My Delta One Lounge Experience: Premium Perfection, 10/10, Bravo!

Got to visit the JFK one before flying LATAM to Lima & the LAX one before VS to London, the distinctive LAX drinks were incredible and among the best of any lounge I’ve ever been to. Food was incredible at JFK & less so at LAX except the sushi which was quite good but not mind blowing imo

It’s unacceptable that Delta charges for wine in the Delta One lounges. For $7,500, you should get free wine at the $25-$50 retail price point.

That is actually appalling. I hate how things inside US lounges cost money for being "more premium". Is the situation the same for the polaris and flagship lounges?

Egyptair's lounges at CAI blows this out of the water obviously!!

Jokes aside, it does indeed look very good, no matter how painful it is to say that about a Skyteam airline.

so very glad to hear that you, Ben, believe that DL is delivering. I have always believed that they genuinely recognize that they can compete with the best airlines in the world and the Delta One lounges do that.

I also suspect that AA and UA execs have visited both DL One lounges and know they have their work cut out for them.

Gary says that AA has hired a whole team of people committed to improving AA's experience. Lofty ideal which might or might not work but I am glad they recognize that their strategy hasn't worked and they have to up their game.

These D1 lounges didn't happen overnight and are part of an overall strategy to push DL's service levels higher than any US carrier has ever had - and increase DL's profits in the process.

Lots of people will take notice.

We will see this same story repeated multiple times as even more D1 lounges open

I didn't see that in this review. If true, that would very much take some of the luster off.

Thank You for this great insights, Ben!
Looks like DL learned from QR (dine at the table / any table), having great staff and food, a SPA and nice welcoming design!

Really this gives me a reason to fly DL - as a Munich based LH (must...) flyer I just hope that Lufthansa reads your blog!
Allegris, good night!
What a disgrace!

Delta does charge for very premium drinks in the D1 lounge. At the end of the day, Delta customers are used to paying for premium alcohol in lounges, so it’s not a huge leap for most flyers. If charging for drinks allows them to offer premium drinks at all, and also allows them to invest in high quality food and service, it’s a good trade off. If you don’t want to pay for drinks, you don’t have to.

Indeed Delta sets the standard. Ben, your thoughts relative the AA/BA Chelsea Lounge at JFK? Thanks.

OMG - is that avacodo toast that I see in one of those pics?? Fancy!!

As far as flagship lounges go, there is no cost for any food or booze. If they have it (and they have a pretty good selection), it's free.

Funny, I’ve taken JetBlue on a recent transcon (travel policy) so I haven’t even tried these yet! Will try soon. But I think Delta discovered at some point over the past 10 years that the halo effect of good service / perceived premium status (through onboard service and lounges) moves the needle in terms of people flying your airline and spending on your cards. This has led them to go all in on these lounges, and it will pay further dividends in the future. If you visit these lounges, and have any reason to fly D1 on a corporate trip, you are going to push to fly Delta repeatedly in the future.

When you look at these lounges, combined with all of the new regular SkyClubs, plus access to Centurion Lounges via Amex Delta Reserve, Delta offers the best lounge experience of all the US carriers by a mile, and the gap has widened (even as AA has attempted things like improved food). It will take UA and AA a very long cycle of spending to catch up (if they want to). UA doesn’t even let transcon passengers into their premium lounges, something I think will have to change at some point.

I’ll be the contrarian voice here: I visited the LAX lounge last Wednesday morning and have never been more disappointed by an experience compared to the reviews I’d read. The first time I sat down, I wasn’t acknowledged after about 10 minutes, so I moved to another table. At that table, service was slow, extremely non-proactive, and my food order never came out. After 25 minutes I flagged someone down to ask about it, and a manager (rather than my server) came by to say the “system went down” and my order was lost. In the interim I had to go to the bar to order a drink because my server never came by to refill my initial drink.

And they only begin to serve sushi at 10am, when it’s too late (barely) for people taking the Tokyo flight to try it — unfortunate timing.

@ben - While you mentioned enjoying both lounges equally despite their different approaches to service and significant size difference, if you had to choose just one to name as Delta's flagship One Lounge, which would you select and why? Would the JFK location's status as "among the world's best business class lounges" give it the edge, or does LAX's more intimate, fully-serviced approach make it the stronger overall product?

Haven been to all three D1 Lounges now, they are all amazing, but I actually enjoyed the food at the BOS location the most. So Ben, you’ll need to plan a trip there and compare!

There you go Tim, your dedication in blowing the DL trumpet has been vindicated, not only by SkyTrax but by Ben too. Eat your hearts out AA and UA fanboys.

The JFK D1 lounge is hands-down the best lounge in the USA, bar none.

Delta is objectively pretty good at the lounge game. SkyClubs have always been a tier above Admirals and United Clubs. The JFK and LAX lounges are quite nice, the seamless priority security lane integration into the lounges with D1 checkin makes it top notch.

There are still major concerns to be addressed though. I don't think the experience at LAX/JFK is the same as the very small BOS lounge, which also has restricted JV access from AF/KLM and short opening windows at 2pm (meaning they really only serve departures after 3:30/4pm). So the problem this creates is that I'm not sure there's a consistent experience across hub to hub, which imo is Delta's biggest problem (just like we see with their aircraft).

It looks like you were there during non peak area so the experience was good. I went when it was packed and my experience was quiet underwhelming. No chance to get into the restaurant at all.

Chelsea lounge beats it sorry, business class yes. Where else in the world can you sip on Cristal and Krug in an airport free of charge. It’s also nice since you never see more than 50 ish people in the lounge, hence the premium feel.

I tried the D1 lounge at JFK in October 2024 and I was blown away by the experience. I had arrived on a red-eye and I was given access soon after for an evening LATAM J flight. The 12hrs spent there flew by. The cocktails were great, the food was great, and the staff were great as well. Since i was there for a long time, I saw how it went from completely empty to packed to the gills. Even when packed, the staff did a great job with the service.

I really hope DL does not cost-cut and degrade the quality of the lounge with time. They really have a great thing going.

I wonder how many trucks will be necessary in order to collect all the tissue paper in TD’s trash bin today

Sounds great, but to be fair, full menu waiter service at every seat in the lounge has been the standard at the Virgin Clubhouse in LHR for a very long time.

Visited the JFK lounge. Amazing space with great staff. Atmosphere really is like a high end hotel BUT the sad reality is the passengers (including me) were all casually dressed in athleisure wear and carryon luggages everywhere. That was the reality check we were still at an airport 🙁

Great Lounges
But it be a lot better to have a premium service and catering on board during flights 6 - 7 or more hours that having the most luxurious lounges that I can only enjoy for 1 or 2 hours why they don’t put the same effort to get a premium on board service rather that premium lounges

So the last two lounges I was in were the al safwa first class in Doha and the delta one lax. Granted for the al safwa I was only there for breakfast and did not get to use the sleeping rooms but I thought the food and the the service at the delta one were better. I do love sushi, though

Couldn’t agree more myself. I loved the experience at the JFK Delta One lounge. I was impressed with the service level and really enjoyed the sit down restaurant experience. Although I did feel that it could get rather crowded and a little loud at the Market area - I was there at peak dinner time.

Its perfection when you arrive at 5am and are the only guest
On my jfk-mxp last week (my 10th or so visit to the JFK lounge) 20 minutes to be seated and only a glass of mineral and one of wine appeared after 1 hour so had to leave to board as the gate was obviously in Siberia. Despite solicitation food just never materialized.
Otherwise staff eager to help and acceptably trained on the product and good will on behalf of the airline to provide a better departure and connect experience
Found the LAX lounge better on my several previous visits perhaps because of less volume

Ben is pretty objective and calls spades as spades.

While he sometimes get fixated on things, he calls things as they are.

The real issue is that DL has really blown AA and UA out of the water - and it is no surprise that the AA and UA fan kids will go nuts over Ben's assessment.

You're comparing a First Class lounge to a Business class lounge. It's like saying the Polaris lounges are better than UA clubs. It's a completely unreasonable comparison.

And because I'm not an alcoholic like some of y'all be acting in lounges, D1 lounge has objectively better food quality than Chelsea.

Looks amazing - very happy to see no TVs in the bar area (a weird American affliction even in high-end hotels). Is there any champagne on offer?

Ben, did you experience the dedicated security line it offers?

I have to agree. I was really impressed with the Delta One Lounge at JFK, indeed better than the Polaris Lounge at Newark. It reminded me of a First Class Lounge for Cathay in HK. Really nice meal in the restaurant. It definitely sways me to book Delta One for international trips (as I have abandoned air brand loyalty with the devaluation of miles).

There goes another 5 pounds of paper tissue.

"It definitely sways me to book Delta One for international trips (as I have abandoned air brand loyalty with the devaluation of miles)."

Keep in mind you'll likely spend most of our time on Delta out of JFK on a tired 763 😉

"hands-down the best lounge in the USA, bar none"

Yolo, check your own criteria before berating others for using your own words as a criteria for any lounge "Bar none".

The D1 lounge is clearly nice, but is it the nicest in the US? no. Not at JFK or at LAX, by any stretch. OneWorld seems like the obvious candidate here whether the T8 lounges or the QF First lounge at LAX

well... not your words, but the words used in the initial reply that Apple replied to.

The OP said it was the best lounge in the US bar none which is clearly not correct.

"Ben is pretty objective and calls spades as spades."

I could point to about 100 of your comments on this website alone with you yelling into the wind saying he isn't.

But your stupid delta obsession is no surprise but it's nice to see you valuing Ben, for once, rather than launching your usual nonsensical attacks on his objectivity with EVERY OTHER THING RELATED TO DELTA or United.

Glad you enjoyed it, Ben. The LAX one is by far the best lounge experience I’ve had in the United States. Stunning.

I think this is basically right. Citi and AA have a lot of work to do as Citi takes over the full co-brand deal, while United /Chase has to at least consider offering limited Polaris access for transcons maybe if you both buy a J ticket and also have the club card or CSR.

more falsehoods from the competition's water carriers that are DEATHLY afraid of what DL can do to the premium travel market.

The 763 is a MINORITY of DL's widebody flights from JFK even considering that half of the flights are for domestic flights.

Let's remember that UA doesn't even grant domestic premium business class passengers access to the Polaris lounge and AA's 321Ts are falling apart, a reality that Gary over VFTW regularly reports on .

and B6 won't spend the money on another flight attendant so locks their Mint suite doors open.

your team lost, sweetheart. Suck it up and head home.

"well... not your words"

You would do well to "check your own criteria before berating others" as you say yourself.

I never made that claim it was the best. I'm just saying it's silly to even compare the two in the first place. So hilarious, all of you.

when Ben finds the 737-800s that aren't modded when anyone that is remotely interested in aviation knows that aircraft is being modded by DL, then it is not objective.

but let's face it that Ben does call things as they are including about service.

Ben made an effort to visit a couple of Delta One lounges and it is no surprise that you and a few others that can't stand to read Ben's comparison of DL 1 lounges to AA and UA's lounges are squealing incessantly.

I had a similarly great experience at the Delta One lounge in Boston. Top-notch service, beautiful atmosphere, very good food.

You bully Ben when he doesn’t suck it up to DL and then you say nice things about him when he does. No wonder why you have been banned from every aviation related website out there.

lol

I agree in all aspects of your post. I visited the D1 lounge at LAX a little after 6AM. It was my 1st time in the new D1 lounge format. Previously it was only the private TSA leading to the Sky Club via a separate entrance. I can only describe the new format as above and beyond. I would put to guest ratio as 5 staff for each customer. My cappuccino had the DeltaOne imprinted in the foam. I ordered
Freshly scrambled eggs and grabbed a croissant while I waited. The host asked if I wanted it warmed because that’s the way she liked them and I “obliged”. It was truly like high end restaurant that deserved 10 stars and recommend everyone try it at least once in a lifetime. I can’t wait to be back in LA for another round. I’m not a fan of getting to the airport early for a flight but strongly encourage planning the trip to spend
Extra time in the D1 lounge before your flight.

LAX lounge is an amazing experience that I only experienced before in Singapore or Abu Dhabi. A very private check in experience at ground level , with a dedicated TSA agent and security check that gets you through in less than a minute. I have been there 3 times since they opened in October and service , food and drinks compare more to a very nice restaurant than to an airline lounge. I entered the lounge by flying on KLM business and Air France Business flights.

Just had the opportunity to visit the LAX lounge last week connecting from domestic to LATAM flight to Lima in J.
Completely agree that the lounge is superlative.
I am rethinking summer Europe trip flights so that I can stop in LAX and/or JFK for a few hours to enjoy the lounge…it was that good.

Why oh why oh why doesn’t Delta reimagine their 767s the way UA did with their “premium heav” version of the aircradt? Those planes are old and badly need an upgrade.

first, why is the discussion not also about UA's 757s that fly thousands of flights per year across the Atlantic? You do realize that UA's 757s don't even have direct aisle access for every seat in business class - something all DL 767s have?

second, UA's 767s aren't any newer than DL's and they also aren't any more fuel efficient.

and third, DL is retiring 767s with new, larger, more fuel efficient aircraft while UA clings to not just its 767 fleet but scores of 777s that are old and fuel INefficient.

and finally, how about telling us the maintenance dispatch reliability for UA's 767 fleet? I can tell you, that just like AA's 767 fleet, UA's dispatch reliability is lower than DL's.

None of which changes that Delta One lounges blow Polaris out of the water.
Ben, who is not exactly a DL marketing rep, said what I have said would be the case.

and. you. can't. stand. it.

Some of the "very premium" drinks that Delta charges for in the Delta One lounge are free in other airline lounges.

went to the LA one last week on my way to sydney and i thought it was fantastic.

Sounds like my visit to the D1 lounge last summer. Full of people, only empty seats were in the restaurant, which they weren't seating because of service issues. Finally got seated and had to wait an hour for service. Food was mediocre; then again, if I'm dining out, I'm usually going somewhere nice, so maybe I'm just a snob. Free alcohol was better than what you'd get for free in a SkyClub, but still pretty cheap. Eventually boarded a clapped-out 763 for my flight, and two days later received a case of COVID-19 as a souvenir.

Ben, I see no mention of what a lot of people have said here which is that you get charged for premium drinks in D1 lounges?

If true, that is a massive fail, which removes a lot of the premium feeling from the lounge, surely. That certainly doesn't happen in Flagship lounges or at the BA/AA Soho and Chelsea lounges in JFK?

Right. I want to know how much that Negroni cost. Seems like an editorial omission not to mention if premium alcohol is included.

@ Kerry -- To be clear, there's a respectable selection of complimentary alcohol, and then you can pay extra for higher end alcohol than you'd usually find in lounges. I had several drinks between the two lounges, and didn't pay a dime for any beverage, and found the selection to be more than sufficient.

@ Robert Fahr -- It cost me nothing.

@ pstm91 -- I did at JFK, and will of course cover that in the full review posts. It's very impressive how they've created such a seamless experience.

@ OT -- Hah, agree on the TVs! The complimentary champagne is Charles De Cazanove.

@ Cxx -- Yeah, so I wasn't at the JFK lounge during the absolute peak period, though I was at the LAX lounge during one of the busiest periods.

You're no doubt correct that being at a lounge during the busiest period hugely detracts from the experience. But in all honesty, I can't think of a single hub business class lounge that doesn't get painfully crowded during peak periods. It definitely contributes to a less nice experience, though.

@ Question for Ben -- Don't make me choose!!! :p You highlighted the pros of each perfectly there. I really enjoyed both experiences, and they were so different that I'd have a hard time choosing. I guess maybe I'd have to give the JFK location the edge, just due to its sheer size, the number of different seating options, etc.? But honestly, I was just as happy at the LAX location.

@ Kevin M -- Wow, I'm shocked to hear that. Thanks for sharing the data point. I wouldn't have expected that, because I found the service at LAX to be extremely attentive. I hope that was a one-off.

@ DWT -- Need to add that to my list ASAP! Hmmm, with the terminal setup, is it easy to visit the Delta One Lounge BOS if flying BOS-LAX, or much easier for international flights?

@ Fred -- The Chelsea Lounge obviously has an incredible alcohol selection. Furthermore, during peak periods, the Chelsea Lounge isn't going to get as crowded as the Delta One Lounge. But aside from that, I found the service, food, and amenities, at the Delta One Lounge, to be superior.

If you can't get a pint of Louis XIII cognac gratis, then surely it's not a Premium lounge?

I was in the lounge just before Christmas for a flight to CDG. Agree with you on the look, feel, food, and service.

The piece that was unbearable was the noise. I know I was there at a peak hour, but there is nothing in that entire space that absorbs noise. It was shockingly loud in there. I left to sit at the gate after about 20 minutes.

Exactly what I was hoping you'd say. Totally agree, it's such a perk there.

Sounds great; well done Delta!

At the Delta One lounge in JFK, I wasn't charged for some very good wine.

How is it you love this but not cruises. This is giving Royal Caribbean / Norwegian Cruise Lines on land.

I bully Ben and you are supposed to be the resident saint?

You desperately want to silence every voice that does not line up with your jilted and narrow view of the world.

Ben is not a pushover and he found the D1 lounges to be well above AA and UA's lounges which have existed for years.

DL has proven for years that it knows the competition, knows how to do far better than the competition, and gets so much more revenue because of it.

The new Delta One lounges are just another means by which DL will continue to benefit from the weakness of other carriers as well as grow revenues by delivering on expectations that no US airline has ever been able to deliver.

The staff were a huge stand out for me at JFK too. Genuine smiles and warm, attentive service. It really was just a very pleasant experience. It unfortunately made the decline in the ambience of the Virgin Clubhouse more apparent - they seemed rude and dismissive in comparison (or at the very least avoidant). Well done to Delta, and hoping to check out the Boston one in a couple of weeks.

You only live once, YOLO

Reading helps

Now, now children, there is absolutely no need for anyone to throw their toys out of your prams (strollers to the Colonists). This is Ben’s blog and Ben’s views should be accepted by all for what they really are …. a snapshot into the subject at the point in time when he was present.
Such fun to be had by reading your banter.

Yoloswag420, as Julie kindly mentioned, OP said bar none. Correct I am comparing a business lounge to a first lounge, but considering AA F can be cheaper than D1, IMO it’s a fair comparison.

Our experience at Delta One LAX lounge was awesome! It surpassed any airport lounge experience we have ever had, and we've been in lounges all over the world: Europe, Asia, etc.
I had that same popcorn caramel sundae pictured in this article, and the bloody mary I had was the best ever! My husband had the hand-rolled sushi and couldn't get enough of it. The service was so good it was like we couldn't get up to do anything ourselves; there was always someone waiting on us. We only wished we had more time to spend in there before our next flight. Truly amazing!

Some premium butt-kissing both inside the article and here in the comments from the Delta fanboys.

Not really inside the article?
Ben really seems to like the D1 lounges. Not sure that there’s anything butt kissing about that? Delta was the last to the premium lounge game. Dead last. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that delta had to compensate for a measly onboard product and late to the game lounge by setting a new standard for US business class lounges and it seems they did per Ben’s review.
I don’t have much desire to fly delta internationally on their 767s or numerous wide bodies with no WiFi either, at all, or with a subpar provider (unique to delta). Frankly, even their new wide bodies are just a new generation of the old coffin seat for those that like them.
But that doesn’t make the d1 lounge bad?

Delta’s strategy has always been appear premium where you can to get the perception then be the worse at everything else whether their mileage program, wide body fleet, partners, or that they still don’t have WiFi on every plane or all aisle access other entire wide body fleet

Ben skewers my personal Favorites more than enough. I may not always agree but there’s nothing wrong with a review that impressed a reviewer that has SEEN a lot of lounges.

How does the food and cocktails compare to the Air Canada Signature Lounge in Toronto which I think has a excellent a la carte dining room with top quality food.

It really punches above it's weight and I'd put the sit-down food up against the better intl First Class lounge sit-down food (La Premiere in CDG, Emirates in DXB, etc). Will be curious to see how the other D1 lounges stack up but for now, it's a real reason to fly D1 and KLM J out of JFK, and I never thought a domestic business class lounge would have that kind of draw.

of course you don't fly Delta.

And yet you show up endlessly to tell us what is wrong with Delta even though "your company" consistently fails to deliver anywhere close to what DL delivers either in finances or customer service metrics.

and to summarize once again,
AA and UA have precisely ZERO aircraft in service with suites with doors. Delta has scores.

AA and UA have precisely ZERO aircraft in service with high speed free WiFi. Delta has over 650 and growing by the week.

You, child, are a jealous little boy that can't stand to admit that someone else besides your 'home team' is winning.

@Tim Dunn - what the hell is wrong with you?

Having been to both lounges, the feel is completely different. JFK is considerably busier as there are far more DeltaOne itineraries there than out of LAX, but the massive space absorbs the flow of people. I agree, the JFK restaurant is phenomenal, and the staff at both are an absolute joy. My family loved the seating overlooking the tarmac at LAX, plane watching with a fresh plate of sushi in front of us with the beautiful mountains in the background.

At JFK, arrive early and you can get a quality spa treatment.

Someone mentioned that not all drinks are included. True. I would never expect a free pour of their Louis XIII but I was a little hemmed there was an upcharge for MacCallan 18. The champagne on my visit was a Charles de Cavanoze. Delightful, but over at Chelsea in T8, they'll serve you a glass of Dom if you ask. I guess that's my only gripe.

These are my two favorite lounges in North America. Bring small bills for tips. You'll feel humbled by the level of white glove service you get.

Agreed. The vibe is like Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria. More upscale, exclusive bar than it is a place to relax. But when I needed to get work done, they have plenty of quiet booths in the back. Also, the seating in the spa area is "whisper only" and no kids are allowed back there. Something to keep in mind.

Timbits:

Don't care about doors in premium cabins. They're annoying to me. The wi-fi is sufficiently fast for me and it's also free for me on both UA and AA, being a T-mo customer of twenty years' standing. Have always had repulsive service from FAs on DL, and the service on UA and AA is much better. And only idiots and hub captives fly DL. That's my view. And my view of you is that you're a suck-up desperate to be rehired by the organization that fired you.

My wife and I had a great experience at the delta one lounge in nyc. We are dedicated United flyers (and love the Polaris lounges) but Delta is going to give them a run for their money.

Remind me what "my company" is again? That's funny. You don't actually know.
You just throw insults like a petulant child because you hate people knowing about your own past since it's HIGHLY relevant to the ridiculous nonsense you put out there today.

Delta didn't think you provided value to Delta. I don't think you provide value to a comment section.
And no. I don't have much desire to fly delta. Many people are put off by by your incessant and idiotic rants about Delta that are often quite representative of many DL HQ people and the irrational obsession they have with a company.
But. I do fly Delta just not often since their network is pretty useless to me and many others. But I do and I've had good flights in first and bad flights. I know enough about statistical analysis to know that my data points on delta aren't representative of a true sampling but I truly have found little different about DL vs their competitors. But I do know, like others, I HATE Atlanta airport and like most Americans, have very little reason to visit DTW or MSP though I'm sure they're nice cities.

All the best. The mere appearance of my name and you absolutely lose your mind and fall into a deep abyss of insults and weirdly irrational behavior.

You shouldn't let me live in your head so easily. Your past is your past. If you insist on making your online persona a real-life parody of reality, then you can expect those that know about your background to remind others of how many websites have BANNED you to say nothing of Delta firing you.

All the best, Cupcake.

ah, but did they have Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire 100th Anniversary Edition Liqueur Cognac gratis?

Ben, how did you get into the LAX Delta One Lounge, since you terminated in LAX and access is not granted on arrival. I think you said your ticket out of LAX was on Jet Blue.

@ Daniel K -- Delta One Lounge access is allowed on arrival as well. 🙂

I visited Delta One Lounge at LAX this week and it was truly an amazing experience. Arriving and being created at the curbside to private TSA screening was incredible and easy. Being catered to by 2 attentive staff, the massage chair and great food left me with excitement for the next lounge. I look forward to trying Boston’s next month.

I’ve been a Delta flyer for the past 13 - 14 years. I’ve said for the longest time the best Delta employees are found in Sky Clubs. Whatever training or recruitment processes they use… it works. The lounge staff are incredible. I got the chance to use the Delta One lounge at LAX last month and had a great experience. It was for work, so I look forward to visiting when I can relax a little more.

It’s unfortunate that they don’t have plans to replace the 767s. I actually really like them if I have to fly main cabin or comfort+, but in Delta One they’re kind of pathetic. If they didn’t charge SUCH a premium over United it would be one thing, but on my return from a trip last month I had the choice between DCA>LAX in D1 (on a 757) for $1300 or IAD>LAX in United First (on a 787) for $600. United was the obvious choice. The in-flight service was below average-to-bad, the food was not anywhere near as good as D1, but at the end of the day I got a much better seat that allowed me to get some rest on my way home.

Delta IS replacing the 767s via new A330-900s and A350s. There is no direct replacement for the 767 which is part of the problem.
Delta plans to have 767-300ERs off of transatlantic flights by 2028 and out of the fleet by 2030. Delta was once the largest operator of the 767; now the freight operators have larger fleets but DL is still the largest passenger operator.

obviously 787s can't fly to DCA. DL currently only has a narrowbody lie flat product on its 757s but that will change.
DCA is simply the preferred market for the local Washington DC market and fares reflect that.

If DL's product was that bad, they couldn't get the fares they do

Should you chip in these lounges? I'm unsure of the expectations, or ability to accept.

I loved the rivalry bit between the two lounges. I also kind of love that as I'm always feeding it but in the AA Flagship Lounges. I always prefer the food spread in ORD, and my less favorite is MIA (But I give the positive feedback in ORD comparing it to MIA). One time a couple of staff members from the kitchen (with chef outfit) came to my table to say thank you! So it certainly motivates people to deliver a great experience! (and i'm sure that most of the average ultra busy travel doesn't even takes the time to acknowledge their job). My less transited FL is DFW, and the last time I visited I also gave a compliment for the spread. Turns out the server I talked to (in English first) and also the head Chef on this location are Venezuelan! what a great surprise, he came out to say hi.