Delta SkyClub Lounge JFK T4

Just through the doors is a large business hotel like lobby where each passenger is checked through. Then you go up via an escalator on the right into the lounge. The space underwent major renovations only months ago, thus felt fresh and smart.

Almost the first thing you see on entering is a spa area offering various services at additional fees, including selling products.

However, I was immediately drawn to the expansive views on offer and quickly tried to find a good spot.

There are several seating zones in the lounge. A long-ish space with various sofa/arm chair seating provides good views out.

Additionally there are a line of high chairs right by the window which looks more suitable for people working or those who prefer not to face anyone else. Off course they offer uninterrupted views out.

A large middle seating zone connects the two sides of the lounge, behind which, there is the buffet food area and seating for dining.

For those needing to work, they had a dedicated area for that too, with views to boot!

And a view that is!

All the spaces were fairly busy as can be seen in the pictures.  What I really appreciated  however was just the range of seating choices from sofas to private individual booth like seat. Each and every one I noticed, had power points and connectivity options conveniently located!

Also on the middle are 4 showers. I did not use them as you guessed it, there was a long line of people waiting. That was actually fine, as I had a shower just before getting to airport.

So far so good, but this is where things got chaotic.

There are buffet food options, as most lounges would have. When I first attempted to grab a bite, I was put off by the queue for the food. I honestly was rather surprised by, a how long it was,  b how slow it was moving. So I decided to get some drinks and wait til the lines eased.

When I really got peckish about 45 minutes later, the line got even worse!

Something wasn’t right here. I know the lounge was fairly busy but I have seen busier lounges. Then something dawned on me.  There was just one food area (that’s to say just one room) and they made no effort to organise it better so that people only go to the sections of food they want.

For example, they had salad section, a fresh noodle section and more snack-y section, soups & even desserts but everyone was all forming one queue for all of those stations. The whole situation was just wrong and unnecessary. It needed some simple layout changes and organisation, and this would not be a problem.

By the time I eventually grabbed a quick bite, I was honestly was so exasperated, I didn’t even bother taking pictures. I had some pasta with Mediterranean veg. It was just about edible.

Another thing is the layout of the food and drinks area did not seem to flow well, you almost had to go back to get a drink from another corner.

After the food fail, I went to the bar, which was a comparative relief.

Good to see some service at last! I would note, there are many things you have to actually still pay for at this bar, including drinks I would consider regular run of the mill stuff. House drinks were all in the house though!

I met a couple of nice German businessman heading back to Frankfurt. It had a good atmosphere but I wanted to be out in the terrace, so took my second drink there.

Last but not least, I spend the rest of my time in the outdoor terrace providing excellent close up views of planes coming and going in the taxi ways. Things were looking right up again.

There was nothing quite like being so close to aircraft. I could spend the whole day here and still cant get enough of!

Oh and the waiters from the bar come up here too and bring you drinks/snacks!

As far as business lounges go, this is a very busy one. There was a constant flow of people coming and going. Its possible to find few areas were you might find a quite spot. Other than the buffet issue, I can see this as a good lounge to socialise in.

The experience did feel somewhat like an unbundled business class product.  Though I understand not many airlines actually offer complimentary spa treatments to their business passengers, I personally don’t like the concept of paying for additional things, when you already bought into a premium product. I’m unsure what to make of that. One the one hand its nice to have those extras, if you really want it you would happily pay for it. But on other hand, I was not looking for any particular drinks, so it would have been nice if they just clarified that in a better way, rather than finding out as you are ordering something!

I would happily visit here again, even if only for the outdoor terrace. Seems Delta might need to invest more on lounge space or provide an additional one in T4.