Delta One private security is launched at New York’s JFK

Last month, Delta Air Lines cut the ribbon The second lounge is for business class only at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). A beautiful but smaller, more food- and beverage-focused outpost, the new LAX facility can’t match the vast scope of Delta’s 40,000-square-foot oasis at John F. Kennedy (JFK) of New York, where Launching a portfolio of premium lounges last summer.

From day one, however, the Delta One Lounge at LAX has boasted at least one distinct advantage over the four-month-old facility at JFK: a dedicated lounge, private security checkpoint to help the carrier’s high-paying guests avoid the chaos of airport lounges.

However, JFK narrowed that gap significantly.

Delta One private entrance at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). SEAN CUDAHY/POINT

In late October, Delta quietly opened a key remaining portion of its premium facilities in New York, complete with a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint for qualified passengers only. use the Delta One Lounge.

Today, if you depart from JFK on a Delta One ticket, you will be able to navigate the check-in process, go through security, and walk to the lounge without coming into contact with the rest of the flying passengers. .

Sign up for Delta One at JFK

To use Delta One’s check-in or lounge facilities, you must fly on a Delta One ticket; a domestic first class ticket won’t get you in. The same goes for any Delta co-branded American Express credit card or any card. Elite status of the medal – although flyers with invitation-only Delta 360 status can use Delta One Lounges even if they fly domestic first class fares. Passengers flying on equivalent tickets with certain SkyTeam partners can also use available seats.

Locate Delta One check-in

You’ll find dedicated Delta One check-in facilities on the right side of JFK Terminal 4, a few steps from the drop-off curb as you enter the departures level; look for the brown wooden structure emblazoned with Delta One branding.

The first part of this check-in experience actually opened with the launch of the lounge this summer.

Go through the sliding door and you’ll be in a spacious, walled (but airy) hallway.

Compared to LAX, you’ll have to take a few extra steps getting from the point of entry to the lounge, but it’s still a much more serene and seamless experience than you’d normally expect at an airport.

Security waiting room

Walk down a makeshift, naturally lit hallway – maybe stop for photos along the way – and you’ll reach the security lounge area.

There is Delta One’s own check-in counter. You can also sit down and talk to a customer service representative if you need assistance.

Like at Delta’s premium LAX check-in facility, there are some refreshments available before security. You can grab some Nespresso coffee, a can of soda, a case of Delta One branded water or a snack.

There are also some more elaborate offerings, including the Vive organic blueberry-ginger energy drink and some snacks — such as the Gravilax with cream cheese and the crispy everything bagel, wrapped in fig prosciutto with crumbled goat cheese and mixed berry parfait.

Semi-private security checkpoint

Once you’ve enjoyed a few refreshments, head through the doorway marked “Security Checkpoint” and you’ll start to notice the biggest changes Delta has made since the Delta One Lounge opened this past summer.

For the first three months of the JFK Delta One Lounge’s existence, the “premium” portion of your itinerary will have a bit of a hiatus after passing through these doors.

Previously, at this location, you would have to turn left to go to security – which involved being taken back to the TSA general checkpoint (or TSA PreCheck). You will then arrive at the lounge via the airport lounge.

Now, you’ll want to turn right after exiting the security lounge instead. You’ll walk down this brief hallway, shown below, and quickly find yourself at the all-new, private Delta One security checkpoint.

SEAN CUDAHY/POINT

Even the convenience provided by a program like TSA pre-check or clear not suitable for this experience; you’re probably the only passenger using the checkpoint at any given time (although you’re likely to have at least one person with you during the international departure bank rush later in the day).

Checkpoints are set up to handle both TSA Pre-Check and passengers did not check in advance. As a Trusted Traveler, I received a TSA PreCheck card that allowed me to put on my shoes.

All travelers, regardless of Pre-Check status, may leave their laptop and laptop behind 3-1-1 compliant fluid However, it’s in their pockets because the checkpoint is equipped with the TSA’s newest CT scanners.

Read more: TSA chief wants big TSA PreCheck membership growth — and says those big CT scanners are faster than you think

Post-security waiting room

After passing through the checkpoint, you’ll walk on an open-air walkway overlooking the Terminal 4 concourse.

You’ll meander around the aisle a bit, where there are New York City-themed photos. Moments later, you will arrive at the second floor entrance of Delta One Lounge.

Inside, you’ll be able to enjoy the outpost’s rich amenities, from a fully seated brasserie to a spa and well-equipped workspaces.

Like the Delta One check-in and security experience at LAX, this new JFK setup allows high-paying Delta One passengers quick, direct access to the carrier’s premium lounges – allowing for plenty of relaxation time. More relaxation and minimal interaction with airport crowds before departure time.

‘Game changer’ for premium services

Speaking to Wall Street on Delta’s third-quarter earnings call in October, CEO Ed Bastian pointed to the nascent Delta One Lounge portfolio as a key aspect of its business. This Atlanta-based carrier. push to stay ahead of US competition.

“Our new Delta One lounges in New York and LA, with dedicated check-in and private TSA security, truly differentiate Delta’s premium product,” Bastian told analysts. in the two largest revenue markets in the United States.”

“What we’re creating here is an extension of your onboard experience,” Claude Roussel, Delta’s vice president of Sky Club and lounge experience, added to me last month in California.

“It’s a game changer,” Roussel said. “Once you’ve completed the dedicated check-in, it’s hard to get back to the regular queue.”

Next

Delta is not done yet.

The airline’s third Delta One lounge, planned for Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), is scheduled to open in December, executives said last month.

A fourth facility, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), is expected in early 2025.

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