ATLANTA, Georgia – Delta Air Lines is set to introduce a new premium airport lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York this coming June. This announcement comes on the heels of the airline’s controversial changes to its Sky Club access guidelines, which caused an uproar among frequent travelers. The 38,000 square foot lounge is designed to offer exclusive amenities, including a full-service brasserie, market, and dedicated wellness areas.
The new lounge in New York is just the beginning, as Delta plans to open similarly high-end lounges in Los Angeles and Boston later in the year. Each lounge is expected to offer a unique experience, moving away from the one-size-fits-all approach previously taken by the airline. Access guidelines for the lounge are still being finalized, but the airline is aiming to create a more tailored and personalized experience for its premium customers.
In response to the outrage caused by its changes to Sky Club access, Delta has walked back some of the initially announced alterations. The airline will now be tracking spend rather than miles traveled to determine status in 2025, with unfettered lounge access available to customers who spend at least $75,000 on qualifying Amex cards in a single calendar year. However, the airline’s move towards a spend-based status model has raised concerns among loyal customers, who view it as a significant shift in the way elite status is earned.
In addition to the changes in lounge access, Delta’s corporate partner American Express has announced several updates to its Delta SkyMiles credit cards, including new perks and benefits for cardholders. This is part of the long-standing and lucrative partnership between Delta and American Express, which has seen the airline receive billions in revenue from the credit card giant in recent years.
As Delta continues to navigate the challenges presented by its loyalty program and lounge access, the airline remains focused on enhancing the overall customer experience. The upcoming premium lounges and updates to credit card benefits are part of Delta’s efforts to retain its loyal customer base while attracting new travelers in an increasingly competitive market.
Looking ahead, Delta’s investment in premium lounges and its partnership with American Express demonstrate the airline’s commitment to offering exclusive and rewarding experiences for its customers. As the travel industry continues to evolve, Delta is positioning itself to meet the changing needs and expectations of travelers, both frequent and occasional.