New Dawn? Delta One Lounge New York JFK Review

Over the past few years, I’ve been pretty vocal about Delta’s shortcomings—particularly when it comes to zoo like lounges and underwhelming catering. Sure, they promised to step up their game with the launch of the upscale Delta One Lounges, but I remained sceptical. After all, grand promises are one thing, but delivering is quite another.

I visited the flagship Delta One Lounge New York JFK this week, and I have to admit, I was genuinely impressed. Delta has done more than just upgrade their lounge experience—they’ve created an environment that rivals some of the best in the world. These lounges alone changes how I view Delta’s positioning among the big three U.S. carriers.

This lounge ushers in a new standard for Delta, offering not just a premium space but also restaurant-quality dining, thoughtful wellness options, and a range of luxury amenities. Think complimentary spa treatments, stylish work pods, and a terrace area perfect for plane spotting—an absolute delight for AvGeeks like me!

Delta One Lounge JFK Location & Access

The lounge is in Terminal 4 between concourse A & B.  It is open daily from 4:30 am to 11:00 pm.

If you are coming in via Delta’s exclusive check-in and private security, you will even find a little pre-lounge for some refreshments!

You will see the lounge across from you right after security.

It takes about 2 minutes from security to get to the entrance here.

Who Can Access Delta One Lounges?

Access to these premium lounges are strictly available to:

• Same-day departing or arriving Delta One ticketed passengers
• Delta 360^o™ Members departing or arriving on a same-day ticket in Delta First Class
• Select same day SkyTeam departing or connecting First & Business Class customers of Air France, KLM, Korean Air, LATAM and Virgin Atlantic
• Delta 360^o Members in Delta One or First Class may bring their immediate family ( all companions must be on a same-day Delta flight )
• Delta 360^o Members can otherwise guest in 2 companions for $100 per person.

As you can see Delta is keeping these lounges very exclusive. With most SkyTeam Business Class passengers not eligible – they will be redirected to the lesser Delta SkyClubs.

* Delta 360 is an invitation only status tier with Delta that is above the Diamond Medallion Status. It is thought to require significant annual spend exceeding 6 figures!

Delta One Lounge New York JFK

For most guests, the main entrance is via level 4 after security. With a stylish mini lobby area..

The Space & Ambience

Spanning a whopping 39,000 square feet, the Delta One Lounge at JFK feels spacious without being overwhelming, thanks to its thoughtful design and “lounge within a lounge” concept.

Here’s a little map to visualise the layout:

You will enter through the concierge containing a small reception area where staff check you in.

I was then greeted by a Delta One ambassador who offered me a printed guide highlighting the core amenities—a welcome touch and something I’d long thought sorely needed in various other worldwide lounges!

Right as you step in, you’re greeted by the Fireplace Lounge—a cozy living room-style space complete with inset bookcases and decorative accents.

Just beyond that is the Icon Bar, surrounded on three sides by stools, making it the social hub of the lounge.

Though busy, it still manages to maintain a refined vibe.

Market & Bakery

The Market and Bakery here is what you would typically expect to find in any Business Class lounge – a good selection of bites to eat with a casual dining area.

The hot food options looked quite good indeed – though I had to save my appetite for the restaurant..

There are various styles of seating options here to enjoy your food..

Business Lounge

The Business Lounge here features a large open work area with all the connectivity and views to boot.

There are also individual private soundproof work booths !

Rejuvenation Bar

I would not have though of this as a bar as such, but given what Delta has put in here, I understand why they’ve called it so.

This is mostly another seating area but what you have on one side of the wall is essentially a Juice bar on tap –

there are numerous health conscious drinks for you to choose from..

You are likely to find something you like for a good energy boost !

Wellness Spa

Joining the fray with other elite top Tier Business lounges – Delta One lounges now offer a few complimentary spa treatments !

All these are on a first come first served appointment only basis, so if you do fancy one, be sure to register sooner rather than later.

The treatments on offer during my visit this week were as follows:

You can select any one and you will then be given a time for an available slot. You will have some mandated disclaimer forms and general health questionnaires – which I had to fill out on an iPad in advance of the appointment time.

Pro tip – if your first choice is not available prior to your boarding time – might be worth checking an alternative!

I had a 1 hour wait – but with 3 hours in the lounge it worked out well enough.

The Treatments

In this instance, I booked a massage chair first, followed by Eye therapy treatment.

I have used these airport massage chairs with varying functionalities but these Delta ones are wholly on another level. You are seated in a Z position and strapped in and when the programme starts you feel completely weightless – almost as if you’re floating. Various massaging touchpoints activate simultaneously – some with considerable pressure.

The eye treatment was super relaxing – despite the fact that I generally don’t like people touching my face. It’s the reason why I’ve never let a barber shave me or had a facial.

The whole appointment was conducted very professionally, with a clearly experienced person – and I did feel surprisingly re-energized after that!

The Brasserie

After a little therapy time, I was ready for food – I skipped lunch so I could enjoy a meal in the lounge and a lighter meal on the flight – however by the time I finished with the Spa, it was already past 5pm!

This brasserie style restaurant can supposedly seat 140 guests.  The lounge was considerably more busy by then, but I did not have to wait for a table so I was escorted in and seated straight away !

The lovely staff member Janet, who would be looking after me,  first offered me my choice of water and first drink choice, while I browsed the menu..

My champagne arrived promptly and was not only poured right in front of me but also a little commentary of the champagne itself !

Looking through the menu, I was immediately reminded that this is no ordinary lounge – this could genuinely be the offering of a restaurant in the city.

The drinks menu is as follows:

Yes, there are some higher end choices that have a charge.

5 minutes later, she arrived to take see if I was ready to order and or had any questions.

I explained I was rather hungry, so she insisted I order multiple starters, or even multiple main (listed as second courses ) as she explained they can be quite small..

From the first courses I decided to order the Crispy Calamari & the Steamed Mussels..

I was rather shocked when this arrived (served by different waiters ) in mere minutes!

It appears the staff put orders through an iPad which goes straight to the kitchen

The Calamari was good – and the portion size was bigger than what I’d been led to believe!

The steamed mussels were rather lovely and very well complimented by the creamed leeks..

For main, I ordered Seared Diver Scallops

and Pan Roasted Branzino..

Again, this arrived fast, while I was still tackling the mussels!

During this time Janet checked in on me to see if I wanted to wanted to switch drinks, maybe try a wine but I was content with just water.

I understood what she meant about some second courses being small – the Scallops looked more like a starter, but they were done to perfection !

I only managed a couple of bites of the Branzino, which was rather flavourful and also well done, so I had room for dessert.

To finish of the meal, I opted for the dark chocolate souffle – served with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream..

Luxury Shower Suites

After my Spa appointment, I decided to have a shower even if I didn’t need one – for review purposes!

There appears to be plenty of luxury shower Suites if you want to freshen up at any point..

You will find a little reception area for this too on the other side of the Wellness area..

The suites are tastefully decorated with 5 star hotel level amenities !

The blue tiles against the grey marble sink and wall is very in tune with Delta branding..

You have all the standard Grown Alchemist gels and shampoos, the shower pressure was great too, though I did wonder why they didn’t opt for a rain shower too !

Attention to detail is evident throughout, anticipating your needs..

There are also extra amenities available for request such as facial cleansers, combs and even dental floss!

As you enter, you are also asked if you want any cloths pressed, which can be slotted right behind the shower suite here..

Terrace

Due to lack of time, I only had a quick peak through the Terrace area – which sure looked like a glammed up version of Delta’s regular SkyClub Terraces

it looked vastly more green and offered good views out the apron.

Which Airports Have Delta One Lounges?

Currently Delta One Lounges are available in New York, Boston and LAX

The Delta One Lounge in Seattle is also slated for opening this summer.

Overall Thoughts

I am a little bit blown away. Delta has not just delivered on it’s promise of a more Premium lounge but somehow managed to add a little wow factor to the whole experience.

The dining was simply superb!

Staff at every turn where highly attentive and professional – these are contracted third party staff but sure seemed to be well groomed in Premium hospitality. Given the lounge was still busy, I was able to book a spa treatment, which is nigh on impossible for most visits to Air France lounges.

On the whole – this felt more like a First Class experience than Business Class, essentially the only differentiator would be offering a few more top shelf liquors/champagne etc. There are areas for potential improvement – there are no dedicated rest/nap areas, but then again the lounge does close at 11pm.

I would go as far as to say this is a contender for the world’s best Business Class lounge on how things stand now and it emphatically beats rival United Polaris lounges, which until now have been the best lounges of the USA.

I may possibly harbour more affection towards Virgin Clubhouse in Heathrow – even if that has noticeably pared back some offers. Which neatly brings me draw another conclusion: all this may not last long and before we know if there will be some form of a recession and Delta would pare back some of the offerings here.

I was flying back home with Virgin on this occasion but now I am really intrigued how Delta manages to enhance the onboard Delta One experience – if it does so even with half as impact as this, Delta stands to be regarded as an elite group of Premium airlines in the world.