Incredible: New Delta One Lounge New York JFK Airport

The pics look fantastic! I presume though that the 3rd category of entry (partner airline biz passengers) will not be triggered as often since AF, KL, and KE flights all depart from T1... I wonder if it's possible to check in at T4, go to the D1 lounge, and then transfer airside to T1? (alternatively if there's any plans of consolidating SkyTeam into T4)

My initial take:

1) With the exception of some private rooms for work, they've eseentially copied the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse and arrivals lounge at LHR, right down to an ala carte menu, pressing and shoe shine services. I wonder if they've brought physical newspapers back?

2) Will Delta loosen Sky Club entry requirements? 500 fewer people in the Sky Club every day should make the Sky Club significantly less crowded, though some people might prefer the location of the main JFK Sky Club over the location of the Delta One lounge.

3) I'm really surprised they are allowing passengers from partner airlines to access the lounge. Air France/KLM and Virgin Atlantic each have their own lounges at JFK. Air France also just opened a new LAX lounge.

4) This really confirms that 360 is the new diamond. Previously, 360 was never codified. Increasingly, we've seen 360 benefits defined in a tangible way. It would be nice if Delta was more transparent about earning requirements for 360.

KLM also uses T4.

very inconvenient location. could take 15 mins to walk to gates 30-40+

The extent to which Delta personalizes its lounges is unmatched by any airline in the world. You can't build in NYC what artistically fits in MSP.

The sheer number of guests will mean there has to be plenty of staff; many may be contractors but the expected service level will be high.

and the fact that only some of the SkyTeam joint venture airlines are in T4 likely indicates that there will be a terminal rearrangement when T1 is finished, DL and its partners take up more of T4 and non-DL/partner carriers will move out of T4.

KLM is in T4.

Anytime you see renderings of a property that's already completed rather than photos of the actual space, it should tell you something...

I see from The Points Guy that the Delta One lounge has an extensive NON-COMPLIMENTARY wine list. Nothing publicized about whether real champagne (not charmat-method sparkling wine, prosecco or cava) is free. I hope Delta didn't blow this.

You're right, I've always thought Cathay Pacific's lounge design was so forgettable compared to the almighty SkyClub. Forget Qatar's museum-grade architecture, the "personalization" of the SkyClub cheese cubes and crackers in Denver vs. Orlando just makes me drool.

I also find it interesting that Aeromexico is excluded. Doesn't Aeromexico run its 787s with flat-bed Premier business-class between JFK and MEX?

I wouldn't be surprised to see more nudging of Delta One passengers in airports with Delta One lounges to skip in-flight meals. On those short JFK to LHR or CDG flights, this would make a lot of sense. Question is can they provide an incentive beyond shaming you into skipping a meal.

@ FNT Delta Diamond -- I suspect it's because Delta doesn't consider JFK to MEX to be a Delta One market for the airline, as the airline instead markets the forward cabin as first class. I can see why Delta wouldn't want to grant access to Aeromexico passengers in the market, when Delta passengers also don't get access.

"For premium travelers, the airline simply no longer has the edge." That's you quoted from this morning's USA Today.

Then you say this is probably the best lounge in the US and you recently gave pretty strong reviews to two Delta flights. Yes, the second leg slightly less so.

So do they have the edge or not?

@ CN -- Yeah, that's a great question. There are no plans for Air France and Korean Air to move to T4. I suspect the intent is primarily that those passengers would use the Delta One Lounge when arriving long haul and connecting to Delta.

I've had mixed experiences accessing terminals at JFK that are different than the ones I'm flying from, so I'm curious to see some data points there.

@ NSS -- That interview was from back in October 2023, so it was before Delta One Lounges were a thing (even though it was only published now). Also, every airline has an edge in some areas. I just don't think Delta has a significant edge across the board that makes it worth it to pay a premium to fly the airline.

Generally I've been allowed to access other terminals in JFK when flying out of other terminals with the exception of Terminal 1.

This could also be useful for those arriving on DL domestically and then getting on AF/KL/KE. I wonder if "Same Day" includes the 1am AF flight the following day.

Soundproof booths! Glad to see this is becoming increasingly popular at lounges... in my opinion one of (if not the most) underrated amenity.

The Points Guy fanboy is the worst this morning. Any honest critic will acknowledge that Delta is at least 5 years behind American and United with business-class lounges or restaurant-style table service in the lounge for customers in the highest class of service. Delta only did this because it was shamed into doing so.

I knew it would be JV partners. Given that Delta heavily markets and sells those tickets, it would be way too confusing to limit customers to flying only Delta metal.

This does look great and probably is superior to Polaris and Flagship.

But then Delta opens the door to Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic passengers flooding the space? Just because Delta doesn't operate Delta One to Mexico City doesn't mean an Aeromexico Premier passenger in the equivalent of Delta One shouldn't have access. Again, assuming Aeromexico still offers its best product on this route.

Also, I could be wrong, but at least before the pandemic there were a couple of Latin American markets in which Delta had printed menus, Delta One pillows, and Delta One blankets even though the aircraft was a domestic first-class seat and not marketed as Delta One.

Isn't the wine and booze 100% free in the United Polaris and American Flagship lounges? It looks like Delta has a non-complimentary menu of drinks, outside a couple token free wines -- at least based on photos from The Point Guys report.

It's not a surprise at all JV partners get access.

Delta markets those tickets as their own on the apps and websites. Imagine how weird it would be to turn away customers when Delta sold you a business class ticket, but then told you "actually you can't access the lounge".

The access restrictions are kind of vague. If I'm flying Delta first-class to say Detroit from JFK and then Delta One from Detroit to Paris, do I get access to the Delta One lounge at JFK? Or if I'm flying Delta first-class to Chicago and Air France business from ORD to Paris?

Y'all really dive into semantics too much. Tim while being hyperbolic is just using marketing language to describe the product.

Act like you haven't heard every other company in the world pretend like they're the best and "unrivaled".

Regardless, this is a very elevated product and probably the best lounge in the entire NYC area now, surpassing the Chelsea and Polaris Lounges.

Re #2, that likely won't happen soon, if ever. The crowding issue needs to sort itself out, and DL likely wants the optics of a non-slammed SkyClub for a decent period of time.

I agree with your comment (and others) about the location given the length of T4B, but aside from a shuttle, there's not much that can be done about that.

@ FNT Delta Diamond -- Well all those airlines are operating routes that Delta considered to be long haul, while Delta doesn't consider Mexico City to be long haul. That's the main distinction. Also, there's no comparison in fares to Mexico City vs. to Europe.

I'll take bathrobes, wellness areas, and every else over some overrated fermented grape juice.

It's not like they don't have complimentary cocktails and alcohol either, just an exclusive selection you do pay for. I don't think Polaris or Flagship offer those drinks for free or the ones they do aren't they much superior.

obviously, this discussion went right over your head.

The comment I made was about architecture.

How cheese is cut is not part of the discussion.

Tell us how many lounges QR or CX has systemwide and how distinctive each one is from the other and then we'll be on the same wavelength.

Delta has complimentary alcohol of ALL forms not just in all of its lounges but also onboard its aircraft - even in longhaul economy.

Try that on other airlines and see how it works out.

DL has complimentary and paid upgraded alcohol in its lounges.

...these are real photos...not renderings...

do you think anyone DOESN'T buy a GM car because Ford built one first?

You cling to the past and misalign the future because you and everyone else knows full well that Delta isn't investing in D1 lounges because it has any deficit to AA or UA in overall product or revenue but because DL intends to gain a larger portion of the premium travel market - which means some of DL's gains are going to come at the expense of its competitors.

You highlight the fear of what DL will accomplish. Thanks for your transparency

About time. The JFK Sky Club is an institutional cafeteria, with nothing premium about it. It's dirty. Crowded and unpleasant.

Shoot was hoping ITA Airways could gain access. Any thoughts as to why?

It's pretty clear what it indicates. Departing or connecting at JFK onto the business class flight.

So no access if flying AF from ORD.

I was at an Air France lounge in CDG last week. They had a 2016 Bordeaux grand cru red blend for free. The fact that none of Delta's press releases and none of the blog reports say real champagne is free or highlight the free wine tells me that Delta is serving wine barely above what's currently offered in the Sky Club ($4-$8 retail bottles of wine).

@ Andrew -- ITA isn't part of Delta's transatlantic joint venture. The airlines aren't really aligned much commercially, which is probably why access isn't offered (just as other SkyTeam airlines without a joint venture aren't included).

Let’s not forget that a JV means DL and the partner are one airline so why would delta not include them. As @Lucky mentioned AM JV doesn’t include Delta One/long haul service. The fact that AM operates some long haul equipment to JFK and LAX doesn’t make them long haul, much the same as an A359 operating ATL-JFK/SFO is not delta one

What does Delta care? Doesn't Air France or Virgin Atlantic pay Delta X amount of dollars every time one of their passengers enters a Delta lounge, including this new Delta One lounge? Presumably, Aeromexico would pay too. Or maybe they wouldn't pay and that's why they are excluded. Clearly, Delta gets money from partner airlines for letting their customers access Delta's lounges. There's a reason why Saudia or Kenya Airways, for example, aren't being allowed. My guess is they wouldn't pay whatever premium Delta wanted.

WOW! NOT! 6 years after the first Flagship Lounge DL opens one and everyone is falling over themselves. Not impressed. Decor is dated and nothing but a glorified SkyClub. Descending. . .that's DL.

"The Delta One Lounge is available only to
Same-day departing or arriving Delta One ticketed passengers (i.e., seated in the Delta One class of service);"

That's not clear. So, I fly Delta first from JFK to DTW and then Delta One from DTW to Paris. Arguably, I have access.

But then what about China Eastern? Delta doesn't talk much about China Eastern these days.

Isn't SAS joining it after September?

Clearly some people are so bummed about “good wines” and real champagne being non-complimentary, one wonders if someone is missing out some of those church meetings that you are supposed to be anonymous.

You’re right. That surprises me. I agree I forgot about them as a JV partner, though I don’t know the scope of that JV as I do the transatlantic JV

Airline strategy. Architecture. Cheesemongering. Is there anything you’re not an expert in?

I won't lie. I'm a professional.

China Eastern is an equity investment but not a JV partner because US carriers cannot have JVs with Chinese carriers

And those Flagship lounges have only been a part of less international market share and losses across the Atlantic and Pacific

Presumably, SAS is added after September.

You mean Zach the Griffter? I refuse to go over there. I met the guy twice. He asked me to have airplanes held for him because he didn't book enough time for his connection between airlines.

The funny thing is Delta doesn’t even need to serve a champagne. There are some excellent American sparkling wines from the champagne method that are going to be better than the cheap house champagne Delta is serving. I’d rather have a Gruet from Mexico, Schramsberg from California, or a Roederer from California than a $30 champagne.

Yes, Zach, a champagne socialist. He's lucky all the freebies he receives likely aren't subject to IRS taxation.

Just confirmed that Delta is serving $10-$15 Whitehaven sauvignon blanc as a "free" white wine in the Delta One lounge. This is a low-end, mass-market grocery store wine. Wow.

Considering Delta's paltry onboard wine selection, this isn't too surprising...other than the Jordan cab they served for 2-3 months at the end of last year, their wine selection has always been rather sad (like AA's and UA's).

Delta is providing six passenger cart service every 15 minutes from the D1 lounge to the B SC. That should help with the time it takes to get to the higher gates in B.

Where can I get Whitehaven for $10?? Always $15 at Sam's & Total Wine in South Florida...

Though it is wildly amusing the way Zach Griff falls all over himself to defend Patrick Quayle at United like he's his mother.

and you wonder why no one takes you seriously

Also, unlike those other airlines, DL no longer has a j/v with AM.....

"Not impressed. Decor is dated and nothing but a glorified SkyClub."

Sort of seems like you're just trying to be a contrarian, for attention.

What would it take to "impress" you (for whatever that's worth to any airline) in a US carrier's lounge? As in, what would you be realistically expecting, that's not included here?

I hope everyone complaining about the wine and a space they haven’t seen yet don’t go to make more room for the rest of us.

The US government forced Delta to dissolve its joint-venture with AeroMexico, over the Mexican government's lethargy in doing anything about increased access to Mexico City's main airport. It's like a rehash of US versus UK over Heathrow access, in 1997-1998.

We realize that you make an online career out of finding fault with DL but do you think it is remotely possible that Delta did all kinds of research about what matters to consumers as part of the total purchase of premium products and high class wine isn't that high on the list?
There are plenty of people that fly business class that don't drink or are happy to drink other forms of alcohol.

Delta spent millions on this lounge and is doing the same thing in LAX and a proportionate amount in BOS. They will likely spend more per customer than AA or UA spends on their premium lounges - if only because constructions costs now are higher - and will translate that into higher revenue.

The D1 lounge at JFK is larger not only than any other SkyClub but also larger than UA's P lounges at EWR or SFO. DL is investing in the D1 experience for keeps and for profits.

High value free wine is simply not a purchase driver.

Overall this looks very impressive, and I am eager to check it out. A few thoughts:

1. There is one spa treatment room for a lounge with a capacity of 515. That really seems like they are checking a box to say they are offering something, without really offering it. Heck, 8 shower suites for a potential of 515 people seems low, but I guess we will see how the lines go.

2. I am happy about the hours. I thought they may limit it to the late morning through evening, but this should decompress the B Sky Club.

3. I wonder what things will look like 3-5 years from now. The Polaris lounges made waves when they were introduced, but when I went to the SFO lounge last year, I was very underwhelmed. The placed seemed extremely understaffed, the HVAC was broken (with a bunch of tubing for portable AC units stretched around), the sit down restaurant had half the tables empty but a 1 hour wait, and many of the previously advertised amenities were cut (cheaper booze subbed in, slippers and other amenities in the shower suites cut, etc). Hopefully Delta invests and keeps this lounge at its current level...

You're spot on. The MCO SkyClub is so crowded, so full of children, and so poorly decorated that you really feel like you're still at Disney World. At any of the 46 Sky Clubs at ATL, there are so many self-important men in polo shirts getting hammered at the bar, you really feel like you're at day 4 of an annual sales conference. A true Atlanta experience.

Every US carrier has that, bubba.

Now I just need Tim Dunn to fluff his way out of his useless shower mindset and explain why Delta put 8 here. (More showers than DTW+MSP combined)

Clearly, Delta has decided it can only pay for the enhanced food offering and ala carte table service by charging for alcohol. Alcohol, especially wine, offers probably the highest F&B profit margin outside a breakfast buffet.

If I'm being honest, outside of a fancier decor and the ala carte dining, this doesn't look any different than the nicest Sky Clubs in the system. It will be interesting to see if standard Sky Club lounges are downgraded, especially as more Delta One lounges come online.

I still predict we'll see some sort of move toward making dinner on the short BOS and JFK flights to Europe opt-in, as it's in everyone's interest -- Delta and the passengers -- to have Delta One passengers eat in the lounge and skip the onboard meal service on flights of 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 hours.

@NK3: I was at the Sky Club at JFK Terminal 4 last week at 7 am, coming off a red-eye. I wanted a shower. That lounge has like 4-5 shower units. It was a 1-hour wait. Not because there were other customers ahead of me but because there was only one employee working and, apparently, the showers were all dirty. Delta used to have a dedicated employee to check-in passengers wanting a shower. That employee has been replaced by a kiosk. So, the poor cleaning lady had waited until she cleaned all the showers before bringing them online for waiting people, like myself, to have access. Hopefully, they'll get a better system.

I'm seeing $9.99 to $17 in Google.

@Andrew
ITA Airways will be joining the Lufthansa group on the 4th of July (date when takeover will be announced) so you can bet they'll be sending passengers to LH or Star alliance lounges.

Patrick likes making a big deal out of inaugural flights. And Zach likes to go along purely for his sense of duty free.... I mean duty... free of any other motivations.

That has not happened. It was an order that has not been finalized. Delta and Aeromexico's relationship has not been dissolved as of now.

There is no way this surpasses Chelsea. Chelsea is not flawless but -- and this is just one example -- its free-flow of premium champagnes puts DL's offering to shame.

This looks slightly better than a Polaris lounge and similar food/drink so I don’t get the delta fangirling. UA is also more exclusive which is actually a pro for UA.

"Then below is the cocktail and wine list. It’s interesting to me how Delta has a premium selection available for purchase, just as in Sky Clubs. I’m not opposed to this concept, assuming the complimentary selection is decent. Personally, the included selection strikes me as being decent, but nothing that’s going to wow anyone."

Yeah.... not a great look. They should just take the financial loss and have a fully stocked bar with good bartenders (ala AMEX Centurian or Chase/Etihad IAD). Otherwise, this lounge does look pretty snazzy.

A bit surprised that Delta One to LAX/SFO get access. That is better than United Polaris where premium transcon don't get access to the Polaris lounge, but do get access to United Club.

It hasn’t been dissolved yet and it’s being appealed by Delta with DOT.

You’re so full of it. You’re posting the exact same utterly ignorant comment on multiple sites. No wonder everyone regards you as a jerk.

Such a premium lounge you have to pay for decent drinks

I think it is safe to say Ben is absolutely correct in describing the new Delta One lounge at JFK as incredible.

It is equally safe to say that some of Ben's readers are clearly afraid of what DL will be able to do to advance its position in the international marketplace with its new D1 lounges - which will be in 3 cities but that hardly means the end of the list of where they will be.

I'm guessing you haven't been in a SkyClub where they currently serve complimentary and upcharged alcohol.
As much as you want to believe otherwise, DL is doing what it is doing w/ alcohol because it has studied its competitors and asked its own customers what they want and what matters.

DL clearly is investing in a higher overall product; how everyone chooses to prioritize every element is different.

The evidence will be what DL is able to do with these lounges overall and I am certain that their alcohol policy will not be a factor at all.

a lower quality product for fewer people is supposed to be an advantage?

If the transcon markets alone are a factor, DL is on the verge of moving alot of share to itself.

you still don't get that it is all about matching supply and demand - which produces wait lists or not.
If you were halfway decent at math, you would realize that there is a much higher ratio of D1 seats from DL at JFK and its partners compared to the 14 showers between the D1 lounge and the T4 B SC than for a similar relationship at DTW and MSP COMBINED.

When you have a ticket and decide to use a shower at any one of DL's SC or D1 lounges, please do ask Ben if you can post a guest review.

Yeah, but at the same time it doesn't matter for many of us since our travel patterns or other requirements lock us into other carriers or alliances. To be clear, I'm not a hater, and I admire a lot of what Delta does, but ultimately, what matters most to me is the loyalty program and access to the most destinations, and Delta/Skyteam, unfortunately, doesn't cut it for me. United and Star Alliance do 🙂

Looks great and I hope it pushes VS into doing refurbishments of its 5 Clubhouses. Still not keen on paying for premium drinks but if it works for DL good for them.

The same wines Delta will charge for at the Delta One lounge are for free in the American Flagship lounge.

and, yet, actual data shows that UA isn't able to turn its size or corporate contracts into the revenue that DL does.
CNBC has an article today that highlights what DL has accomplished and what UA is trying to do to catch up.

As much as some want to lump them together, DL and UA are not copies of each other in many respects including UA's financial performance - which is why DL does what it does.
Neither DL or UA are charities but are simply looking for the best way to make a buck.
DL just thought of a lot of things that are moving the needle and implemented them long before UA.
DL is not standing still. UA can and will copy some of what DL does while DL moves the bar higher.
Competition is good.

And the whole purpose of major investments like the Delta One lounges is to win revenue - and DL will couple the lounges with a renewed push for corporate contracts and new routes.

The world is never static.

and yet American loses money flying the Atlantic and Pacific.
Is not possible for you to understand that Delta does a better job of investing in what matters to customers and its bottom lines?

I spend the majority of my airport lounge time in SkyClubs, Tim... and I nearly always shell out for the premium drinks (partly because the complimentary selection is minimal, partly because they are decent cocktails) ... but I was hoping the Delta One lounge experience would be a step-up in this regard.

Either way, though, I agree this lounge looks fantastic! At least it has showers, right? 😉

Apparently, you haven't been to Cathay's First Class London lounge.

Unfortunately, the coffee in the CDG lounges is now undrinkable swill. The food was also less than inspired as was my inflight meal, other than those delicious little cheese crackers in the box.

Charging for champagne and other premium wines and spirits is a dumb move, after spending so much money on a fancy lounge. It feels to the customer like they're being nickled and dimed. Premium leisure travellers especially, who tend to enjoy a glass of champagne in the lounge before their flights, will be annoyed.

United doesn't upcharge for anything in their Polaris lounges, which includes a fairly premium wine and spirits selection (e.g., real champagne, and quite a few nice single malts and cognacs). I'm pretty sure American doesn't upcharge in its premium business class lounges either.

Aren't most people still only going to opt for the free alcohol? I don't think it's really about subsidizkng the food. The for purchase alcohol is very premium.

KLM's Crowne Lounge is the same with paid drink selection yet many seem to still call it an incredible lounge.

A few comments from me

1) The lounge looks great, particularly the sit down dining, the showers/spa stuff, little touches like Porsches, golf carts to gates, etc.
2) I am somewhat disappointed there is no way for a regular D1 customer to guest people. I have traveled in D1 before, and my wife has come along in C+ as she refused to let us pay for D1 for her ticket. On those kinds of trips, we will be stuck in the regular SkyClub.
3) This will be HUGE for the B JFK SkyClub (which I like a lot) in terms of crowding. It will also be huge for the Amex lounge. This is a big improvement across the JFK club landscape.
4) People will book Delta over other airlines for this club. Just like many people book Delta over other airlines for their regular local club. Clubs can lead to revenue premiums. Other airlines are learning this slowly.
5) I am not surprised Delta is charging for premium alcohol. A lot of SkyMiles will be redeemed for these drinks.

Overall, I am excited to use this lounge, and it seems like others are as well. Delta has generated a ton of hype for this thing, and it going to impact a lot of stuff industrywide.

Delta One for transcontinental and international. That means short "first class" on Delta is not allowed and no credit card access or other ways to get in. Perhaps they should open it up to the premium Delta credit card holders....

That is crazy to allow credit card holders access. The point of a premium business class lounge is to restrict access.

Credit cards are what caused the whole SkyClub crowding issue in the first place. You used to be able to bring unlimited 2 free guests to SkyClubs every time, which is wild.

Nice fluff.

I've already told you about wait times at both JFK DTW or MSP. All of them are too long.

And nice try about D1 ratios. But flying D1 doesn't corelate to showers either. Math eh.

It's the captive hub and competition, not math. Anyone with half a brain can figure that out, even DL themselves admit that.

But thanks for the fluff. As dull and lack creativity as usual. Too bad I didn't get a bingo because 'premium' was at the center of the Tim Dunn bingo card.

You shouldn't be taking relationship advices from a credit card blog comment but here goes.

2) If you're flying D1 and left her in C+, I'll bet that she's fine in the SkyClub alone while you enjoy the D1 lounge.

The world is never static.

Most people including @Bobby J doesn't care. None of us is trying to run an airline.
Bobby revealed what matters to him.
Hint: It's not running an airline.

You wouldn't get it, even so many have pointed out for you for a long time. But it's still fun to remind you that.
Never static, but full of Tim's fluff.

Aligned with AA transcon access.

@Lucky

Unofficial JFK access with wrong terminal. YMMV.

T1 no
T4 yes
T5 no
T7 no
T8 yes

and yet you said it was ok at the Priority Pass lounge

UA's market share in SFO is much larger than DL/AA, so it flies much larger transcons to two hubs on larger aircraft. That would cause severe Polaris overcrowding. AA uses narrowbodies and only has Flagship at LAX, similar to DL only have a premium lounge at LAX.

100 + comments about a lounge which is not yet open.

Polaris lets any star alliance business class customer in which is far better. I enjoy using the polaris lounge and then taking Turkish airlines metal

No way, man. Credit card holders and domestic "first class" passengers dilute the experience for the target audience. A similar phenomenon ruins a lot of OneWorld first class lounges - the Emerald invasion - and detracts from the experience of the passengers who have paid for a first class product with either hard-earned cash or hard-earned points. I expect that we'll see a lot more ground-service differentiation between paid first class passengers and high tier frequent flyers in the future.

Yeah, it's pretty lame. You're either making it an exclusive experience that's a cut above the regular lounge offering, or you're not.

Fair call - protecting the premium product experience by restricting lounge access to long-haul Polaris pax is a smart move.

Yep, the phenomenon known as the Dunnderstorm with Delta posts.

The JFK Delta One lounge IS open.

and if you don't think its opening will have an impact on the travel choices of thousands of premium cabin passengers in the coming months and beyond, you are in denial.

Delta is opening Delta One lounges in its four coastal hubs to increase its revenue and its share - and that share will grow at the expense of other carriers.

and yet AA and UA are for-profit businesses, none of which can continue to offer what they do if they don't make money.

DL has simply done a better job of delivering a product that makes money and is using those profits to make money than either of its peers.

I get that everyone thinks WIIFM but anyone with half a brain should be able to understand that no one ultimately gains anything if it costs someone else to provide it to them.

what does this comment even mean?
United is still making money, and has reaffirmed its revenue goals for Q2.

Tim - people are not arguing that giving premium drinks for free is the absolute right business decision and that Delta won't make more money by charging (they certainly will). They are simply expressing their opinion as consumers that for the average person, Free >> Not Free.

None of us really care that Delta is making particular decisions optimizing for their stock price and performance. All companies (in theory) do this. We're just expressing our opinions on a blog as travel enthusiasts. I frankly do not care how Delta manages their stock performance (even if they are a portion of some index fund I may hold).

I don't think the F&B subsidy characterization is accurate at all. Like many other aspects of the airline industry, this is all about incremental revenue. Which they'll take even if only ~5% or less of passengers are upsold.

While I agree this lounge looks great and will certainly be nicer than the Polaris and Flagship lounges at the moment (certainly F&B as well as service), I struggle to see how this is far and away better. Is the Chase Sapphire lounge at LGA nicer than the Amex Centurion lounge? I would say so but is it light years better or so much better that I would drop my Amex? No.
Similarly, while they are now ensuring that Delta can offer a competitive or better experience out of NYC, this alone would not be so much better as to change my choice of carrier. I would possibly choose Delta over a foreign carrier without access to this lounge but it wouldn't cause me to switch from United to Delta given my cumulative loyalty to United.

There is nothing incredible, or even praiseworthy, about the food and drink in the Crown lounge. Not even the mice like it.

Mr Dunn goes on about DL's market research. Well, here's a tidbit for you on airlines: alcoholism is a huge driver of sales. There is a certain group of people who will choose one airline over another, against schedule and price, if they think they're going to get a decent drink. Many of these people fly a lot. When I fly domestic first class in the US, I'm reminded of just how much it resembles a flying bar.
Moralize it all you want, but alcohol and the quality of alcohol are huge drivers of revenue. Also, it's easy to get ahold of decent beer, wine, and spirits on a hospitality level.
On the other hand, creating a menu to be served a thousand times a day usually involves ingredients that must be industrially produced year-round, usually through a food service provider that serves millions daily. Then they cook off-site, cart stuff through security and have someone onsite heat and serve. The meal costs more and can't be as good as a fine restaurant.
I'll be interested to see what DL cuts first. My guess is that they'll limit the restaurant hours of operation and scale back on the Sky Club offering: after all, the DSC is guaranteed revenue and it no longer has to satisfy the airline's top customers.

Thanks for the reply Ben! @Eskimo so theoretically I could go into T4 just to enjoy the D1 lounge for my same day AF J flight. However then I'd have to exit the secure area and basically transfer landside to t1 and re-enter security.... Seems like more hassle than it's worth I guess.

Maybe visit it before you review it?

Sat Jun 29 around 6p reports on FT indicate queues to enter, loud and overcrowded. The "premium" experience didn't last long DL.

Meanwhile, fly D1 out of Atlanta and you can choose from ANY of the overcrowded skyclubs!