy access
It is currently possible to get access to the lounge with an annual subscription – at least if you have a status with Delta Medallion. It is unclear how long this will remain possible. At the moment, without status, the right credit card is the best option.
Huge crowds
When we arrive at the lounge, we see a huge queue. At first, we think this queue belongs to a gate, as the lounge is quite close to several gates. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
There are two huge queues at the door and we may – must – join at the back to gain access to the lounge. We hesitate, as we could also walk back to the Centurion Lounge, but decide to wait and visit the lounge anyway.
The queues are divided between people with Business Class tickets and people with status. Once people are allowed in, two or three business class ticket holders are let in first, followed by one person with status.
The lounge
The lounge is huge. You enter via an escalator at the lounge check-in desk where you have your ticket scanned and then you can walk through to one of the many seating areas. There is a huge bar, several tables with chairs to eat – as if you were in a restaurant – there are recliners, large square leather chairs, sofas, bars with bar stools and enclosed quiet areas where you can wait for your flight in peace.
Despite the huge crowds at the entrance, the lounge itself is a pleasant place to be. It is crowded, but not too. There is (enough) space to sit and at no point do you feel like there are too many people inside.
Food and drink
It doesn’t get more American than the Delta Skyclub. The partnership with Starbucks allows you to prepare your own Starbucks coffee, cappuccino or frappuccino. When we visit the lounge, there is a stand preparing fresh hot dogs where you can add your own sauces, cheese and sauerkraut.
At the bar, you imagine yourself in a sports bar and drinks and spirits are available for free. Walk a little further to the buffet and you will find sandwiches, raw vegetables for a healthy salad, vegetables, meat and vegetarian options.
Are you finished eating? Then there are snacks, brownies, red velvet cookies and other goodies to serve as dessert or just enjoy the Starbucks coffee, which you can take with you to your flight in a to-go cup.
In any case, the bottom line is that the Delta Skyclub at JFK has the food and drink well taken care of.
Toilets and showers
The toilets are fine. Neat, clean and spacious. In the corridor where you walk to the toilets, you can also reserve a shower.
Due to the long wait, we unfortunately did not have time to use the shower, but based on what we see in the lounge – in terms of cleanliness and tidiness – this should be good. If you have the time, be sure to book a shower to freshen yourself up.
Conclusion
There has been discussion for some time that Delta wants to make access to its lounges more restrictive. America, of course, is a credit-card country and with the right credit card, you will soon have access to the lounge(s).
You can tell that when you want to enter the lounge by the long queue and that takes away from the purpose of a lounge. Namely waiting for your flight in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Once in the lounge, though, that feeling is quickly forgotten.
The lounge is neat, clean and there is plenty of space to sit. The food and drinks are very good and the presence of showers is also nice.
Delta Skyclub JFK: frequently asked questions
Which terminal is Delta JFK in?
The Delta Skyclub at JFK New York can be found in Terminal 4, Concourse B after security. The Lounge can be found near Gate 31.
What does the Delta Lounge at JKF cost?
Access to the Delta Lounge at JFK is free if you hold a Business class or First Class ticket, have status with Delta or one of the Skyteam partners. Buying access is possible for Americans, but not for us Dutch/Europeans.
With Sky Priority, do you have access to the Delta lounge at JFK?
Yes and no. If you have Sky Priority, it does not necessarily mean you have access to the Delta Skyclub Lounge at JFK New York. Sky Priority normally means priority check-in, security and boarding for your flight.
With the right ticket – a Business or First class ticket – or with the right status – platinum – within the Flying Blue / Skyteam programme, you also have Sky Priority and access to the lounge.
However, you may also have Skypriority on your flight from another airline, in which case you cannot (always) enter this lounge. Check before your flight or at check-in which lounge you have access to.
