I’ve just wrapped up a whirlwind review trip to Hong Kong, with a brief transcontinental hop from New York to Los Angeles in Delta One business class. While I’ll share my thoughts on the actual flight soon, this post is all about Delta’s new crown jewels: the Delta One Lounges at JFK and LAX. I visited both lounges on either end of the trip, and they exceeded every expectation I had.
Delta has finally entered the premium lounge space, positioning these lounges as direct competition to American’s Flagship Lounges and United’s Polaris Lounges. On paper, the offerings looked solid—but experiencing them in person was something else entirely.
To put it bluntly, these lounges blew me away. American’s Flagship Lounges feel like school cafeterias in comparison, and United’s Polaris Lounges—while still excellent—don’t quite match up either. The Delta One Lounge at JFK, in particular, might just be one of the best business class lounges in the world.
The Delta One Lounge JFK: A New Gold Standard for U.S. Lounges
Delta’s JFK lounge is the flagship of the Delta One concept—and it shows. At nearly 40,000 square feet, with seating for over 500 guests, this space is both massive and stunning. The design evokes a luxury hotel lobby more than a typical airport lounge, with thoughtful finishes, soft lighting, and multiple zones for dining, working, or relaxing.
Even better, the outdoor terraces are open year-round, offering apron views that aviation geeks will love. And when it comes to food, Delta has reimagined the experience. There’s no self-service—everything is either served by staff from an open-market kitchen or ordered off a full à la carte restaurant menu.
The buffet-style market offers a variety of hot and cold dishes throughout the day.
The full-service restaurant rivals many upscale eateries in NYC—my tuna crudo, branzino, and opera cake trio was phenomenal.
A wellness zone includes nap pods, massage chairs, and spa services, rounding out the high-end feel.
LAX’s Delta One Lounge: Smaller in Size, Big on Impact
While the Delta One Lounge at LAX is significantly smaller—about 10,000 square feet with room for 200—it punches well above its weight. The design feels cohesive with the JFK location, though more intimate, and every inch is put to good use.
What sets the LAX lounge apart is the fully seated, full-service dining model—no matter where you sit, a server takes care of you.
- Every seat (even on the terrace or at the bar) has full table service.
- A sushi bar with made-to-order hand rolls is a standout.
- Desserts are indulgent, including a popcorn sundae that was surprisingly memorable.
- This is the kind of hospitality that goes far beyond what you’d expect in a U.S. business class lounge.
What Stands Out: Delta One Lounge Staff Are in a League of Their Own
Service is where these lounges truly shine. From the moment you enter, you’re warmly welcomed, given a run-through of the lounge’s amenities, and even offered luggage storage. Every staff member I encountered—from JFK to LAX—was genuinely passionate, friendly, and proactive.
- Staff took pride in the lounges and encouraged photos, rare in airport settings.
- My servers, Alex at JFK and Trey at LAX, went above and beyond in personalizing the dining experience.
- There’s even a playful rivalry between the two lounges, with staff asking if you’ve visited the other, clearly motivated to one-up each other (in the best way).
- Delta seems to have instilled a culture where service isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the whole point. And it shows.
Highlights of the JFK Lounge Experience
Design: Massive, elegant, and filled with natural light.
Dining: Dual concept with both market-style options and a full-service restaurant.
Amenities: Spa zone with rest pods and year-round terrace seating.
Highlights of the LAX Lounge Experience
- Personalized Service: Every seat has a server.
- Sushi Bar: Fresh, legit sushi—not something you’d expect at 35,000 feet.
- Atmosphere: Intimate and premium, without feeling crowded.
Why Delta One Lounges Are Now the Benchmark
Delta may have been last among the U.S. “big three” to roll out premium international lounges—but they’ve arguably done it best. These lounges offer a seamless mix of high-end design, personalized service, and thoughtful amenities that make them stand out not just in North America, but globally.
Read More: Delta 737-800 First Class: Ancient Yuckiness
Bottom Line
Delta One Lounges at JFK and LAX are game-changers in the world of U.S. premium travel. From the curated design to the restaurant-quality food and five-star service, Delta has raised the bar in a major way. Whether you’re flying transcon or heading abroad, these lounges now set the gold standard for business class experiences in the U.S. — and I can’t wait to return.
